Wanaka's waterfront builds in puteketeke protection

From Nine To Noon, 9:38 am on 13 December 2023
Images of Wanaka lakefront development

Photo: Supplied

Over the past eight years Wanaka's waterfront has been getting an upgrade - and the results have drawn praise from an international design body. Just under two kilometres of the lakefront has been given a facelift, with a shared path, long central lawn and a promenade. Also included - a 200-metre long boardwalk was built to protect the nests of the Pūteketeke or Australian crested grebe - yes, the bird that shot to global fame thanks to the efforts of comedian John Oliver and was recently crowned Bird of the Century. The design was commissioned by the Queenstown Lakes District Council and created by New Zealand landscape architects Reset. It was recognised at the Asia-Pacific International Federation of Landscape Architects Awards. Reset Director Garth Falconer joins Kathryn.