Central Otago Touring Route

The closure of Beach Street in Queenstown marks the end of a once locals-friendly town center, signaling a shift that is eroding the town's charm for residents. What was once a vibrant hub for locals is now increasingly catering to tourists, making long-time residents feel disconnected from their own town as its unique character fades under commercial pressures.

Beach St closure ‘sign of the times’ Locals can no longer nip into Queenstown’s CBD to buy socks and jocks following the recent closure of Hallenstein Brothers in Beach St. The...

The scenic train trips from Dunedin through the Taieri Gorge to Pukerangi are set to resume in October, reviving a beloved journey through stunning landscapes. This highlights the importance of preserving this remarkable railway, which offers an irreplaceable experience and deserves ongoing support to keep it alive.

Scenic train trips from city to Pukerangi set to return in October Pukerangi will again be a destination for scenic train trips from Dunedin, starting in October. The post-Covid resumption in the service has been...

Subdivision Approval Jeopardizes Wanaka’s Beloved Sticky Forest Bike Track
The proposed subdivision of Sticky Forest, a popular mountain biking destination in Wanaka, has received approval, sparking concerns among local biking enthusiasts and community members. Sticky Forest, known for its extensive network of trails maintained by the local mountain biking community, is under threat as development plans move forward. Advocacy groups, including Bike Wanaka, argue that converting this recreational area into residential plots will permanently eliminate a valuable community asset that has been enjoyed by generations of outdoor enthusiasts​ (Trailforks, NZ Travel & Business, Otago Daily Times Online News)​.

Subdivision green light at Sticky Forest bike track Wānaka in “shock” after Environment Court rules about 140 houses can be built on land used for mountain biking despite being long promised to Māori.

NZ Government Eyes $900M Gold Mine Windfall While Locals Fight Against Unneeded Environmental Gamble
Resources Minister Shane Jones highlighted that Santana Minerals' proposed Bendigo-Ophir gold mine could generate nearly $900 million in government revenue over ten years, including $87 million in royalties and $805 million in corporate tax. Jones emphasized the broader economic benefits and the need for streamlined processes for such investments. Despite the potential economic benefits, local opposition to the mine remains strong, as residents fear environmental and social impacts. Previously, local communities have voiced concerns over the necessity and potential harm of such projects.

$900m from Tarras gold mine Resources Minister Shane Jones says nearly $900 million in government revenue could be just the tip of the iceberg for Santana Minerals’...

Dunedin Research Centre - GNS Science is planning sweeping job cuts despite recent profitability, sparking outrage among staff. These reductions threaten crucial research on earthquakes, volcanoes, and climate change. The Public Service Association calls the cuts misguided, highlighting a recurring issue in NZ government changes—short-sighted decisions and a chronic lack of strategic conception. Without robust scientific research, New Zealand risks significant degradation, undermining its future resilience and prosperity.

Dozens of jobs look set to be cut at GNS Science The organisation's change proposal, leaked to RNZ, says 66 roles would likely go

The Environment Court has controversially approved the construction of a luxury lodge in Queenstown's Bob's Cove, a decision that has raised concerns about adherence to local rules and the potential impact on residents. The proposed Waimarino Luxury Lodge will include 24 villas, a restaurant, sauna, yoga studio, and a distillery, despite previous rejections by independent commissioners due to concerns about visual impact and access issues​ (Otago Daily Times Online News)​.

The approval process has been criticized for a lack of transparency and fairness. The Queenstown Lakes District Council initially opposed the development but later supported it after design changes, leading to accusations of inconsistent decision-making and preferential treatment​ (Crux, Otago Daily Times Online News)​. This decision sets a troubling precedent, potentially affecting other developments and raising questions about the council's role and the fairness of the process for all residents.

Controversial Queenstown luxury lodge project approved A condition giving some residents exclusive access would create tension in the community, the Environment Court says.

Glowworm Experience in Queenstown??? 😲

Application offers more detail on ‘Eco-Cave’ More detail about a project touted as New Zealand’s first sustainable glowworm experience, to be built in Queenstown by a pair of influencers, have...

Old Shannon School, Sutton-Clarks Junction Road

Originally built in 1899, Deep Stream School operated for only six years. In 1932, the school building was relocated approximately a mile downhill to its current location. Reopened as Shannon School, it served the community for the next 38 years.

Urgent Call for Fast-Track Approval of Wānaka's $300M Hospital: Local Residents Face 3-Hour Drive to Dunedin for Proper Care

The $300 million private hospital project in Wānaka, led by Roa, is pushing for fast-track consent to expedite construction. The current approval process with the Queenstown Lakes District Council could take over three years, but fast-tracking could open the hospital much sooner. Roa argues that the hospital is crucial for the wellbeing of Upper Clutha residents, emphasizing the current unreasonable situation where the nearest proper hospital is over three hours away in Dunedin.

Company behind $300m Wānaka hospital supports fast-track consent Property investment company Roa, who's behind a proposed $300 million private hospital for Wānaka, has voiced its support of the government's fast-track approvals bill in front of a select committee.

New Zealand Garden Bird Survey
29 June – 7 July 2024

Home | New Zealand Garden Bird Survey Get out into your garden, count the birds, and build a build a picture of the state of our environment by taking part in the NZ Garden Bird Survey.

Mark Anderson, a South Otago dairy farmer, has transitioned from chemical fertilisers to compost in his regenerative farming approach. Driven by stress and health concerns, Anderson began focusing on soil health and plant diversity nearly a decade ago. He uses high stock density grazing, effluent spreading, bale grazing, and composting to maintain soil fertility, significantly reducing costs and improving farm profitability. Anderson also incorporates agroforestry and alley cropping, planting various trees and cover crops to enhance biodiversity and productivity on his 600-hectare farm.

Compost replaces chemical fertilisers on South Otago dairy farm Regenerative farming suits Mark Anderson down to the ground. He's focused on putting as much life and diversity back into the land and says the benefits to the entire farm, and his own well-being, are evident.

Reflection & Tranquil Beauty of Moke Lake - Queenstown
Moke Lake, surrounded by mountains and grasslands, offers a serene escape for walking, cycling and camping. A boardwalk protects a wetland, and a remnant of native beech forest adds natural charm.

Hinemoana - www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/warm-welcome-%E2%80%98hinemoana%E2%80%99-karitane and more info about the waka https://theweekendsun.co.nz/news/310-hinemoana-comes-to-tauranga.html

Warm welcome for ‘Hinemoana’ in Karitane The voyage south will continue for the Hinemoana crew after its four-day stay at Karitane. There was a festive atmosphere as the community gathered...

Wānaka ski pioneer Mary Lee recognised with CNZM As Mary and husband John developed Cardrona’s ski areas, she developed a passion for cross country skiing.

American Conservationists Acquire Iconic Dunedin Tourist Vessel

Jerad and Ike Haldan, an American couple dedicated to conservation, have purchased Monarch Wildlife Cruises and Tours in Dunedin. This company has offered guided tours of Otago Harbour for nearly 40 years. The Haldans also own the Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance (OPERA), a private ecological reserve.
Previous owner Neil Harraway, who bought the MV Monarch in 2013, is pleased to pass it to the Haldans, who previously collaborated with Monarch for OPERA tours. Jerad Haldan plans to maintain Monarch's eco-tourism focus and expand visitor experiences on the Otago Peninsula.
The OPERA already offers a 90-minute guided penguin tour, featuring the rare hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin). The tour includes a visit to the Penguin Rehabilitation Center and a guided walk through the reserve, home to various native species like the hoiho, kororā (little penguins), fur seals, sea lions, and other sea and forest birds.

‘Monarch’ vessel changes hands A pair of American conservationists are stepping up to man the helm of a more-than-70-year-old Dunedin tourist vessel. Monarch Wildlife Cruises and...

Wānaka-based festival includes 64 adventure films from around the world.
The annual Wānaka-based festival has had its biggest year yet with a record 241 entries in the International section, an increase from 177 entries last year.

Winning ski film documents Southern Alps experiment Kiwi film-makers have won seven of the 14 top prizes as part of this year’s NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival.

Repurposing Dunedin’s abandoned Aaron Lodge Holiday Park can be solution to the city’s homelessness crisis. The park was bought by Kāinga Ora for more than $4 million less than three years ago. After being used as a supported isolation and quarantine (SIQ) facility, it has remained empty.

Holiday park idea floated for homeless Repurposing Dunedin’s abandoned Aaron Lodge Holiday Park has been revealed as Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich’s solution to the city’s homelessness...

Historic Karitāne Headland Becomes First Otago Māori Heritage Site to Receive National Recognition
Huriawa Peninsula in Karitāne, a coastal settlement near Dunedin, has been recognized as an official Tohu Whenua site, making it the first Māori heritage site in Otago to receive this national distinction. The site, formerly known as Te Pā a Te Wera, holds significant historical importance as the battleground of a conflict between two chiefs that impacted the migration of Ngāi Tahu into the South Island. While Karitāne is not on the Central Otago Touring Route, it is easily accessible from Dunedin and offers a unique opportunity to learn about Māori history and culture.

Karitāne site gains recognition A headland in Karitāne has become the first Māori heritage site in Otago to be officially recognised for its storytelling and significant history....

Fast-Track Application for Coronet Peak Gondola Submitted, Led by Rod Drury
Tech entrepreneur Rod Drury has submitted a fast-track application for a gondola on Queenstown's Coronet Peak, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and support the town's carbon-zero goals. The gondola would provide access for skiers, snowboarders, and mountain bikers. It would potentially include a new loop road with parking and bus drop-off, as well as a bike hub. Drury emphasized the collaborative effort with Ngāi Tahu and NZSki, and the gondola's alignment with the project to restore native trees on the skifield's face. This proposal comes after a previous plan for a Remarkables gondola in 2015.

Bid to fast-track Coronet Peak gondola An application to fast-track a gondola on Queenstown’s Coronet Peak has been submitted to the government. Tech entrepreneur Rod Drury is...

Balancing the budget and preserving some joy is the difficult task facing Central Otago District Council.

CODC faces balancing act Balancing the budget and preserving some joy is the difficult task facing Central Otago District Council. At an annual plan drop-in session in...

Dunedin's historic Loan and Mercantile warehouse is getting a new lease on life as 30 high-quality social housing units. Funded by the government and managed by the Salvation Army, these units will provide a beautiful and supportive home for people in need, including those in transitional housing or with vulnerabilities. The project is a unique collaboration between a passionate developer and the Salvation Army, aiming to create a flourishing community within the restored heritage building.

Social housing units set to open More than 30 people in desperate need of a home are about to be handed keys to "five-star" flats in a restored, historic central Dunedin warehouse ...

Fears for family drive $300m Wānaka hospital plan The "helplessness" of watching his 2-week-old son struggling to breathe and having nowhere to turn for help is part of the inspiration behind Mike...

Gaps in $1.5bn homelessness scheme 'very frustrating' The government admits it has failed to check whether a billion-dollar scheme to tackle homelessness is getting people into homes, including in the...

Autumn Colours, Kawarau River
View from Victoria Bridge. Do you know any information about this current bridge? When was it built, who, etc?

The first Victoria Bridge was built in 1874 by John McCormick. It was a suspension toll bridge (the place used be know as Nevis Ferry)

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Wonderful Colours of Autumn, Arrowtown, St Paul’s Anglican Church

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Wanaka: Crowds totalling 70,000 people flocked to see about 80 aircraft on aerial display over three days at the long weekend.

Warbirds over Wanaka slideshow Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow returned to Wānaka in spectacular fashion at the weekend after a hiatus since 2018. Subscriber: Record...

The biggest air show in the southern hemisphere - The Saturday show sold out last week, and Sunday was expected to sell out this weekend.

Warbirds Over Wānaka returns after six years with sell-out shows An ex-RNZAF WWII Mosquito, US fighter jet displays and a fly-past tribute to founder Sir Tim Wallis are included in the 2024 show.

Working towards reaching "Pest Free 2050" requires work in extremely remote areas that can involve multi-day tramping, mountaineering and rafting.
Queenstown local, Katrina Black, is the specialist planner of the operation, boasting an impressive amount of experience in the industry.

Fighting pests ‘rewarding’ job Peaking in leadership, and at the top of mountains, are a group of women working in conservation. The passionate group of women are doing hard...

Fast Track??? Several projects in the Otago region are in the exploration or planning phase, such as the Santana Minerals goldmine in the Bendigo area, the Kaihiku Wind farm and possible developments at Macraes Mine.
Santana Minerals Ltd is behind the Bendigo-Ophir project in the Central Otago goldfields.
The find is estimated to contain 2.9million ounces of gold which at today’s prices would be worth more than $9.4billion and the company expects to apply for resource consent for mining later this year after the results of test drilling at the 272sqkm Bendigo-Ophir gold prospect, about 10km from Tarras.

Developers welcome proposed fast-track consents laws Proposed new laws to fast-track consents for big-ticket items have been welcomed by Otago developers behind some major projects. The Fast Track...

Ophir by Don & Ali Parish