Walter Peak Vegetation Fire Covers 146 Hectares Near Queenstown
A vegetation fire tore across 146 hectares of steep slopes above Queenstown’s Walter Peak station on Tuesday, forcing the evacuation of the historic homestead and sending thick smoke across Lake Wakatipu, NZ Herald reported. Fire and Emergency New Zealand deployed 25 firefighters and six helicopters equipped with monsoon buckets to combat the blaze, which broke out at approximately 12:30 p.m. following a controlled burn-off from the previous week that reignited.
Helicopters and Ground Crews Defend Walter Peak Station
Firefighters from Queenstown, Frankton, Glenorchy, and Mossburn rushed to the scene as the fire spread rapidly up Mount Nicholas, threatening structures on the property. Crews were airlifted directly onto the western flank of the fireground to consolidate containment lines before sunset.
RealNZ, which owns and operates the high-country station, stated that the flare-up occurred south of the main homestead following last week’s scrub burn. As thick smoke began billowing across the lake toward Jacks Point and Hanleys Farm, staff evacuated guests, contractors, and staff to a safe amphitheatre while ground crews dampened the surrounding vegetation. Tour guides aboard excursion vessels reported seeing the smoke escalate rapidly during lunch services at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, prompting immediate cancellations of the 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. visitor experiences.
Smoke Disruption and Overnight Monitoring Across Lake Wakatipu
By late Tuesday afternoon, authorities mapped the perimeter at nearly six kilometers while active flames burned across three distinct fronts. FENZ suspended aerial and ground firefighting operations at sunset, planning to resume attacks at first light.
Residents in areas affected by drifting smoke, including Jacks Point and Hanleys Farm, were advised by emergency management to keep doors and windows shut to minimize exposure. Maritime authorities also issued warnings for private watercraft and commercial boat operators to stay well clear of the Walter Peak shoreline while aircraft continued drawing water from Lake Wakatipu.
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