FAQs

The draft RMP is being developed considering the whole of Mount Iron. QLDC has applied to have the DOC land vested to QLDC to enable a single management and maintenance approach. If successful, QLDC will take over management and the Reserve Management Plan policies that are developed will apply.  

We've included the DOC land in our engagement as most people consider Mount Iron a single area of recreation use.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and QLDC signed a management agreement that applies to the DOC land at Mount Iron from 1 May 2024. It outlines that DOC will continue to undertake all statutory requirements e.g., Regional Pest Management Strategy requirements, reserve closures and management of commercial activities, as set out in the Conservation Act. QLDC has taken on day-to-day management of the site e.g., signage, track maintenance and carpark maintenance.

QLDC has a partnership agreement with local mana whenua and have been in discussions throughout engagement of the project to incorporate their values and feedback into the draft Reserve Management Plan.

A submission is formal feedback, and it’s the way you can influence the future direction for the Mount Iron Recreation Reserve. It’s your chance to present your opinions, observations, and recommendations on the draft Mount Iron Reserve Management Plan, to help the community board and councillors make an informed decision.

Any individual or group/organisation can make a submission, and your submission can support, oppose, or express a point of view on the draft Mount Iron Reserve Management Plan. This process is directed by the Reserves Act 1977. 

All tracks and trails on Mount Iron and Little Mount Iron are now under QLDC management including those on neighbouring Department of Conservation (DOC) land.  This follows an agreement with Department of Conservation (DOC) in May 2024 to transfer the day-to-day management of the DOC land to QLDC. This means Council is responsible for the maintenance of these routes including track upkeep, signage and safety notifications to the public. 

If you’re planning to explore the area, we ask that you please stick to the public walking tracks and take note of signage identifying privately owned property.

Yes. The trail is an existing but old track on Little Mount Iron that connects Albert Town from Old Racecourse Road through to Wānaka at Hidden Hills Drive. The views off the top are incredible.

Please be aware the trail is an old farm track which means its steep and rough in places and isn’t fully formed. Walkers will need to follow the signs and orange markers to navigate the trail safely. The trail can be walked from either direction.

In early 2024 a network of five pole-mounted environmental monitoring sensor units were installed around the Mount Iron Recreation Reserve in Wānaka.

Information captured from the sensors will be available on an app providing live micro-climate weather updates, air quality, and visual and thermal imaging which can also assist in early fire detection. Find out more about the project at https://www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/major-projects/environmental-monitoring-system

We've also introduced new reserve closure protocols to be implemented when fire indices reach extreme levels. Closing the reserve during these times means all appropriate steps are being taken to reduce the risk to people.

For more information on our Wildfire Prevention Programme head to www.qldc.govt.nz/community/managing-the-risk-of-wildfire/

In short no! Please do not dig, prune, rake, or try to develop new trails up on Mount Iron or take your bike up there!

While we develop the Reserve Management Plan, it’s important the reserve remains as is and is used how it has always been until the community can have a say on the future of this area.

No. Biking is only allowed around the bottom of Mount Iron between Anderson Road and Old Racecourse Road on shared pathways. No mountain biking or access to the top of Mount Iron by bike is allowed.  

You have the opportunity to attend a hearing where you can speak to the decision makers (hearings panel) about your submission. The hearings panel for the draft Mount Iron RMP is made up of three Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board members. 

If you choose to speak at a hearing, someone from Council will be in touch to arrange an appropriate speaking time and confirm the time allocation afforded to each submitter wishing to be heard.   

The hearings are open for the public (including media) to attend.  

All submissions have equal weight, whether you have chosen to speak at a hearing or not.  

Hearings offer the opportunity for submitters to highlight the key points of a submission, and where appropriate elaborate on or clarify any matter raised therein. They also allow for a dialogue between the submitters and the hearings panel to ensure submitter requests are clearly understood and considered.