Widgeon Park Reserve Draft Concept Development Plan

How would you like to use and enjoy Widgeon Park in the future?

We are asking for community feedback on a draft concept development plan for Widgeon Park, a large public reserve located on the lower river terrace of the Kawarau River, which sits alongside the Queenstown suburb of Lake Hayes Estate. The plan shows the long-term vision of the area which builds on existing uses and aims to enhance the community’s experience of the reserve.

Read through the draft concept plan and let us know your thoughts using the feedback form at the bottom of the page.

Background and vision

Widgeon Park spans 29.4 hectares and an expansive, mostly flat open grassland with mature exotic vegetation adjacent to the Kawarau River. It provides accessible spaces for recreation for the adjoining residential neighbourhoods of Lake Hayes Estate, Bridesdale and Shotover Country.

The reserve currently provides access to the Kawarau River with popular swimming holes in summer and the well-loved Twin Rivers Trail which is part of the Great Rides network enabling recreational and commuting opportunities.

The long-term vision for Widgeon Park is to provide greater community connection to the space with improved access and trail networks. It looks to provide a variety of passive and active recreational opportunities for a range of ages and abilities. The plan aims to enhance biodiversity with planting and pest control while protecting the unique natural and rural open space character of the reserve.

Get involved and have your say

Once you’ve reviewed the concept plan, please complete the online form below. Let us know what you like or if you think anything is missing.

>> Take a look at the Widgeon Park Reserve Draft Concept Development Plan

Feedback closes on Sunday 14 September 2025

Opportunities to find out more

All are welcome to come along to chat with the Parks team about your ideas, to ask questions or to share feedback.

When: Thursday 28 August between 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Where: Shotover Primary School Library, 57 Stalker Road, Shotover Country

Concept Plan Map of Widgeon Park Reserve (click on map to view larger version)

What happens next?

Once public engagement closes, we’ll collate and review the feedback and make further changes to the concept plan based on the information we receive. It will then be presented to Community & Services Committee to consider recommending the plan to Full Council for adoption.

The implementation of the plan will likely involve a staged approach (so will not happen all at once and will depend on available funding) but having a clear vision in place will ensure a cohesive way forward.

Got a question?

If you have a question, please submit it on the form below and we'll get it answered as soon as possible. All questions and answers will be published for everyone to see.