Widgeon Park Reserve Draft Concept Development Plan

Widgeon Park Reserve Draft Development Plan closed for feedback on the 14 September 2025. Thanks to all that took the time to share their views.

>> Read public submissions on Widgeon Park Reserve Draft Development Plan.

>> Read Remarkables Park Limited's email submission.

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 in the new year.

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.

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.

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

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.