Large vegetation fire near Queenstown is fully contained

A large vegetation fire near Queenstown has been fully contained and the fireground has been handed back to landowners. An aerial inspection of the area is scheduled for Monday.

The blaze broke out on Tuesday afternoon near Walter Peak Station and burned through an estimated 1350 to 1400 hectares of tussock, scrub, and trees. The fire affected Walter Peak Station, Cecil Peak Station, and adjoining conservation estate. No homes, buildings, or livestock were lost, and the Walter Peak homestead was not affected.

A senior specialist fire investigator will conduct a formal investigation to determine the cause and origin of the blaze. The investigation will look into whether the fire was connected to a controlled burn undertaken on the Walter Peak High Country Farm on September 30. RealNZ, which operates Walter Peak station, suggested the fire may have reignited from a controlled scrub burn conducted the previous week.

Firefighting efforts involved ground crews and aircraft, including helicopters used for water drops and transporting personnel. While smoke levels have reduced significantly, residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed. The exclusion zone for vessels near the Walter Peak shoreline was lifted on Thursday.

How it developed

• Thu 8 Oct, 4:55pmThe report clarifies that Walter Peak High Country Farm and Walter Peak Station are separate properties with different owners.

Where reports differ

• Reports vary on the estimated area burned, citing either 1350ha or 1400ha

Compiled from reports by 1News, NZ Herald, RNZ and The Press.