Vegetation fire continues to burn on Walter Peak near Lake Wakatipu
Tuesday 6 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 5 reports · updated 
A large vegetation fire has been burning on the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu since Tuesday morning. The blaze grew overnight and was not contained before operations were suspended on Tuesday night. Firefighters and helicopters returned on Wednesday morning, with weather conditions expected to cause further increases in size.
Key facts
4 facts
- The fire is estimated at approximately 1200 hectares
- The fire started on Tuesday morning on Walter Peak
- Four helicopters with monsoon buckets and one aerial platform helicopter are in use
- The most likely cause is a reignited burn off
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
A large vegetation fire on the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu has grown to approximately 1200 hectares. The blaze has been burning since Tuesday morning and was not contained or controlled when operations were suspended on Tuesday night. Firefighting resumed on Wednesday morning using both air and ground operations.
Assistant District Commander Nic McQuillan stated that four helicopters with monsoon buckets were cooling hotspots and dampening the perimeter. A fifth helicopter was used as an aerial platform to direct the air attack. There were 11 firefighters on the ground, with plans to increase this number to 25 during the day.
Priority remains the protection of the Walter Peak Station homestead and farm stock. The fire is expected to increase in size if weather conditions cause it to become more active. Nic McQuillan noted that the upcoming El Niño weather pattern is likely to bring more frequent and stronger winds.
Tour operator RealNZ reported that people had been evacuated and experiences were cancelled. People on the lake have been advised to stay at least 500m offshore to avoid helicopters. Residents on the opposite side of the lake may experience worsening smoke conditions and are advised to keep windows and doors closed.
How it developed
- Wed 7 Oct, 9:36amThe report provides specific details regarding the estimated size of 1200 hectares, the number of firefighters, and the potential impact of El Niño weather patterns.
Compiled from reports by Stuff and RNZ.
