New accommodation project for Wānaka's Mount Iron junction

A fast-track consent application has been lodged for a community-focused residential development at the base of Wānaka’s Mt Iron.

Mt Iron Junction Ltd has applied to the Minister of Infrastructure for a fast-track consent to develop a six-hectare site on the corner of State Highways 6 and 84 in Wānaka. The project was included in the Government’s Fast-track Approvals list in 2024.

Backed by long-term local Steve Schikker and business partner Peter Greene, the proposed development plan honours the intention of the original plans for the site to provide attainable homes for workers and young professionals. However, instead of six-bedroom worker-style accommodation as initially proposed, Schikker says the revised Mt Iron Junction plans bring together a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational components.

“We are responding to a societal shift in how people live, and we’re confident that we have designed a living and lifestyle space with the elements the town needs, such as attainable housing, a childcare centre and more shared community areas,” he says.

The medium-density housing development comprises 250 dwellings – including one-, two- and three-bedroom options of terraced houses, apartments and build-for-rent units – at prices starting from $550,000. It also has plenty of vehicle parking for residents, plus 175 additional car parks.

“Affordable housing has long been an issue in Wānaka and it’s our hope that Mt Iron Junction can somewhat help with the rectification of that by offering quality, warm homes that people of all ages and stages can comfortably buy or rent,” Schikker adds. “We’ve also gifted 13 sections to the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT) for them to build on.”

QLCHT CEO Julie Scott says this contribution will enable the provision of more affordable housing to be created and held in community ownership in perpetuity.

“We embrace the higher density this development offers, and with this we’ll deliver smaller, smarter, simpler dwellings, in particular to singles, couples and smaller families,” Scott explains. “The close proximity to central Wānaka township, schools, shops and other key community infrastructure will be greatly valued by our households and enable many to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle with less reliance on motor vehicle transportation. Feedback from our waiting list demonstrates high demand for central locations such as Mt Iron Junction – we look forward to being part of this essential development.”

Two public reserves are proposed as part of the development – one with a barbecue area and pickleball court, the other with a playground – and will be linked to the current Mt Iron track. Commercial activities such as a petrol station (already consented), childcare centre, a café and fresh food market are also included in the Mt Iron Junction Fast-track application. Plans for the development also highlight extensive planting of native and exotic species, including mountain beech, European hornbeam, small-leaved kōwhai, and ornamental trees.

Initial resource consent was sought in November 2018 for a mixed-use development, and an amended plan was granted consent by the Environment Court in April 2021, before being included in the Fast-track Approvals List. While the fast-track application is yet to be approved, it is hoped that works will begin late 2026.

“We believe the Mt Iron Junction masterplan meets the needs of our growing community, and we’re looking forward to it finally taking shape,” Schikker says.