Massive Bushfire Scorches 1,400 Hectares Above Lake Whakatipu

A significant bushfire is raging in the high country above Lake Whakatipu, having burned an estimated 1,400 hectares of tussock, scrub and scattered trees. The fire originated at Walter Peak station and moved along McKinley's Creek, also impacting parts of the adjoining conservation estate and Cecil Peak station. While no buildings, homes or livestock are currently at risk, firefighters are using five helicopters equipped with monsoon buckets and ground crews to create defensible space around the historic Walter Peak homestead.

An Incident Management Team is coordinating the response, but aerial operations will be halted after dark for safety, with a ground crew remaining on site to monitor conditions. The blaze came within 300 metres of the homestead, prompting the evacuation of 350 guests and staff from the RealNZ tour operation. Weather forecasts suggest rain may aid suppression, though shifting winds could pose additional challenges.