ORC has completed studies aiming to help better understand potential approaches for adapting to or managing natural hazards including flooding, liquefaction and lateral spreading.
These reports do not give decisions or recommendations for a specific action but are information resources to help inform both the councils and the community as we together work to decide how to respond to these natural hazard challenges.
The adaptation Strategy documents were endorsed by Council on 21 May 2025.
May 2025
PDF | 13 MB
This summary document provides an overview of how we can manage the natural hazards for Head of Lake Whakatipu area. This document explains what the hazards in the area are, what the community views are, and how we can work together for future adaptation.
May 2025
PDF | 11 MB
This is the first iteration of a Head of Lake Whakatipu Natural Hazards Adaptation Strategy (the Strategy) and is the result of five years of work. The body of work is broad, covering hazards and risk assessments; possible mitigation and management; place, people, and economy; and feedback and input from community engagement.
Reports which investigate and describe the characteristics and risks of potential natural hazards in the Head of Lake Whakatipu.
May 2022
PDF | 19 MB
This geotechnical investigation, completed by Tonkin + Taylor Ltd (T+T), assessed the vulnerability of the township area to liquefaction and lateral spreading caused by a moderate to major earthquake, and the anticipated impacts of these hazards. Independent experts peer-reviewed the report.
June 2022
PDF | 1 MB
Summary of hazard report findings for Glenorchy township at the head of Lake Wakatipu from the two separate reports produced by Tonkin + Taylor Ltd (T+T) and Land River Sea Consulting Ltd (LRS)
June 2022
PDF | 34 MB
Insights from Land River Sea Consulting's flood model for Rees and Dart Rivers. Assessing flood risks for Glenorchy and rural areas, including climate change impacts and stopbank vulnerabilities. Results spotlight flood risks for low-lying areas in Glenorchy, emphasizing the importance of preparedness measures.
June 2022
PDF | 1 MB
Summary of hazard report findings for Glenorchy township at the head of Lake Wakatipu from the two separate reports produced by Tonkin + Taylor Ltd (T+T) and Land River Sea Consulting Ltd (LRS)
August 2023
PDF | 17 MB
An investigation by Land River Sea Consulting assessed the flood hazard of the Buckler Burn.
December 2023
PDF | 561 KB
A short summary of the technical report produced by Land River Sea Consulting in 2023.
May 2025
PDF | 8 MB
This report presents a detailed investigation into the geomorphic dynamics of the Rees and Dart Rivers, focusing on the physical processes that underpin flood and erosion hazards at the head of Lake Wakatipu.
September 2022
PDF | 8 MB
A debris flow in Shepherds Hut Creek blocked a culvert and covered the Glenorchy–Queenstown Road, closing it for about 36 hours and costing around $200,000 to clear. This was the second event in five years. Engineers assessed the site, described the debris, and recommended further risk assessment.
December 2021
PDF | 933 KB
Key notes and observations from preliminary assessment of debris flood and flow hazard potential at Glenorchy, Otago. Field visit to Buckler Burn lower catchment and Glenorchy (Oct 2021)
September 2013
PDF | 2 MB
This report reviews recent changes in the Rees River's channel morphology from Lovers Leap to Lake Wakatipu using cross-section surveys and LiDAR. It updates findings since ORC's 2008 analysis, helping assess flood risk and inform river management decisions.
September 2007
PDF | 9 MB
This report looks at the landforms, landslide risks, and earthquake hazards around Glenorchy. It supports a separate flood hazard report and focuses on key areas like the Rees and Dart River deltas, Glenorchy lagoon and wetland, Buckler Burn, Bible Creek, and local landslide and seismic risks.
March 2021
PDF | 8 MB
This report is a starting point for us all to work together to deal with climate change challenges. It talks about the first Otago Climate Change Risk Assessment (OCCRA), looking the climate is now and how it might change in the future. It also lists the biggest risks related to climate change for the region.
October 2019
PDF | 26 MB
Otago’s climate is changing, and these changes will continue for the foreseeable future. It is internationally accepted that human greenhouse gas emissions are the dominant cause of recent global climate change, and that further changes will result from increasing amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The rate of future climate change depends on how fast greenhouse gas concentrations increase.
March 2021
PDF | 6 MB
ORC, QLDC, Kāi Tahu, and DoC are working with local communities at the head of Lake Wakatipu to create an adaptation plan for natural hazards. The area is shaped by ongoing natural processes, with risks expected to worsen due to climate change. This report, along with an online map viewer, shares hazard information to support planning. It includes possible worst-case scenarios to help communities prepare, without affecting insurance or property rights.
May 2010
PDF | 1 MB
Glenorchy sits on land formed by past floods and debris from the Buckler Burn, making it naturally prone to hazards. The area faces risks like flooding, earthquakes, and landslides. This document explains each hazard and what it could mean for the community, based on what is currently known.
May 2010
PDF | 617 KB
Glenorchy is a growing, remote community at Lake Wakatipu that faces natural hazards like flooding, earthquakes, and landslides. As development and climate change increase risks, a study was done to help the community plan and stay safe.
Reports which provide social and cultural context for the Head of Lake Whakatipu natural hazards work programme.
January 2021
PDF | 1 MB
This Cultural Values Statement was prepared by Aukaha to share mana whenua perspectives for the Dart-Rees Natural Hazards Project. The area around Lake Wakatipu is culturally significant to Kāi Tahu, with a long history of travel, settlement, and resource use. The statement outlines key cultural values to help guide the project’s direction.
April 2024
PDF | 5 MB
Phase 1 of a Socio-economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) examines the social and economic baseline of the local community, and the potential social and economic consequences of three indicative natural hazard scenarios in relation to the status quo (the current community and the natural hazard management measures currently in place).
Reports which review and assess possible approaches for management of natural hazards in the Head of Lake Whakatipu.
November 2022
PDF | 10 MB
Flooding and erosion near the Dart and Rees Rivers are worsening, affecting Glenorchy, Kinloch, and nearby areas. Councils are using a planning approach to explore long-term solutions.
August 2024
PDF | 5 MB
One of three reports by Damwatch Engineering Ltd. Each focuses on how to manage one of the three areas where floodplain hazards – flooding or erosion – may impact on the community or infrastructure in the head of Lake Wakatipu area.
August 2024
PDF | 8 MB
One of three reports by Damwatch Engineering Ltd. Each focuses on how to manage one of the three areas where floodplain hazards – flooding or erosion – may impact on the community or infrastructure in the head of Lake Wakatipu area.
August 2024
PDF | 9 MB
One of three reports by Damwatch Engineering Ltd. Each focuses on how to manage one of the three areas where floodplain hazards – flooding or erosion – may impact on the community or infrastructure in the head of Lake Wakatipu area.
June 2023
PDF | 3 MB
September 2020
PDF | 2 MB
This report follows up on a 2020 inspection of the Glenorchy Rees floodbank, which found erosion risks and suggested fixes. After a July 2020 flood event, ORC carried out emergency works to clear vegetation and redirect the Rees River channel. They also applied to install a water level monitor to improve flood response. This new report adds detail, analyses potential failure points, and helps plan future erosion protection.
June 2020
PDF | 3 MB
The Rees River has shifted and is eroding the unprotected floodbank near the Lagoon stream. Signs of damage include undercutting, slipping, and possible water seepage. Fixes may include reinforcing the bank and redirecting the river flow.
Presentations given to community or councillors, to present and discuss the natural hazards work programme or to present key findings from the supporting investigations.
February 2025: Draft Strategy
Looking at the Draft Head of Lake Whakatipu Natural Hazards Adaptation Strategy and how it might be implemented.
September 2024: Glenorchy and Kinloch risk analysis
Focused on the findings of the Glenorchy and Kinloch risk analysis and the intervention study for the Rees and Dart floodplains.
May 2024: Socio-economic impact assessment
Dr Jean-Luc Payan, Manager Natural Hazards (Otago Regional Council) and consultants Jo Healy and Jerry Khoo (Beca Ltd) presented their findings of the work carried out investigating the socio-economic impact assessment for the Head of Lake Whakatipu area.
June 2022: Investigations of the flooding and liquefaction hazards
April 2021: Community adaption discussion
Update reports on the Head of Lake Whakatipu natural hazards work programme by ORC staff to meetings of Council or an ORC committee.
If you have any questions about the reports and the adaptation project, please get in touch with us.
If you want to participate in the adaptation project:
- Find out about our community sessions
- Sign up to the monthly newsletter
- Email headofthelake@orc.govt.nz
- Call 0800 474 082
We welcome your feedback.
Please let us know;
- If you think the reports have missed anything?
- Do you have any questions, or is any information unclear?
- Do you agree with the expert assessments – if not, why not?
- Which of the approaches discussed in the report do you think should be investigated further – and why?
Otago Natural Hazards Database
Our hazards database is intended to improve public access to hazard information and to help the public, local authorities, and others make informed decisions about their exposure to natural hazards.
Otago climate change risk assessment
Climate affects much of what we do in Otago, from horticulture in Central Otago to land drainage in Clutha delta. Climate change therefore does not function separately to the work that we do; it is a key consideration in all that we do. We want Otago's communities to be aware of climate change and will work with them to adapt to its effects on our region.
