At the head of Lake Whakatipu, the townships of Glenorchy and Kinloch, and surrounding rural areas of the Dart and Rees, Paradise and Greenstone valleys, are exposed to a complex range of flooding, landslide and earthquake-related hazards.  

Natural hazards adaptation programme

These natural hazards are relatively frequent and can be disruptive. Climate change is expected to bring more frequent and intense weather events to the townships and surrounding areas at the head of lake Whakatipu, which could exacerbate the size, frequency and destructive potential of natural hazards. 

Head of Lake Whakatipu map showing project area

Managing these natural hazard threats is a difficult challenge, but we need to adapt.

We have established a Head of the Lake natural hazards adaptation programme. By working closely with the community on this programme, we can make the area more resilient to these hazards.

Map of the Head of Lake Whakatipu project area

Draft Natural Hazards Adaptation Strategy for Head of Lake Whakatipu

More information

Visit the Head of Lake Whakatipu pages for more information about: 

  • the programme 
  • timelines
  • presentations and workshops held in the community
  • reports and findings

Get involved

Find out about our work, ask questions, share comments, or get in touch to find out how you can participate in this adaptation project:

  • Find out about our community sessions
  • Sign up to the monthly newsletter
  • Email headofthelake@orc.govt.nz
  • Call 0800 474 082 and ask for our Manager Natural Hazards Jean-Luc Payan