Crews have successfully protected the Walter Peak homestead and other nearby buildings.
Six helicopters are supporting firefighters battling the blaze at Walter Peak. Photo / Fire and Emergency NZ
People have been warned they may continue to see flames and smoke overnight and into tomorrow.
“As the fire is still travelling quickly downwind it is feeding on patches of vegetation, which is causing smoke to intensify as it moves through those areas.
“Smoke will continue to drift across the lake towards Jacks Point and Hanleys Farm, so people in areas affected by the smoke should keep doors and windows shut to minimise their exposure.”
RealNZ, owners and operators of Walter Peak station, said the area was south of the Walter Peak Homestead.
“Following a controlled scrub burn last week, the site has reignited this afternoon,” a spokesperson said.
The lakeside fire is near the Walter Peak farm and homestead. Photo / Supplied
They said the Homestead and nearby treeline were not impacted at this stage.
“As a precaution, guests, contractors and staff have been evacuated to the amphitheatre while the burn area is dampened down. Our 1pm and 3pm Walter Peak experiences have been cancelled.”
Tour guide Sinchan Haria, who was at Walter Peak with a group for lunch and a farm show, told the Herald there were initially only a few wisps of smoke and it appeared to be a routine controlled burn.
About an hour and 15 minutes later, when the group headed outside after lunch, large plumes of smoke were rising from the hillside.
“We were then told to evacuate the homestead by the Real NZ staff who were very calm, courteous and collected. People were outside and taking photos and videos but there was no panic.”
Haria said a helicopter soon began drawing water from the lake to fight the fire.
A RealNZ catamaran then arrived to take visitors back to Queenstown, with the remaining visitors following aboard the TSS Earnslaw.
A large fire burns across Walter Peak beside Lake Wakatipu. Photo / Fire and Emergency NZ
More to come…