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.
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)
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.
September 2023
PDF | 2 MB
This report focusses on assessment of possible engineered hazard mitigation or management approaches for liquefaction and lateral spreading in Glenorchy township. It identifies a range of engineering mitigation techniques for liquefaction and lateral spreading that could be considered for use on land, buildings and infrastructure. These techniques considered range from very robust options through to “do nothing” or smaller-scale interventions. The report then shows how these techniques could be applied across the township, and provides a preliminary high-level assessment of how effective these mitigation works could be in reducing damage, and an indicative relative cost comparison.
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.
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.
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.
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).
August 2024
PDF | 22 MB
This report details the findings of the natural hazards risk analysis in the townships of Glenorchy and Kinloch.
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.
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.
June 2023
PDF | 3 MB
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.
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)
Head of Lake Whakatipu Draft Natural Hazards Adaptation Strategy Community Presentation
This meeting was about The Draft Head of Lake Whakatipu Natural Hazards Adaptation Strategy.
This was an opportunity for locals to:
- Learn more about the Draft Strategy and its long-term vision and goals.
- Hear about existing and possible future responses to natural hazards.
- Explore the Action Plan.
- Understand how the Strategy will be implemented.
- Ask us your questions.
The meeting was held at 7pm on 13 February 2025 at Glenorchy Hall.
View the recorded webinar below and download the presentation notes below.
Glenorchy community presentation 10 September (Livestreamed)
7pm | Tuesday, 10 September | Glenorchy Hall
Join us to learn more about the findings of the Glenorchy and Kinloch risk analysis and the intervention study for the Rees and Dart floodplains – ask our team any questions.
Natural Hazards Adaptation Online Presentation May 2024
Presentation of report findings, May 2024
In an online meeting on 22 May 2024, ORC and consultants presented their findings of the work they carried out that investigated the socio-economic impact assessment for the Head of Lake Whakatipu area. The consultants shared their findings and answered questions from the public.
Presenters:
Intro to the project - Dr Jean-Luc Payan, Manager Natural Hazards
Socio-economic impact assessment – Jo Healy and Jerry Khoo, Beca Ltd
The meeting was recorded and is available on our YouTube channel or below:
Presentation of report findings, June 2022
In an online meeting on 2 June 2022, ORC and consultants presented their findings from investigations of the flooding and liquefaction hazards in Glenorchy township.
Presenters:
- Intro to the project – Dr Jean-Luc Payan, Manager Natural Hazards
- Liquefaction hazards – Dr Sjoerd van Ballegooy, Tonkin + Taylor Ltd
- Flood hazards – Matthew Gardner, Land River Sea Consulting Ltd
July 2021
PDF | 8 MB
Professor James Brasington's presentation, "Fluvial Hazards at the Top of the Lake," examines the increasing risks posed by river systems to communities around Glenorchy, situated at the head of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand.
April 2021
PDF | 8 MB
What is the purpose of this project? What is adaptation? Dart and Rees floodplains. Rees River and Glenorchy. The Head of Lake Wakatipu area – consequences of a changing future landscape and climate. Glenorchy – consequences of a changing future landscape and climate.
June 2022
PDF | 1 MB
ORC Presentation Community update - liquefaction and flooding hazards investigations (June 2022)
June 2022
PDF | 3 MB
Slides from the Glenorchy and Dart Rees Flood Hazards online presentation
June 2022
PDF | 6 MB
Glenorchy Liquefaction hazards
December 2022
PDF | 3 MB
Slides from ORC Presentation 3 for Glenorchy Community Association (December 2020) Head of Lake Wakatipu Natural Hazards Adaptation Strategy
July 2020
PDF | 5 MB
Slides from ORC Presentation 2 for Glenorchy Community Association (July 2020) Glenorchy flooding.
October 2019
PDF | 23 MB
Slides from ORC Presentation 1 for Glenorchy Community Association (October 2019)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
ORC progressing flood resilience initiatives in Glenorchy
The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is working on a series of initiatives to improve flood resilience in Glenorchy, where parts of the township are vulnerable to inundation during high flow events.
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.
