McDonald's Resubmits Wānaka Plans, Addressing Concerns

McDonald's returns to Wānaka with a new plan that addresses previous concerns. Some residents find it more palatable, but others worry about their lack of input.

, and Administrator

2025 November 4 . 7:16 PM

1 min read

In the image we can see there are food items kept on the plate and the plate is kept on the plate.... — In the image we can see there are food items kept on the plate and the plate is kept on the plate. There is a menu card kept on the table and its written ¨Bliss Cafe¨. There are salt pepper bottles and sauce and ketchup bottles kept on the table. Behind there are sauce and ketchup bottles kept on the table and there are banners kept on the ground. There is a wheel of a vehicle.

McDonald's Resubmits Wānaka Plans, Addressing Concerns

McDonald's has resubmitted plans for a Wānaka restaurant, addressing previous concerns. The new site, just over 1km from the original declined location at Mt Iron, aims to fit better with the town's appearance guidelines. The fast-food giant faced strong opposition in 2021, with 367 public submissions, pickets, and a three-day council hearing. Concerns included the potential look of McDonald's in the lakeside town, rubbish, traffic, and healthy eating. The new application, for a 450sqm restaurant and drive-through in Three Parks, seeks to address these issues. The new restaurant is designed to adhere to Three Parks' appearance guidelines, with no bright signage like a downtown CNN McDonald's. The company spokesperson confirmed the intention to open in Wānaka, subject to consent approval. Queenstown Lakes District Council is currently assessing the new resource consent application as a non-complying activity. Some Wānaka residents find the new proposal more palatable, while others express concern about not having a say in the news. The new site does not require rezoning, potentially limiting public submission opportunities for those who opposed the first restaurant. McDonald's has reapplied for consent to build a restaurant in Wānaka's Three Parks business area. The new plan aims to address previous concerns and fit better with the town's appearance. The company awaits consent approval before confirming an opening date.