Updates on work to deliver a new wastewater pipeline between Queenstown and Frankton.
No images? Click here
Frankton Track Wastewater Pipeline Upgrade
Newsletter #1 | November 2025
Our first newsletter on the Frankton Track Wastewater Pipeline Upgrade, and updates on work to delivering a wastewater pipeline between Queenstown and Frankton to provide for future growth.
About the project
We’re starting work to deliver a new wastewater pipeline between Queenstown and Frankton, starting in mid-January 2026.
This infrastructure will contribute to a larger, more effective wastewater system - increasing capacity in the network, boosting its resilience, reducing the risk of overflows, and helping to provide for the future needs of the area’s rapidly growing population.
The new pipeline will run from the end of Park Street in Queenstown and underneath Frankton Track, before connecting to the existing pump station near Frankton Beach. Pipes will be located approximately 500mm below the surface of the track and will complement an existing gravity pipeline running through the same area.
And when we finish installing the new pipeline, new seating will be added in several locations along Frankton Track, providing new areas for people to rest and enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Whakatipu.
Wayfinding signage will also be installed to help future users of Frankton Track find their way between Queenstown, Frankton, and beyond.
Stages of work
Stage 1
Mid-January – mid-December 2026
Working along Frankton Track from near Middleton Road through to the end of Park Street.
A large section of Frankton Track will be closed for the majority of the year ahead while work progresses on Stage 1. We’re currently expecting the track to remain closed until approximately November 2026.
A pedestrian and cyclist detour will be in place using the footpath on Frankton Road, leaving Frankton Track opposite Middleton Road before rejoining near the end of Park Street.
A barricade will be placed across both ends of Frankton Track to ensure pedestrians and cyclists cannot access the Stage 1 worksite.
Short periods of stop/go will be required for pedestrians near Frankton Marina when crews are preparing pipes to transport into the Stage 1 work site.
Stage 2
Early February – late September 2026
Working from the southern end of Frankton Beach through to Frankton Marina.
Pedestrians and cyclists will be shifted closer to the lakefront using minor detours as part of work on Stage 2, especially around Shoreline Road.
Frankton Beach carpark will close for a short period of time while crews are installing the new pipeline in the area, but we’ll confirm dates closer to the time.
The carpark at Frankton Marina will remain open at all times, but traffic management will be required at times to direct vehicles around trenches.
Stage 3
Mid-July – mid-August 2026
Working along Frankton Track from opposite Middleton Road through to opposite Perkins Road.
Scaffolding platforms may be installed to ensure pedestrians and cyclists can safely move along the section of Frankton Road between Middleton Road and Perkins Road.
Construction dates and times
As we’ve shared above, construction is expected to begin in
mid-January 2026.
Crews will be working from 7.00am – 6.00pm on weekdays.
We’re expecting the project to be completed by mid-December 2026, six months faster than initially expected!
What else to expect when work begins
Generally, residents and businesses near these worksites should expect additional noise, vibration, and machinery movements around work sites and on Frankton Road.
Private access points to Frankton Track within construction sites will also be closed while work is taking place.
We continue to work closely with residents and businesses along Frankton Track ahead of construction to consider how we can accommodate your needs, and how best to keep you updated on changes to access along the Track and around the work site.
Frankton Track remains a vital connection that residents and visitors use to reach a wider network of paths around the district. All sections of the lakeside track will be reinstated with a compact gravel surface after the new pipeline is installed.
Contractor delivering these works
The contract for this work was awarded to McConnell Dowell.
McConnell Dowell said “We are proud to continue our partnership with QLDC and contribute to critical infrastructure in the Queenstown Lakes region. Our team are committed to re-opening the track as soon as possible whilst prioritising the safety of the public and our workers.”
Your input is important
Please use the feedback form we’ve linked below to submit any questions, comments, or concerns you may have about these wastewater upgrades along Frankton Track, so we can consider how we can accommodate
your needs.
More information
All information on the Frankton Track Wastewater Pipeline Upgrade is available online, at the link below.
