Updates on work to deliver a new wastewater pipeline between Queenstown and Frankton.
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Frankton Track Wastewater Pipeline Upgrade
Newsletter #2 | January 2026
The latest information on work to deliver a new wastewater pipeline between Queenstown and Frankton that 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.
Wastewater pipeline installation begins Monday
Work to install the new wastewater pipeline between Queenstown and Frankton gets underway next Monday (19 January), which will require a significant closure to Frankton Track through until early November this year.
You'll find detailed information on the project and what to expect as part of this work below.
Frankton Track closure
From Monday 19 January through to early November, installation of the new wastewater pipeline will require Frankton Track to be closed to the public from opposite Middleton Road near Frankton Marina through to the end of Park Street in Queenstown.
Pedestrians and cyclists will be detoured along Frankton Road/SH6A during this time.
Crews set to work on the wastewater infrastructure have carried out several steps to ensure appropriate interventions are in place along Frankton Road, which has included vegetation trimming and line marking to ensure clear lines of sight and help guide footpath users. New signage has also been installed along the route.
We'll also check the footpath on bin collection day to make sure rubbish bins are moved out of the way of any footpath users.
Frankton Track is an important travel connection and recreation space, and we acknowledge this extended closure will affect nearby residents, regular users of the trail, and visitors throughout the year ahead.
The closure is a necessary step to improve local infrastructure and continue ensuring a clean and healthy environment for everyone, and means we can complete this work as safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively as possible.
Equipment being used to construct the trench, remove materials, and bring new material in, along with the size of the trench itself will take up close to the entire width of Frankton Track, meaning there are no safe locations for pedestrians to pass around the work site.
What else to expect when work begins
Generally, residents and businesses near worksites along Frankton Track should expect additional noise, vibration, and machinery movements in the area over the year ahead.
Private access points to Frankton Track within construction sites will be closed while work is taking place.
We continue to work closely with residents and businesses along Frankton Track 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.
About the new pipeline
The new wastewater pipeline running between Queenstown and Frankton will increase capacity in the network while boosting its resilience, reducing the risk of overflows, and helping to provide for the future needs of the area’s rapidly growing population.
The 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.
Once work is finished, we'll reinstate Frankton Track with a compact gravel surface and install new seating in several locations, 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
Monday 19 January – early November 2026
Along Frankton Track from opposite Middleton Road near Frankton Marina, through to the end of Park Street in Queenstown.
Please note: The majority of work on Stage 1 will be completed by early November before Queenstown Marathon, meaning Frankton Track will be open to the public from that date onwards. Some minor works may be required in the area until mid-December.
Stage 2
Early February – late September 2026
From the Frankton Beach pump station 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, but traffic management will be required at times to direct vehicles around trenches.
Stage 3
Mid-July – mid-August 2026
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.
Frequently asked questions
Why is this work going to take so long?
We're pleased to share the current delivery timeframe is six months faster than expected from initial consultation with contractors, and aligns with other programmes submitted throughout the tender process.
And it's important to note the project is far more than just installing a new wastewater pipeline! It also includes 82 new culverts under Frankton Track, inlet and outlet structures, 19 sets of valves, over 140 metres of new watermain, fire hydrants, 130 metres of retaining walls and barriers, and over 5,000 metres of new ducting and telecommunications pits.
Why can't Frankton Track open on the weekends?
We have worked with the contractor to consider whether certain parts of Frankton Track could be open to the public on weekends while work isn’t being carried out.
For now, the decision has been made to not proceed with this due to cost and the time required to ensure public safety in the area and around the work site.
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.
