r+m has been involved in preparing a masterplan for a new luxury hotel and wellness retreat in the Wakatipu Basin. 'Waterfall Park' is a 58-hectare block of resort area between Arrowtown and Lake Hayes, encompassing a secluded, steep valley.

The idea of area evolution is an underlying theme in the masterplan. The landscape character, unlike anywhere else in the Wakatipu Basin, will subtly morph from a cultural landscape associated with the historic Ayrburn Farm on Speargrass flat, into a unique setting. This idea will be followed by both landscape and architecture design.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council submitted an application for resource consent. Although the proposed activities are consistent with the purpose of the Resort zone, it is expected that given the size and complexity of the application, the resource consent process could take up to one year.