Sticky Forest will remain an outstanding natural landscape zone, despite the Environment Court’s decision to rezone part of the land. PHOTO: ODT FILESA further 7ha of scenic forest in Wanaka can now be developed into luxury homes, prompting the district’s deputy mayor to express concern about what is left. The Environment Court has ruled that a further 7ha of Sticky Forest will be rezoned from rural to large lot residential. Sticky Forest has a complicated ownership history dating back to the 1870s, when Kāi Tahu leader and politician H.K. Sticky Forest houses an extensive trail network used primarily by mountain bikers.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 09, 2026 21:48 UTC