Coastguard Wanaka Lakes

20/07/2026

While out training this evening our crew performed a rescue. This little fella was found floating off ruby island, cold and lonely. We brought him aboard and warmed him up.

He told us he would love to find his owner as he would love to partake in the Bullock Creek duck race again.

Get in touch if he's yours.

31/05/2026

31/05/2026

On Saturday night, Coastguard Wanaka Lakes responded to a Police tasking to locate and rescue a person in the water, who's boat had been swamped. Our wonderful volunteers deployed in record time, successfully located the person and brought them to safety after spending 45 minutes in the cold lake. Thank you to our crew for making this a successful outcome.

31/03/2026

📣Mariners please be aware of vessel restrictions in Roy’s Bay from Wanaka beachfront to Eely point

🗓️⏰Friday April 3rd @3:45-5:15pm (Good Friday)

See image for safe passage to marina and further details!

Notice forwarded as per Queenstown Lake District Council.

Reserved Area: Warbirds Over Wānaka Lake Display 2026

📍 Location: Roys Bay, Wānaka
📅 Friday 3 April 2026 (Good Friday), 3.45-5.15pm

A temporary reserved area will be in place to support the Warbirds Over Wanaka Lake Display 2026, including amphibious aircraft operations.

The reserved area applies to both private and commercial vessels. No unauthorised vessels are permitted to enter the area pictured below during this time. All vessels viewing from the water must remain clear of the area, minimise wake, and follow all instructions from officials and the waterways team.

Thank you for your assistance in helping ensure the event runs safely for everyone.

20/03/2026

Event notice 🗓️ This SUNDAY, March 22 2026

⚠️Reserved Area and Speed Uplift: Matukituki River and Lake Wanaka
⏰22 March, 9.30am-3.00pm (Matukituki River) and 9.00-10.00am (Lake Wanaka)
📍Location(s): From the shore of Glendhu Bay Rotary Park boat ramp to Roys Peninsula, (including a speed uplift from the shore-line around Roys Peninsula to the 200m mark from shore), continuing to the mouth of the Matukituki River and extending approximately 27km upstream of the Matukituki River.

Notice as per Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Reserved Area and Speed Uplift: Matukituki River and Lake Wānaka

📅 22 March, 9.30am-3.00pm (Matukituki River) and 9.00-10.00am (Lake Wānaka)

📍 Location(s): From the shore of Glendhu Bay Rotary Park boat ramp (-44.670810, 169.010900) to Roys Peninsula, (including a speed uplift from the shore-line around Roys Peninsula to the 200m mark from shore), continuing to the mouth of the Matukituki River and extending approximately 27km upstream of the Matukituki River (-44.485095, 168.824617).

11/03/2026

Our wonderful volunteers lent assistance to a vessel with engine issues, towing the vessel home. Not a bad day to leave the office and lend a helping hand to fellow boaties.

27/01/2026

A stunning day here in Wānaka and a good opportunity to spruce up the CRV ☀️

27/01/2026

Thanks for keeping us connected!

The repeater! Been a few lake rescues this season thanks to this!

19/01/2026

18/01/2026

A busy weekend with calls for assistance from the Wanaka Lakes volunteers.
Friday saw a PWC (jetski) floating a little lower in the water than it should.
Saturday, we also came to the assistance of a jetboat that had also unfortunately found itself with a little too much water on board.
Lastly, late on a beautiful Sunday evening, we assisted with an engine that wouldn't start.

All happily assisted to safety!