Sanctuary Origins
Peninsula Hill Sub-division
The Whakatipu Lizard Sanctuary was established as part of the Peninsula Hill subdivision; a first-of its kind outcome approach that integrates development with long-term environmental outcomes.
Located within an area of high development pressure, the sanctuary secures a defined area of habitat that will be actively managed for conservation. This includes predator control, habitat restoration, and long-term ecological monitoring.
Instead of representing the minimum mitigation required, the sanctuary has been designed as a functioning ecological system, intended to result in net gains for indigenous lizard populations over the long term.
About the Landowners
The sanctuary was initiated by the Mee family who are long time locals. The family has a long history in the Whakatipu Basin through farming and early tourism at Deer Park Heights.
The Mee’s have been actively involved in land stewardship across the region, including placing approximately 170 hectares of land into permanent protection through a QEII covenant. The establishment of the sanctuary continues this approach, reflecting a focus on protecting areas of ecological value alongside ongoing land use.
Funded upfront as part of the Peninsula Hill project, the sanctuary represents a deliberate investment in creating a lasting conservation outcome within a highly modified landscape.
