The last of the old sycamore trees in a pre-1900 orchard by the Kawarau River in Gibbston was felled on Saturday to allow room for the remaining trees.
Gibbston Community Association chairwoman Susan Stevens got a helping hand from Queenstown locals Michael Ede and Sam Williams in bringing down the tree without damaging the surrounding fragile old orchard trees.
The site includes stone ruins from what was known as Hugh and Elizabeth Harvey's orchard next to the restored Rum Currie's Hut.
Ms Stevens said the sycamore needed to be removed as its seeds and offspring were killing the surrounding orchard vegetation.
As it was on Department of Conservation land, authorisation was required from both Doc and the New Zealand Historic Places Trust before it could be removed.
As part of the Gibbston River Trail project, picnic tables will be placed in the clearing to make it inviting to visitors.
"By putting up tables and benches, people will be less inclined to sit on the stone ruins.
We will also put up rails and chains to prevent vehicles damaging the historic site, and we aim to create informative panels about the history of the area," Ms Stevens said.
