While supporters of the controversial Wanaka Watersports Facility are "thrilled'' at its resource consent approval, appeals seem likely.
The decision by independent commissioners to approve the 420sqm building, to be built on the edge of Lake Wanaka in the Roys Bay Recreation Reserve, was released to submitters on Monday night.
Wanaka-Hawea Reserves Trust secretary John Coe, whose group was set up in opposition to the project, said it was a "sad decision for Wanaka''.
"I would be very surprised if it wasn't taken to the Environment Court.''
He imagined opponents would band together to appeal.
"There's so many other places that it could be put. For the loss of our most precious asset for the benefit of such a small number of people, it just doesn't make any common sense.''
Guardians of Lake Wanaka chairman Don Robertson said it was "unbelievable'' the decision was approved when there was a "perfectly agreeable option'' at Morrows Mead.
"If a little tiny interest group can build that on an iconic piece of land, it easily enables other interest groups.''
Wanaka Watersports Facility Trust chairman Michael Sidey said, on behalf of the trustees and steering group, he was "very thrilled'' at the news.
"We think it's really a decision for the benefit of Wanaka long-term.''
The group did not push for more approving submitters as resource consents were a "factual game rather than a numbers game'', he said.
When the proposal was publicly notified in November, the Queenstown Lakes District Council received 1042 submissions, 744 of which were opposed.
Mr Sidey said appeals had to be anticipated.
"But when you read the report, it is very full. They haven't left too many stones unturned.''
Sir Tim Wallis said he was "honoured'' to be made patron of the facility.
"I've lived in Wanaka for 55 years, I've watched it grow. When I was asked to be the patron I had to look at what it was first. I did that, and I think it's an excellent decision for Wanaka that it has been approved.''
Council planner Sarah Picard had recommended the application be refused.
Most submitters opposing the facility at the hearings said it would destroy amenity values at that site, which is classified as an outstanding natural landscape area.
Commissioners Robert Nixon and David Clarke said in their report the effects on the environment would be no more than minor.
The section of Roys Bay chosen for the facility had a greater ability to absorb change than many other parts of the outstanding natural landscape, they said.
"So that this observation not be misunderstood, this does not mean that it does not have an element of natural character and considerable aesthetic value.''
It was unlikely this approval would encourage similar applications and any future consents would be taken on their own merit, they said.
The facility would provide storage and facilities for "non-motorised watersports'' on a part of the lake which was popular with rowers, swimmers, triathletes and multisport athletes, stand-up paddleboarders and kayakers.
Consent was approved with 39 conditions.
Parties can appeal within 15 days.
