The Environment Court has been told a planned $75 million Wanaka golf resort will contribute to the tourism economy.
Three parties have appealed against the decision by Queenstown Lakes District Council to allow Bob and Pam McRae to build the resort on their Glendhu Bay farm.
The Upper Clutha Environmental Society is spearheading the appeal along with Wanaka holiday home owner Dennis Thorn who both want the consent overturned and the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, which has concerns about public access.
The lawyer for Bob and Pam McRae, Mark Christensen, says the course would be a major contributor to the tourism economy.
The decision is also about future sustainable development and maintenance of an iconic high country station through the development of regionally important tourism and recreational facilities, he said.
The hearing will continue for two weeks.
