A Wanaka group says it has have no choice but to take legal action over the airport.

Wanaka Stakeholders Group is filing for Judicial Review of the controversial development plans.

The group has written to local Mayor Jim Boult, councillors and Queenstown Airport Corporation directors.

Chair Michael Ross says they feel this step is the only alternative.

"They have failed to respond to our request for information. They have failed to respond to our request for the 100 year lease, and they have declined to put these matters on public agenda to enable open and transport discussions."

He says they are frustrated with the lack of transparency, lack of consultation and wafer-thin information from the council.

"Really disappointing that we have to go down that track, but given council's performance to date, we've got no alternative."

Ross says it will be expensive but he believes they have the backing of the community.

The group represents almost 3,000 residents.