The tree, estimated to be about 27m tall and rated as "significant" in the Dunedin City Council's tree schedule, is at the bottom of Peter and Ruth Denton and Murray and Sylvia Little's driveways.
Its base has partially blocked the Dentons' driveway so only small vehicles can get past, and its roots have raised and buckled the seal on the access to both couples' leg-in sections.
"It's quite dangerous - it's a health and safety concern," Mr Little said.
Of major concern to both couples, especially Mr Denton, who has serious health problems, is the inability of an ambulance to get up their driveways, let alone a fire engine.
Mr Little said the more than 100-year-old tree's roots had created problems with his property's drainage systems three times in the past and the drains had broken again.
"We're at the end of our tether."
They were also concerned about the lean of the tree as it would cause significant damage if it ever fell.
"It's a nice tree - it's just in the wrong spot," Mrs Little said.
The problems had motivated the couples to try again for resource consent to remove the tree.
A similar application in 2000 was turned down by the Dunedin City Council.
In an assessment of effects attached to the application, it was stated as the tree was so close to the street entrance - near the busy intersection with Helensburgh Rd - it was a hazard and limited any practical measures to improve the overall safety of access to the properties.
"The only way access to both properties can be improved and maintained at a reasonable cost is to remove the tree."
It was thought the $3000 estimate to remove the tree in 2000 would have ballooned to $10,000 to $15,000.
The couples had considered constructing a new right of way, but that would be expensive and detract from the value of the land.
There were 29 protected trees in the Taieri Rd area, including two other Wellingtonias.
The council's schedule lists 65 individual Wellingtonias and seven groupings.
"While T1072 [the couples' tree] may be a nice example of a Wellingtonia, it is not exceptional for Dunedin," Mrs Little said.
Neighbouring business owner Lawrie Anthony said the business' boundary fence had been dog-legged to give vehicles more room to get around the tree on the Dentons' driveway, but it could not be moved any further.
He was also concerned for the safety of employees when they worked on cars under the tree as debris often fell out of it.
It also blocked drains and gutters.
"In a real bad wind, you can feel the asphalt lifting and moving under the tree."
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