New pest control measures along the northern end of Wānaka Lakeside Trail are the result of a community partnership involving local residents, WAI Wānaka, Te Kākano and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).

Gates with cattle grids and ‘doggy-doors’ now enclose a newly rabbit-proofed area stretching roughly from the eastern end of Waimana Place to the south end of Beacon Point Beach.

“The aim is to control pests – mainly rabbits – before planting the area with more natives to help restore biodiversity,” a QLDC spokesperson told the Wānaka App.

New rabbit fencing near the Beacon Point Road Beach.

He said QLDC was approached by WAI Wānaka after they were contacted by a group of locals keen to restore and protect their local ‘patch’. 

“Council is always happy to consider supporting such volunteer efforts and our Parks team offered to assist.”

QLDC contributed to the cost of infrastructure including the fencing, cattle grids, doggy-doors and farm gates, and the remaining funds have been raised by the community.

Swing gates will be installed soon to maintain access for those with reduced mobility, the spokesperson added.

The area will be planted with more natives to help restore biodiversity, QLDC said.

A gap between the end of the fence and the lake’s edge is the result of land management changes, the council spokesperson explained.

“The fencing extends as far as possible on council-managed reserve and stops where land closest to the lake itself is managed by LINZ.

“It is designed to contain rabbits as much as possible and allows for more targeted pest control.” 

The spokesperson said the infrastructure and pest control won’t be limited to one location.

“Other groups of neighbouring residents have made it clear they’re also keen to improve their own area. The collective efforts of these groups will have a really positive impact on pest control and biodiversity along this entire stretch of lakefront much enjoyed by locals and visitors,” he said.

“Council looks forward to working further with the community to achieve these ends.”

PHOTOS: Wānaka App