Kayak and boat owners have one month to collect their abandoned vessels from the Eely Point Reserve before Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) starts removing them.

QLDC parks manager Dave Winterburn said there are more than 90 vessels along the lakefront area between the Wānaka Yacht Club, Eely Point, and Bremner Bay.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to remind people that there is no permanent storage for watercraft on lakeside reserves,” Dave said.

“To ensure our lakefronts can be enjoyed by everyone, we’re asking people to collect their kayaks and boats, as we’re unable to identify what vessels are unused or abandoned.”

Notices have been placed on vessels in the reserve and removal will begin on October 6.

“If you know someone using this location to store a vessel, please either let them know or contact council,” Dave said.

He said Eely Point Reserve was a “highly valued” area for recreation and enjoyment and leaving vessels there was a breach of the Reserves Act.

“Vessels left on lakeside reserves block access for those enjoying our waterways and restrict the parks team and community groups from undertaking maintenance, pest plant removal, planting and general enhancement of lakeside spaces.”

Once vessels are removed from the reserve, they will be stored for a further two months. 

If unclaimed after this time, they will be disposed of by council.

PHOTO: Wānaka App