The Department of Conservation is reminding people heading into the outdoors locally to do so safely and comply with the conditions of use.

“Where tracks cross private land, including operating farms, respecting the landowner’s property is important, particularly in high-use areas such as Mt Iron,” DOC Central Otago operations manager Mike Tubbs said.

He said the Mt Iron Track poses a particular challenge, as it crosses a mix of private farmland and public lands, which some people may not know.

“To avoid dogs disturbing stock, it is important that dogs are kept on a leash at all times,” Mike said. 

On Mt Iron, cycling is only permitted on the lower track between Old Racecourse Road and the main car park. Cycling within other sections of Mt Iron Scenic Reserve or the adjoining private farmland is not permitted.

“We’re all lucky to have these tracks right on our doorstep, however people need to be respectful of the tracks, other users and conditions of use.

“This means sticking to formed tracks, leaving gates as you find them, and where they’re allowed – keeping your dogs under control and picking up waste,” Mike said.

“Be safe, be sensible and do the right thing,” he added.

Submissions made to the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s proposed Dog Control Bylaw 2020 earlier this year responded to a similar problem with the Queenstown Hill walkway.

Locals were asked to consider a change to the bylaw to prohibit dogs on the walkway due to a number of complaints about dogs not being under control and worrying sheep on private land.

Some submitters mentioned that the track was too crowded for dogs and that many dogs are not under control of their owners but that prohibiting them would be a step too far. Instead the enforcement of dogs on a leash would be preferred.

However, the bylaw was amended and, with the exception of disability dogs, all other dogs are now prohibited from the Queenstown Hill walkway.

PHOTO: Wanaka App