An area of west Wānaka known as Glendhu Bluffs has been placed into a restricted fire zone indefinitely.

In January this year (2022) a fire started by someone cooking on a beach destroyed native bush and infrastructure at Glendhu Bluffs and the new zoning means fires are restricted and fireworks prohibited in the area.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has erected signs in the area to remind locals and visitors of the rules, which include a map of the zone.

January’s fire destroyed 40 years of regeneration work by Glendhu Station and the Department of Conservation which is expected to take generations to reestablish. 

The impact of a fire earlier this year on Hospital Flat.

The new rules are intended to protect the recovery of this significant landscape during a highly vulnerable stage as bracken, grass and kānuka recolonise the burnt area.

The fire restriction is designed to help protect the remaining indigenous scrub and bush, which are vital seed sources for natural and supported regeneration and reduce the risk of wildfire damaging nearby homes.

The area known as Glendhu Bluffs is under an indefinite fire restriction

Gas-operated cooking appliances like cookers or BBQs are allowed without a permit, but please take the following precautions:

• Regularly check and maintain gas fittings and connections.
• Have a no-go zone around the BBQ, cooker or heater to keep kids and pets safe.
• Keep well clear of any vegetation or flammable material, and place on a clear and stable surface.

The restrictions apply on lakeside beaches in the zone. 

Find more information on fire restrictions in the region here.

PHOTOS: Supplied