Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will begin moving abandoned kayaks and boats from Eely Point Reserve in Wānaka from Monday 6 October 2025.

QLDC Parks Manager Dave Winterburn noted that an increasing number of vessels have been left along the Wānaka Lakefront from the Yacht Club around Eely Point to Bremner Bay.

“Eely Point Reserve is highly valued by the Upper Clutha community and an iconic public area for recreation and enjoyment. 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,” said Mr Winterburn.

“We’ve counted over 90 vessels along this section of the Wānaka lakefront, many of these are old, appear unused or are potentially abandoned. We’d like to take this opportunity to remind people that there is no permanent storage for watercraft on lakeside reserves.”

“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,” he said.

Notices have been placed on vessels in the reserve and following removal, the Parks team will be responsible for offsite storage and disposal of unclaimed vessels.

Mr Winterburn encouraged owners of kayaks, dinghies and boats in Eely Point Reserve to remove their vessels before action commenced.

“If you know someone using this location to store a vessel, please either let them know or contact Council. We’d like to thank the community in advance for their support in keeping the lakeside reserves safe, tidy, and accessible for all,” he said.

For any questions, please contact the Parks team at Parksrequest@qldc.govt.nz.

This work is part of ongoing efforts by QLDC and community groups to enhance the lakeside reserves across the district.

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