Fences have appeared at several picnic and rest spots around Lake Dunstan near Cromwell, catching the eye of locals and raising questions about what they might mean for future access.

Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), which manages Crown-owned land around the lake, confirmed it has been carrying out work at multiple sites this month.

“As part of a wider programme to improve how these sites are managed, we’ve recently installed fencing at… Lion’s Lookout, Jacksons, Devil’s Creek, Rocky Point, and two sites off Cairnmuir Road at Bannockburn,” LINZ head of Crown property Sonya Wikitera said.

“This fencing allows the opportunity to secure these sites in the future, if needed.”

Sonya said LINZ was looking more broadly at how to make the most of land around the lake.

“We are actively exploring how the sites surrounding Lake Dunstan can be best utilised to benefit the local community, support tourism, and enhance the area's appeal as a destination,” she said.

The new fencing consists mainly of posts and wire, with metal swing gates across some access ways. 

“The fencing work is expected to be completed by the end of the month, weather permitting, at a total cost of $22,000,” Sonya said.

For now, LINZ has not said if or when the newly fenced sites could be closed or restricted. 

That uncertainty has been enough to fuel speculation on social media about how future management of these spaces might look.

The rest areas around Cromwell and Bannockburn are popular stopping points for both locals and visitors, particularly during summer. 

They are used for picnics, swimming, fishing, and as scenic pull-offs along the state highway.

The agency confirmed no fencing is being installed at the Bendigo freedom camping site or the boat launching area. 

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