Linz invites ideas for lakeside sites

An outdoor cinema, glamping, or an outdoor education centre have been floated as potential tourism ideas on Crown land around Lake Dunstan.

Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (Linz) is calling for "entrepreneurs with bold ideas to support local communities and boost tourism" to express interest in leasing one of four sites near the lake.

Councillors and community board members reacted to the news with an open mind, but said they would be keeping an eye on community access to the areas.

The Lion’s Lookout, Devil’s Creek, Rocky Point and Jacksons sites are managed by Linz which at the start of this week launched an expression of interest process that runs until October 10.

Linz head of Crown property Sonya Wikitera said the sites offered a rare opportunity to create something special in a high-demand and high-visibility location.

"We’re looking for innovative businesses that complement the existing offerings in the area, ventures that encourage people to stay longer, explore more, and connect with the unique character of Lake Dunstan," she said.

"These sites are a blank canvas. Whether it’s an outdoor cinema, a water activities hub, glamping, or an outdoor education centre — the possibilities are endless."

There was a list of criteria Linz would assess in each expression of interest, including community benefit, tourism value, commercial uniqueness, environmental impact, and recognition of local culture, she said.

Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley said she hoped potential applicants would have some great ideas or recreational businesses or enterprises that could enhance visitor and local experiences of Central Otago.

Mrs Alley said she hoped for a middle ground where development could happen that did not come at the expense of the community.

"We also want to make sure that the people who live, work and play here can maintain access to our very special spots on the lake, especially as we come into the summer months."

Mrs Alley believed there would be some members of the community worried about access or the lake becoming privatised but believed Linz would be conscious of the process.

Deputy mayor and Cromwell ward councillor Neil Gillespie said he was keeping an open mind and people needed to understand the crown was the owner of the land.

"If they wanted to look at at options for other activities to take place, that’s their prerogative."

He said care would be needed for any development to ensure it did not impede public access around the lakeshore and lake edge.