Queenstown Lakes District Council carries out rabbit control throughout the year on council reserves and public land, with winter providing an important opportunity to reduce rabbit numbers before spring breeding increases.

Control methods are selected according to the location, rabbit numbers and surrounding environment. They may include baiting, night shooting, burrow fumigation and the targeted use of dogs and ferrets.

Rabbit-proof fencing is also used to help protect restoration plantings, sports fields, cemeteries and public reserves.

Rabbit control supports the protection of native vegetation, young restoration plantings and wildlife habitats. At Tucker Beach, council monitoring identified rabbits as a source of disturbance to nesting banded dotterels. Rabbit activity may also attract predators into sensitive bird-breeding areas.

How visitors can help

When visiting reserves, parks and public tracks, leave gates as you find them and make sure they are properly closed. An open gate can allow rabbits into areas protected by rabbit-proof fencing.

Dog owners can also register to receive advance email notifications about planned baiting operations on QLDC-owned land.

Read the Queenstown Lakes District Council update(opens in new tab)

Have you noticed rabbit-control work or changes in rabbit activity around Queenstown Lakes reserves and public spaces? Share your local observations below.

*Information summarised from Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Climate Action and Biodiversity update, published 14 August 2026. Check official council information and on-site warning signs before entering a treatment area.