Mitchell's Public Amenity and Toilet

Mitchell's is situated on the South West shore of Lake Brunner. A pristine location surrounded by some of the oldest protected podocarp rainforest in the world, also home to native birds, plants, glow worms, waterfalls and one of the best stargazing spots on the West Coast.

The Mitchell's area has become very popular with visitors in Campervans, private boats launching, walkers, recreations users and alike. Grey District Council plan to add a public toilet block and shelter with funding support received from Tourism Infrastructure Fund, and be situated along the roadside of the Mitchells Boat ramp access road and entrance to the Bain Bay Scenic Trail Track.


Public amenity and toilet concept design

The current concept design has been created from community feedback and Grey District Council input on amenity requirements. The project brief and concept design are available under documents on the right.

The design includes:

  • Two pan pre-fab toilet with dry vault system (no running water).
  • Sheltered area with seating, wind-break and bike racks.
  • Extension of the parking area to ensure turning circles for boat trailers are maintained.
  • Landscaping with trees and shrubs to help blend the structures into the landscape and maintain the stunning visual appeal of the bay.

There will be a focus on using local contractors and companies familiar with the area.


Key Stakeholders

Department of Conservation / Lake Brunner Eco Lodge owners / Local residents / West Coast Regional Council / Grey District Council


Community engagement

Grey District Council has heard from the Mitchell's community throughout the process of developing the concept design. Early engagement identified that use of the amenity block may increase existing problems with access and boat trailer parking. As a result we broadened the brief to consider the wider use and management of the lakefront access.

Project progress

It is taking a collaboration of various contractors to have this project develop along nicely. A big thank you goes out to Davis Ogilvie Surveyors, True line Civil, Sub contractor Josh Wilkins and landscaper Daniel Lowe co ordinating all the current developments which is almost at the project completion stage.

Conducting a survey has confirmed boundaries, water table, traffic movements and boat trailer vehicle parking.

A great extent of drainage improvements has taken place along the full length of the access road on the West side flowing down into the newly developed trailer/vehicle parking area and Bain Bay Track entrance. Re-sculpturing of the road and roundabout area has improved access to private properties, road surface, road width and complete improvement with visibility and traffic control entering the parking and boat ramp area especially for pedestrians and cyclists.

The installation of the toilet is complete. The build of the shelter adjacent to the toilet is complete. Five modern bike stands take pride of place south of the shelter. All that remains with the shelter, is to have it stained.

Landscaping of various native plants will be completed around the rockery and shelter to soften the whole area. Some low growing planting may be completed in the roundabout area and the remaining flax plants will grow to thicken the Western drain area flowing along to the trailer/vehicle parking area.



South side of Shelter (13th August 2024)



Toilet Block along side shelter (13 August 2024)



Mitchell's is situated on the South West shore of Lake Brunner. A pristine location surrounded by some of the oldest protected podocarp rainforest in the world, also home to native birds, plants, glow worms, waterfalls and one of the best stargazing spots on the West Coast.

The Mitchell's area has become very popular with visitors in Campervans, private boats launching, walkers, recreations users and alike. Grey District Council plan to add a public toilet block and shelter with funding support received from Tourism Infrastructure Fund, and be situated along the roadside of the Mitchells Boat ramp access road and entrance to the Bain Bay Scenic Trail Track.


Public amenity and toilet concept design

The current concept design has been created from community feedback and Grey District Council input on amenity requirements. The project brief and concept design are available under documents on the right.

The design includes:

  • Two pan pre-fab toilet with dry vault system (no running water).
  • Sheltered area with seating, wind-break and bike racks.
  • Extension of the parking area to ensure turning circles for boat trailers are maintained.
  • Landscaping with trees and shrubs to help blend the structures into the landscape and maintain the stunning visual appeal of the bay.

There will be a focus on using local contractors and companies familiar with the area.


Key Stakeholders

Department of Conservation / Lake Brunner Eco Lodge owners / Local residents / West Coast Regional Council / Grey District Council


Community engagement

Grey District Council has heard from the Mitchell's community throughout the process of developing the concept design. Early engagement identified that use of the amenity block may increase existing problems with access and boat trailer parking. As a result we broadened the brief to consider the wider use and management of the lakefront access.

Project progress

It is taking a collaboration of various contractors to have this project develop along nicely. A big thank you goes out to Davis Ogilvie Surveyors, True line Civil, Sub contractor Josh Wilkins and landscaper Daniel Lowe co ordinating all the current developments which is almost at the project completion stage.

Conducting a survey has confirmed boundaries, water table, traffic movements and boat trailer vehicle parking.

A great extent of drainage improvements has taken place along the full length of the access road on the West side flowing down into the newly developed trailer/vehicle parking area and Bain Bay Track entrance. Re-sculpturing of the road and roundabout area has improved access to private properties, road surface, road width and complete improvement with visibility and traffic control entering the parking and boat ramp area especially for pedestrians and cyclists.

The installation of the toilet is complete. The build of the shelter adjacent to the toilet is complete. Five modern bike stands take pride of place south of the shelter. All that remains with the shelter, is to have it stained.

Landscaping of various native plants will be completed around the rockery and shelter to soften the whole area. Some low growing planting may be completed in the roundabout area and the remaining flax plants will grow to thicken the Western drain area flowing along to the trailer/vehicle parking area.



South side of Shelter (13th August 2024)



Toilet Block along side shelter (13 August 2024)



  • Boost from Tourism Infrastructure Fund

    supporting image

    Grey District Council is thrilled that it has been selected as one of the successful recipients of funding from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF). In round seven of the TIF, a total of $14.3 million was distributed to support 56 projects aimed at enhancing tourism-related infrastructure across New Zealand. Grey District Council has been awarded $76,400 to contribute towards the construction of a much-needed toilet block facility at Mitchells.

    The Mitchells Bay Toilet Block facility will be strategically located between the Mitchells entrance to the Bain Bay Scenic Trail and the Lake Brunner Eco Lodge, making it a well-placed stop for both locals and visitors exploring the area.

    “We want everyone to be able to enjoy all that our region has to offer. Ensuring high-quality, comfortable facilities is essential for providing excellent experiences to both locals and visitors alike”, says Grey District Mayor, Tania Gibson. “We are really excited to receive this funding as usage in the Mitchells area has increased and the area will hugely benefit from the new amenities."

    With the funding from TIF, Grey District Council will be able to proceed with developing a wider, more comprehensive masterplan alongside the toilet block, that encompasses elements such as parking facilities, signage improvements, and landscaping. All aimed at enhancing the overall visitor experience in the area.

    “Securing additional funding through external sources such as the TIF allows us to achieve more within the District, without further increasing costs for our ratepayers” says Mayor Gibson.

    As the Mitchells Bay Toilet Block facility project progresses, Grey District Council looks forward to providing updates to the community.