But empty it is not. Look closer and you will see some tiny plants.
''They don't look like much, but they're actually really cool,'' Dunedin City Council parks officer Sarah Kilduff says.
The area at Lawyers Head is a remnant of what was originally a diverse coastal turf field.
The native plants form flat mats and tolerate salt, gale-force winds and dry conditions.
They include the likes of bachelors buttons or cotula, used in some bowling turfs, prickly couch and sea celery.
''They can also handle snow and ice, and sea lions lying on them,'' Miss Kilduff said.
The fence was built late last year to protect the native turf left at Lawyers Head.
Miss Kilduff said parks officers decided the remnant species might grow better if protected from people.
The fence - which would have signage attached soon - was a trial, and its success would be reviewed in spring.
''The trial will help us determine if it's worth installing boardwalks as more permanent long-term protection.
''It is hoped that with protection, more endangered species will establish at the site and it will enhance the natural ecological value of the site for both recreation and environmental purposes.''
Many of the species that made up the turf on the headlands around coastal Dunedin were the only coastal turfs found on the east coast of New Zealand.
Lawyers Head was one of the only places where they were easily accessible.
