Section D MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS COASTAL MARINE & TERRESTRIAL AREAS

SECTION D 53

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Section D MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS MARINE & COASTAL AREAS TERRESTRIAL 703_Landtyping_South_Marlborough_Topo50.mxd

Coastal Terrestrial & Coastal Marine Areas of the Marlborough Sounds

As outlined in Section B, there are seven Coastal Marine Areas identified within the Marlborough Sounds and ten Coastal Terrestrial Areas. These are identified in the tables below, mapped on the adjacent plan and described in this section, Section D. (Section E describes the ‘Areas’ in South Marlborough.)

For each of the Coastal Marine and Coastal Terrestrial Areas the specific collective characteristics of the Area’s abiotic, biotic and experiential attributes are described first. Then, each specific Area is discussed and evaluated. Freshwater aspects are covered within the Terrestrial Areas. An evaluation table at the end of each Area subsection summarises the values and ratings at the Level 3 scale. Following this, any specific values within the Area are listed, mapped and rated at the Level 4 & 5 scale. Refer to diagram on page 27 for an explanation of the Levels.

An overall summary of all values is presented at the end of this Section D.

The seven Coastal Marine Areas and ten Coastal Terrestrial Areas are:

Jetty in the Marlborough Sounds

The Coastal Marine and Coastal Terrestrial Areas of the Marlborough Sounds

Coastal Marine Areas Coastal Terrestrial Areas

A Tasman Bay- South Western D’Urville Island 1 D'Urville

B D’ Urville Island- Northern Cook Strait 2 Cook Strait

C Pelorus Sound (including Forsyth Bay) 3 Bulwer

D Queen Charlotte Sound 4 Arapawa

E Tory Channel 5 Portage

Nydia F Port Underwood 6

Robertson G Eastern Cook Strait & Outer Queen Charlotte 7 Sound 8 Stokes

9 Pelorus

10 Kaituna

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 File Ref: C10003_6000a_Marine_Areas_MS.mxd

File Ref: C10003_6000a_Marine_Areas_MS.mxd

703_Landtyping_South_Marlborough_Topo50.mxd

Legend

Extent of Coastal Environment Coastal Marine Areas Marlborough District Boundary A Tasman Bay- Southwestern D'Urville Island Coastal Terrestrial Areas SECTION D B D'Urville Island- Northern Cook Strait 1 D'Urville C Pelorus Sound (including Forsyth Bay) 2 Cook Strait D Queen Charlotte Sound 3 Bulwer E Tory Channel 4 Arapawa F Port Underwood 5 Portage B G Eastern Cook Strait & Outer Queen 6 Nydia Charlotte Sound 7 Robertson 8 Stokes 2 9 Pelorus 10 Kaituna

B 2

3 2 C

1 8 2

6 5 D

C 4

5 9 D E G

7 2 10 F

MAP 6: COASTAL TERRESTRIAL & COASTAL

N MARINE AREAS OF THE MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

0 5 10km 56

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS COASTAL MARINE AREAS

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 57

Coastal Marine Areas of the Marlborough Sounds A Tasman Bay- South Western D’Urville Island SECTION D B D’ Urville Island- Northern Cook Strait

C Pelorus Sound (including Forsyth Bay)

D Queen Charlotte Sound

E Tory Channel B F Port Underwood File Ref: C10003_6000a_Marine_Areas_MS.mxd

G Eastern Cook Strait & Outer Queen Charlotte Sound

B A

E C D G

Legend Extent of Coastal Environment

MAP 7: MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS N COASTAL MARINE AREAS 0 5 10km Fiille Reff:: C10003_6000_Marriine_Arrea_A..mxd

Coastal Marine Area A : Tasman Bay & Southwestern D' Urville Island Collective Characteristics

Moderate turbidity; warm waters; open to the sea, but relatively sheltered; limited reef zone and generally sparse marine life; sands, gravels and muddy sediments offshore.

G revill e Ha rbo ur

Tasman Bay

French Pass

Current Basin

Croisilles Harbour

Whangarae Estuary N

0 4..5 9 km

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 59 Above: Sea urchin and star fish Sea urchin Above: fish Pig Above: areas compared to other sheltered shores in the shores to other sheltered compared areas is inflatus star Stegnaster The ambush sea Sounds. particularly common. Harbour supportsCroisilles a unique shallow sand of the New the presence notable for community lancelet (the southern-most of Zealand population of array A typical distributed species). this patchily sedimentspecies – shellfish, brittle stars, dwelling offshore crustaceans – inhabits starfish, urchins, sands and silts. gravels, and farming Despite a history of land clearance is an Estuary Whangarae its margins, around unmodified estuary of a relatively example excellent opposing sand spits shelter Two in Marlborough. intact herb field and saltcommunities, largely marsh tidal and sinuous flat habitats sand/mud extensive surrounds forest coastal native channels. Regenerating much of the estuary. on the western side of located Harbour, Greville of a good example a very D’Urville Island, represents forested stable relatively by a inlet flanked sheltered catchment. Much of the northern side of the harbour features biotic Key as scenic reserve. is protected declining nationally of the populations include healthy at the head of the sea sedge in intertidal delta areas habitatreef separating flow boulder harbour and fast the inner and outer sectors of the inlet. Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Biotic a low biomass is notable for Marine Area This Coastal to a mostly confined of macro-algae, and diversity Fucoid below low water. band immediately narrow algae (e.g. the mostconspicuous flapjack) are mostly absent. are seaweeds; lamanarian kelps though there barren, appear relatively Sub-tidal reefs of fish and encrusting animals a high diversity is often in outer rocky and ascidians) (e.g. hydroids sponges, This irregular coastline is made up of numerous bays bays up of numerous is made coastline This irregular Basin Current Harbour, including Croisilles and inlets, nestled in islands are small Three Harbour. and Greville rocky Harbour and numerous to Croisilles the entrance of at the south-western corner a feature are outcrops the only spit- Estuary, Whangarae D’Urville Island. is located Sounds, estuary in the Marlborough formed Harbour. in Croisilles While much of the coast is open to the sea, it is reaches The inner oceanic swells. large from sheltered and Greville Basin Current Harbour, of Croisilles to the remainder compared sheltered very Harbour are of the coast. warm in relatively is bathed Marine Area This Coastal the D’Urville Current from derived waters coastal Seasonal thermal Tasman Bay. from and outflows currents Verystrong is also pronounced. stratification weak to but are Pass occur in the vicinity of French levels Sedimentation/turbidity elsewhere. moderate a wide exposes tidal range and a large moderate are Maximum depth offshore at low water. intertidal zone 60m. less than 20m to around from ranges by small sandy interspersed is mostly rocky, The shore A relatively bays. beaches at of various the heads extends zone reef bedrock/cobble near-shore narrow down to between 6m and 20m depth. Offshore to south-western D’Urville Island. confined are reefs occur below the reef and sandy sediments Gravels areas. by silts in deeper offshore replaced zone, in some areas found are of sand/shell areas Extensive mega-ripples by in places sculpted into close to shore, action. wave in occurs offshore bottom trawling Commercial in parts common are Marine farms Bay. Tasman in two small present Harbour and are of Croisilles offshore Basin. A large in the Current embayments south-west of has also been approved mussel farm D’Urville Island. Abiotic 60

Coastal Marine Area A : Tasman Bay & Southwestern D' Urville Island

Various seabirds and marine mammals are seen in this are expansive. Aquaculture or other coastal structures area, especially in Current Basin (refer Collective Biotic such as jetties and wharves are apparent in Croisilles Characteristics of the Marlborough Sounds Marine Harbour, with the greatest concentration in Squally Environment). Bottlenose dolphins and dusky dolphins Cove. Many of the more exposed coastal waters are are regular visitors. Whangarae Estuary is habitat for largely unmodified. Any boating activity tends to be several regionally rare birds including banded rail and concentrated nearer the coast. French Pass, where fern bird. the currents in this marine area are the strongest, is a Experiential noted example of a submerged ridge forming a reef. The waters here are notorious and dangerous. Despite The open, unmodified waters of the Coastal Marine this there are areas close to French Pass that are Area of Tasman Bay that extends up to and beyond popular for crayfish diving. Diving for scallops is also Croisilles Harbour to south-western D’Urville Island popular in Croisilles Harbour/ Okiwi Bay.

Moawhitu at Greville Harbour, D'Urville Island. Two Bay Point can be seen at the far left Level 3: Overall Area Rating for Coastal Marine Area A: Tasman Bay & Southwestern D'Urville Island

Natural Character Attributes Degree of Natural Character Abiotic Biotic Experiential Very High    High

Moderate to High

Moderate

Moderate to Low

Low

Very Low

Overall Natural Character Rating Very High

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 61 Additional Comments which has Squally Cove Excludes marine farms. numerous in farms A small number of marine Basin. in Current two small bays Tasman in areas offshore Certain trawled. commercially are Bay Largely unmodified near-shore coastal unmodified near-shore Largely from ranging marine environment sheltered very to semi-sheltered shores. Estuary. Whangarae Subtidal sand flat boulder bank and at the mouth of habitats/communities Harbour. Croisilles with associated High flow habitats Pass. Basin and French Current and associated Harbour Greville communities. D’Urville Island Scenic Reserve Harbour) islands (Croisilles Offshore Rocks) (e.g. outcrops Paddock and rocky B. Marine Area Adjoins Coastal Key Values Key Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Very High Very Rating Refer also to Section F of this reportRefer for: 1: D’Urville Area Island, Character Natural Outstanding Coastal Pass, 2: French Area Character Natural Outstanding Coastal Harbour 6: Croisilles Area Character Natural Outstanding Coastal Outer Croisilles Outer Croisilles Harbour – south western D’Urville Island Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Marine Area A: Tasman Bay & Bay Tasman A: Area Coastal Marine Parts within 4 & 5: Specific Levels Character High Natural Very D'Urville Holding High or Island Southwestern Sub Area Above: East Arm Above: 62

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D

r r

e o

P h

a C

Rangitoto ki te Tonga / D'Urville Island

e r F

East Arm

ourr Camp Bay arb H le il v e r

G r

u Matarau Point Matarau o ay b B r i iw a k H O

s le il is ro Extent of Coastal Environment of Coastal Extent D'Urville & Southwestern Island Bay Tasman A: Marine Area (2009) Zones MDC Residential (Oct * 2013) Marine Farms Consented Active/ A) in Marine Area High (n/a High Very C Marine Area A: Tasman Bay & Southwestern D'Urville & Southwestern Island Bay Tasman A: Marine Area (2009) Zones MDC Residential (Oct 2013) Marine Farms Active A) Area High (n.a within Marine High Very Ronga Saddle .Ronga Marine Area A: Tasman Bay & Southwestern D'Urville Island & Southwestern Bay Tasman A: Marine Area ** Rating Character Natural Coastal Legend Legend

Tasman Bay & Southwestern D' Urville Island D' Urville & Southwestern Bay Tasman

n g a t

y n R a r B Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Tasman Bay Opposite: Onetea Bay Opposite: * Data represents active and consented marine farms as of October 2013. Marine farms mapped may not mapped may be as of October 2013. Marine farms marine farms active and consented represents * Data operational. Marine of biotic & abiotic assessments. extent on the offshore limitations to page 23 and Appendix 6 for **Refer in the text and consideration into been taken have values Experiential only. abiotic and biotic values maps illustrate on this map. overlay a separate would represent Coastal Coastal A Marine Area : FFiillee RReeff:: CC1100000033__66000011__Maarriinnee__AArreeaa__BB..mxxdd

64 Coastal Marine Area B : D' Urville Island - Northern Cook Strait

Variably exposed; waters relatively warm, clear, and nutrient-rich; strong currents; offshore reefs, stacks and islands; deep subtidal reefs; rich reef communities; bryozoan and horse mussel beds; tube worm colonies; extensive mud/sand areas offshore; highly diverse marine environment.

Stephens Island St eph en s P as sa ge

Catherine Cove *

Admiralty

Forsyth IslandTiti Island Bay

Allen StraitGuards (Guards Bay Pass) * * * Anakoha Bay Port Gore

0 50 105km 10 km

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 65 gravel shores along north-eastern shores D’Urville Island; gravel mud offshore; of sand and subtidal areas extensive An areas. in some higher current and shelly gravels between (<30m depth) bank extends shallow extensive Island and D’Urville Island. Titi 60m, though around Maximum depth is generally occur in several between 100 and 300m deep “holes” to 12-18m extend generally places. Subtidal reefs some pinnacles than 60m off depth, though greater and steeper headlands. parts of the various occurs through Bottom trawling scallop dredging commercial territory whereas offshore between localised (e.g. the area is more Port Gore, is Island). Aquaculture and Forsyth Bay Guards Bay, Anakoha Bay, in Admiralty predominantly present parts and of Port Gore. Cove Catherine A wide variety of marine communities are evident evident are of marine communities A wide variety environment. physical the diverse reflecting in the most and communities sheltered Habitats and Queen those in Pelorus resemble inlets and bays and with a similar low diversity Charlotte Sounds, to exposed Moderate abundance of macroalgae. and high seaweed diversity contrastingly have coasts species such canopy forming with conspicuous cover, Biotic Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Above: Port Gore Above: This Coastal Marine Area has a highly diverse marine diverse has a highly Area Marine This Coastal topography, coastal complex due to its environment and hydrology. bathymetry north- around exposed very from range Sea conditions (Stephens Island) western D’Urville and Takapourewa of certain within the upper reaches sheltered to very is however, Mostthe region of bays. inlets and larger sheltered. moderately complex with to high tidal range a moderate is There tidal mixing in open strong and patterns circulation occur off currents strong to very Strong waters. especially headlands and between land masses, and Allen Stephens Passage Pass, French through to low elsewhere. moderate are currents Strait; low turbidity/ mostly clear with relatively are Waters tend temperatures Sea surface levels. sedimentation cooler generally are though waters overall, to be warm to the west. can in the east Nutrient compared levels and Strait Cook be high due to upwelling through tidal mixing. strong is distinguished by its huge Marine Area This Coastal and function including: form in physical diversity stacks islands and offshore headlands, rocky exposed inlets; and bays sheltered areas; high current and rocks; fringing reefs and cobble/boulder of bed rock a mixture in places; intertidal reefs deep rocky the shoreline; of some inlets; well sorted in the heads flats sand/mud Abiotic 66

Coastal Marine Area B : D' Urville Island - Northern Cook Strait

as narrow and flexible flapjack, Marginariella spp., is a high diversity of coastal temperate fish species oak-leaf seaweed, paddle weed forming luxuriant beds throughout the region. from 3m to over 24m depth, and various other large Various seabird and marine mammal species utilise brown and green seaweeds at more exposed sites. these waters (refer Collective Biotic Characteristics of Colder water kelps (Macrocystis, bull kelp and strap the Marlborough Sounds Marine Environment). Of kelp) are more restricted in their distribution. particular note is the presence of dusky dolphins in A variety of encrusting and mobile invertebrates (e.g. Admiralty Bay over winter and spring, the large fur seal sponges, ascidians, hydroids, anemones, crustaceans, breeding colony on Takapourewa (Stephen’s Island), echinoderms, and notably molluscs) inhabit the rocky and the small number of king shag breeding sites in reefs. The more sheltered bays and inlets support the outer Sounds. fewer conspicuous reef dwelling species though tube worm colonies are common in some sheltered reef Experiential sites. Diverse assemblages of sponges, ascidians, The waters of the Northern Cook Strait and D’Urville bryozoans and other encrusting animals inhabit the Island Coastal Marine Area reflect the diversity of the deeper reefs below the seaweed zone (>24m). terrestrial areas and range from exposed to relatively The outer eastern flank of Port Hardy, extending sheltered. Numerous off shore islands and reefs pepper out to include Takapourewa (Stephens Island) and these waters, including D’Urville, the Chetwodes the northern parts of D’Urville Island is particularly and Takapourewa (Stephens Island). Modification noteworthy for its complex reef habitats and high to these waters is limited, principally due to the diversity of macroalgae, invertebrates and fish. The exposed nature of the open water. These waters are inner regions of Port Hardy are more representative of infrequently visited and are amongst the most remote sheltered Sounds conditions, with some good forested in the Sounds. Expansive open views of Cook Strait are catchments in South Arm and Wells Arm. dominated by weather. Open sea fishing and charter Offshore sediments support a varied biota depending boats are evident in calm conditions, as are divers on depth, substrate type and hydrology. Three distinct whose numerous dive sites include the sunken Mikhial community types are recognisable. Key conspicuous Lermontov in Port Gore. Diving and fishing are also species include brittle stars, heart urchins, whelks, popular off the islands east of D'Urville Island, and bivalve molluscs and brachiopods. around the Chetwodes. Aquaculture is mostly limited to some of the larger mainland bays notably Admiralty Isolated but relatively large areas dominated by Bay, Anakoha Bay and parts of Port Gore. bryozoan corals are a distinctive feature of the Coastal Marine Area. Horse mussel, brachiopod and dog cockle beds are also present in certain places and there Level 3: Overall Rating for Coastal Marine Area B: D'Urville Island - Northern Cook Strait Natural Character Attributes Degree of Natural Character Abiotic Biotic Experiential Very High  High   Moderate to High

Moderate

Moderate to Low

Low

Very Low

Overall Natural Character Rating High

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 67

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Marine Area B: D'Urville Island - Northern Cook Strait Holding High or Very High Natural Character SECTION D Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments Western D’Urville Very Largely unmodified and highly diverse One small marine farm in Port Island – Rangitoto High near-shore coastal marine environment Hardy. Islands ranging from very exposed to very Certain offshore areas in sheltered shores. Tasman Bay and Cook Strait are Diverse rocky reef communities. commercially trawled

High current habitats including areas dominated by byrozoan corals.

Port Hardy and associated sheltered Sounds communities.

D’Urville Island Scenic Reserve.

Several offshore islands and rock stacks including Stephen’s Island, the Rangitoto Islands and Jag Rocks.

Adjoins Coastal Marine Area A. Eastern D’Urville High Near-shore areas, including around the Trio Offshore banks between the island Island – Waitui Islands, Chetwode Islands and Titi Island, groups are commercially trawled, retain high natural values. in places relatively intensively. Bay Variable exposure. Some commercial scallop dredging in Waitui Bay and northwest of Numerous ecologically significant marine Nukuwaiata Island. sites.

D’Urville Island Scenic Reserve; Chetwode Island Nature Reserve; Titi Island Nature Reserve. Cape Lambert- Very Largely unmodified section of coast with Some commercial trawling Cape Jackson High exposed rocky bluffs, headlands and reefs. offshore.

Cape Lambert Scenic Reserve Offshore areas in Waitui Bay are commercially dredged for scallops. Adjoins Coastal Marine Area G at Cape Jackson.

Inner Port Gore High Relatively sheltered and largely unmodified intertidal and near-shore marine environment.

Cape Lambert Scenic Reserve.

Eastern and southern shores backed by regenerating scrub/forest.

Some ecologically significant marine sites.

Table continued overleaf

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 68

Coastal Marine Area B : D' Urville Island - Northern Cook Strait

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Marine Area B: D'Urville Island - Northern Cook Strait Holding High or Very High Natural Character Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments Refer also to Section F of this report for: Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 1: D’Urville Island, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 2: French Pass, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 3: D'Urville Islands, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 4: Chetwode and Titi Islands, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 9: The Capes

French Pass settlement

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D

69 Port Gore Port Waitui Bay Waitui

* Titi Island Titi Guards Bay Guards *

Anakoha Bay Anakoha

Forsyth Island Forsyth * Allen Strait (Guards Pass) (Guards Strait Allen

e * g sa

Stephens Island s a P s n

Extent of Coastal Environment of Coastal Extent B: D'Urville Strait - Northern Island Marine Area Cook (2009) Zones MDC Residential (Oct 2013)* Marine Farms Active High High Very e h p e t S Legend Legend Marine Area B: D'Urville Strait Marine Area Island - Northern Cook Rating** Character Natural Coastal Catherine Cove Catherine * Admiralty Bay Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough * Data represents active and consented marine farms as of October 2013. Marine farms mapped may not mapped may be as of October 2013. Marine farms marine farms active and consented represents * Data operational. Marine of biotic & abiotic assessments. extent on the offshore limitations to page 23 and Appendix 6 for **Refer in the text consideration into been taken have values Experiential only. abiotic and biotic values maps illustrate on this map. overlay a separate and would represent FFilieleRReeff::CC1100000033__66000022__MMaarrininee__AArreeaa__CC.m.mxxdd

Coastal Marine Area C : Pelorus Sound Collective Characteristics

Sheltered and warm; turbid and estuarine in the inner Sound; narrow near-shore reef; sand/shell and then mud offshore; typical array of coastal species; reefs and sediments can often appear relatively barren; biogenic communities in places including rhodoliths, hydroids, tube worms, horse mussels and bryozoans.

Forsyth Bay

Waitata Reach

Maud Island Beatrix Tawhitinui Reach Bay

*Tawero Point

n d u o S

u r o

P e l

c a

u p a ik Kenepuru Sound H

Ka iu m a

a y r e iv Havelock R M s * a ru ha elo kip

P r awa Arm

e v

a N n

00 44.5.5 99kkmm

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 71 Waitata Reach, including some of the side bays and bays some of the side including Reach, Waitata many through is common Aquaculture Bay. Forsyth Bay. Forsyth Sound and parts of Pelorus Biotic of and coverage a low diversity generally is There by Sound, dominated within Pelorus macro-algae sp. and Cystophera species such as flapjack fucoid normally confined seaweeds are brown These large water below the low immediately zone to a narrow areas deeper in higher current mark though can extend of the main channel. Deeper reefs along the margins can support headlands in the mid-outer Pelorus off flapjack. Algal species diversity, good stands of flexible with distance into reduce and abundance plant size and side arms. bays the Sound and into with barren, relatively appear subtidal reefs Many and mobile algae and encrusting crustose coralline anemones, (e.g. hydroids, sponges, invertebrates the molluscs) echinoderms and various crustaceans, occur in worm colonies Tube dominant organisms. can support a relatively some places and deeper reefs hydroids, sponges, by dominated fauna diverse ascidians and occasionally bryozoan compound Kina and most echinoderms are other large “corals”. Sound in the inner Pelorus reefs mostly absent from due to the low salinities and high sediment loads there. which prevail relatively are organisms surface Conspicuous and mud/silt deeper sand/shell over uncommon cryptic and/or species are of the many substrata; In certain the sediments. places this into burrow and reflect a long history of trawling may pattern Various shellfish species and shellfish dredging. In sediment fauna. the soft echinoderms dominate favourable, are conditions environmental places where scallops, horse mussels, species such as rhodoliths, anemones and burrowing bryozoans, brachiopods, sometimes in high densities. can occur, trees hydroid species; however, fish of coastal is a typical array There low, relatively and abundance is fish diversity reef especially within the inner Sound. Elephant spawn fish seasonally and snapper are Bay of Fitzroy in the region abundant. and neighbouring bays Estuary The Pelorus/Kaituna and supports extensive at the head of the Pelorus communities. salt marsh and invertebrate productive Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Pelorus Sound (including Forsyth Bay) is notable for notable for is Bay) Forsyth Sound (including Pelorus with numerous form, and convoluted its enclosed and reaches bays, inlets, sounds, interconnected add to rocks islands and offshore Various channels. as means the area This topography this complexity. the effects from sheltered very a whole tends to be is fetch Wave swells. winds and oceanic of strong limited in most places apart of down the lengths from Reach. Waitata and Reach Tawhitinui are and currents tidal range a moderate is There to bays weak in enclosed from ranging variable, along the main channels and moderate-to-strong are certain temperatures surface headlands. Sea off and particularly warm, in the inner Pelorus, relatively can be highly stratified. waters influence, a large have Rivers Kaituna and The Pelorus sediment loads and turbidity, salinities, affecting Sound. Estuarine throughout Pelorus nutrient levels and freshwater the inner Pelorus, dominate conditions Turbidity/ extend throughout the Sound. influences there but generally variable, are levels sedimentation the inner turbidity towards of increasing is a gradient be highest clarity tends to beyond water Pelorus; poor close is relatively quality Water Point. Tawero management of catchment as a result to Havelock on Forestry in the vicinity. and specific discharges also cause local sedimentation hills may surrounding Sound. Pelorus issues around fringes reef (10-50m) rock/rubble a narrow Typically of with occasional areas interspersed the shoreline The intertidal and subtidal reef gravel. sand and/or with by mud habitats followed sand/shell, into grades habitat Reef shore. depth and distance from increasing 13m, though down to around on average extends and uniform certain headlands. Extensive deeper off zones the near-shore beyond extend of mud/silt areas Maximum depth seafloor. mostacross of the region’s 20m to 80m. around from ranges and neighbouring Estuary Pelorus/Kaituna a complex form Bay Arm and Kaiuma Mahakipawa Sound, estuarine delta system at the head of Pelorus and (fine sand/mud) intertidal flats with extensive by tidal channels. linked shallow subtidal areas, throughout scattered are Smaller tidal sand/mudflats and inlets. Sound, typically at the heads of bays Pelorus the mid-outer occurs through Occasional trawling scallop commercial is intensive There Sound. Pelorus Reach, Tawhitinui to in certain through dredging areas Abiotic 72

Coastal Marine Area C : Pelorus Sound Dense cockle beds (inter-tidal and sub-tidal) occur at Aquaculture is apparent along much of this shoreline, various locations. Spartina is being actively controlled notably within many of the large embayments, such in this area. The general area is important as a nursery as Crail and Beatrix Bays. There are two Salmon Farms and feeding ground for coastal fish, as well as habitat present in the area, with a number also proposed. for various wildlife species. Several threatened birds Boats within this area tend mainly to be servicing are found here including banded rail, marsh crake, mussel farms, although the area is also popular for banded dotterel, and black-fronted, white-fronted recreational boating especially over summer and and Caspian terns. The network of smaller intertidal commercial scallop dredging occurs in Tawhitinui wetlands scattered throughout the Pelorus Sound and Waitata Reach. Various jetties and moorings are provide additional foraging areas for wildlife and act as scattered around the Pelorus, though in much lower important “stepping stones” for coastal birds moving numbers than found in neighbouring Queen Charlotte through the Sounds. Sound. Surface modification is therefore confined to the ‘edges’. Due to the scale of the waterways, surface Various other seabirds as well as some marine modification appears small and experiential values are mammal species are seen throughout the Pelorus relatively high. Sound (refer to the Collective Biotic Characteristics of the Marlborough Sounds Marine Environment earlier). Crayfish diving is enjoyed in outer Pelorus Sound and in Duffers Reef, a chain of small islands and stacks off areas where the benthic environment is soft bottomed, the north-western tip of Forsyth Island, is a nationally Eagle Rays and Sting Rays are sighted. significant nesting area for king shags. Experiential

This Coastal Marine Area includes Pelorus Sound, Kenepuru Sound, Tawhitinui Reach, Waitata Reach and Forsyth Bay and represents the largest enclosed water body in the study area. Many of the waterways are broad, such as Tawhitinui Reach and Waitata Reach being approximately 3km in width, with Kenepuru Sound and Hikapu Reach being amongst the narrowest. Views, especially in more sheltered areas across the water channels are often foreshortened and channelled by interconnecting islands and peninsulas. Above: Snapper

Level 3: Overall Area Rating for Coastal Marine Area C: Pelorus Sound Natural Character Attributes Degree of Natural Character Abiotic Biotic Experiential

Very High

High Moderate to High    Moderate

Moderate to Low

Low

Very Low

Overall Natural Character Rating Moderate - High

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 73

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Marine Area C: Pelorus Sound Holding

High or Very High Natural Character SECTION D

Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments

Pelorus Heads High Largely unmodified section of coast Some marine farming north of Te extending into the entrance of Pelorus Akaroa. Sound to Kaitira and Te Akaroa.

High current communities flanking the main channels.

Includes the offshore main channel entering Pelorus Sound.

Duffers Reef including its associated king shag nesting sites.

Adjoins Coastal Marine Area B.

Maud Island to High Near-shore areas retain high natural Commercial scallop dredging in Yellow Cliffs, values. Tawhitinui Reach and Waitata including Apuau Reach Sheltered indented coastline with Channel multiple aspects. Three marine farms approved for the culture of sponges and Tom Shand Scientific Reserve (Maud seaweeds with limited effect on Island) and Deep Bay Scenic Reserve on seabed values the opposite mainland, separated by Apuau Channel.

Fitzroy Bay and High Near-shore and offshore waters mostly Two mussel-spat marine farms. western Hallam unmodified. Cove Backed by Garne and Savill Bay Scenic Reserve.

Elephant fish spawning grounds close to shore.

Tennyson Inlet Very High The largest marine area in Moorings and a small port area are Marlborough surrounded by protected located in Elaine Bay. A number native forest. of moorings are also present in Penzance Bay. Largely unmodified, very sheltered inner-Sounds marine environment.

Low natural diversity.

Convoluted shoreline with three small offshore islands.

Three small estuaries.

Several scenic reserves.

Table continued overleaf

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 74

Coastal Marine Area C : Pelorus Sound

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Marine Area C: Pelorus Sound Holding High or Very High Natural Character

Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments

Nydia Bay – Very High Largely unmodified section of coast Two small areas of mussel farms Tawero Point extending over many kilometres (Fairy Bay and west of Tawero from the head of Nydia Bay along Point). the western side of Pelorus Sound to Tawero Point.

Several small bays.

Mostly sheltered but exposed to a wide range of tidal flow conditions including high flow communities.

Large sections of this coast are backed by scenic reserves.

Pelorus/Kaituna High The largest estuarine area in the Excludes Port Havelock. Estuary – Marlborough Sounds. Natural Water quality modified by Mahakipawa Arm processes within the estuary are largely discharges, port activities and river – Kaiuma Bay intact. inputs. Extensive saltmarsh beds, intertidal Partly modified margins due to the mud flats and other estuarine port, an oyster farm, roading and communities. agriculture. Diverse avifauna.

Despite modifications around parts of its perimeter, this large estuarine complex retains many of its natural qualities.

Refer also to Section F of this report for: Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 7: Maud Island, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 8: Tennyson Inlet & Inner Pelorus Sound, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 13: Pelorus Estuary

White fronted terns Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 75 Forsyth Bay Extent of Coastal Environment of Coastal Extent Sound C: Pelorus Marine Area (2009) Zones MDC Residential Farms Marine / Consented Active (Oct 2013)* Beatrix Beatrix Bay

Legend

Waitata Reach Waitata

Tawero Point Tawero Sound Kenepuru

Maud Island o

a e c h R

k i H

Tawhitinui Reach m

w a ip k a a a B y h um a ai M K

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough

i e R

r a

n u t i a K

Havelock *

i R

u r

High High Very o l e P Marine Area C: Pelorus Sound C: Pelorus Marine Area Rating** Character Natural Coastal * Data represents active and consented marine farms as of October 2013. Marine farms mapped may not mapped may be as of October 2013. Marine farms marine farms active and consented represents * Data operational. in the consideration into been taken have values Experiential only. abiotic and biotic values **Marine maps illustrate on this map. overlay a separate text and would represent File Ref: C10003_6002_Marine_Area_D.mxd

Coastal Marine Area D : Queen Charlotte Sound Collective Characteristics

Sheltered; waters relatively clear and cool; narrow near-shore reef grading into sand/shell and extensive mud habitats offshore; typical array of species, though reefs and sediments can often appear relatively barren; biogenic communities in places including tubeworms, horse mussels, brachiopods and red algae beds.

Ship Cove

Long Island

Blumine Island

Bay of

Many Coves Patten Passage

Ruakaka Bay

Blackwood Bay

Dieffenbach Point

nd Curious Sou Tory Channel te y Cove lot a ar B Ch a en w ue r a Q u ik o a rb a W H n o t ic Waikawa P

Picton

0 4.5 9 km

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 77 salmon farm in Ruakaka Bay and a number of mussel and a number of mussel Bay in Ruakaka salmon farm and eastern sectors in the southern of East Bay. farms Biotic of and coverage a low diversity generally is There species such as by fucoid (dominated macro-algae confined to Charlotte Sound, usually flapjack) in Queen mark. below the low water immediately fringe a patchy support can good stands of flexible Some deeper reefs confined and paddle weed are flapjack. Macrocystis The Channel. Tory to near the entrance to waters Undaria is sparsely distributed through kelp introduced parts of the Sound. of small algae and high densities Crustose coralline Other conspicuous areas. subtidal reef kina dominate encrusting and mobile species include various reef anemones, (e.g. hydroids, sponges, invertebrates starfishes and notably crustaceans, tubeworms, occur in places. tubeworm colonies Large molluscs). relatively are organisms surface Conspicuous bottom. and mud/silt sand/shell the over uncommon the soft and echinoderms dominate molluscs Various cryptic within the or living many sediment fauna, conditions environmental where In places, sediments. scallops, species such as horse mussels, favourable, are occur, trees and hydroid bryozoans brachiopods, sometimes in high densities. algae red by some large Arm is distinguished Grove rare (a lenticularis beds and a dense bed of Neothyris also occurs in lesser densities at Neothyris brachiopod). including East Bay. locations other discrete a three small estuarine wetlands at relatively a few are There the largest of which and inlets, the heads of major bays Arm. at the head of Grove is located species present. fish of coastal is a typical array There triplefin, and and common variable Apart spotty, from low fish abundance is generally reef small blue cod, may schools of tarakihi Large the bioregion. across reefs. headlands and deeper prominent off be found spawn in some inner bays. rough skate Elephant fish and species are marine mammal and seabird Various seen throughout the Queen Charlotte Sound (refer of the Marlborough Biotic Characteristics Collective A small pod of Hector’s Sounds Marine Environment). and bottlenose dolphins are here, resident dolphins are dolphins also visit seen. Dusky the Sound, commonly winter. mainly over Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Queen Charlotte Sound with its network of inlets, bays, bays, network of inlets, Sound with its Queen Charlotte by its convoluted channels is distinguished islands and conditions. and sheltered enclosed waters coastline, of down the centre except fetch limited wave is There the main Sound. in tending to be weak in strength, variable are Currents along the sides and inlets and moderate enclosed bays the occur near currents Stronger of the main channel. and Patten Tory Channel and within with confluence Passages. Pickersgill Sound, no major rivers neighbouring Pelorus Unlike the Queen Charlotte. As a consequence, into discharge the bioregion high across consistently salinities remain low- tend to be levels and turbidity and sedimentation cause local may forests of exotic Harvesting moderate. mostly are temperatures Water issues. sedimentation Channel) though Tory in the vicinity of (especially cool and the heads is seasonal thermal stratification there the in noticeably warmer and inlets are of major bays height of summer. Sound is generally quality in Queen Charlotte Water mainly is near Picton, exception The key good. very port activities related runoff, due to stormwater quality Water in the vicinity. and specific discharges populated in some of the more can also be reduced summer due to poor water and inlets over side bays use. holiday and intensive exchange 30-45m; from ranges Maximum depth generally Blumine Point, occur near Dieffenbach deeper areas is a small tidal range There Passage. Island and Patten in a comparatively resulting at 1.5m Picton), (around intertidal zone. narrow reef and cobble/boulder (10-50m) rock A narrow by the interrupted typically fringes the shoreline beach, especially near the occasional sand/gravel at intertidal sand flat is a large There heads of bays. across habitat extends Arm. Reef the head of Grove down to and subtidally on average the intertidal zone There 33m. 12m and a maximum of around around way gives Reef reef/shoal. is the occasional offshore depth. Mud and then mud with greater to sand/shell areas. deeper offshore dominates is there occurs where scallop dredging Commercial (e.g. areas between suitable habitat in some offshore Queen and in central Island and Ship Cove Long Charlotte Sound but in inner Queen is prohibited and Charlotte Sound (west Blackwood Bay from in all of Queen is prohibited Trawling Curious Cove). to a single is restricted Charlotte Sound. Aquaculture Abiotic 78

Coastal Marine Area D : Queen Charlotte Sound

Historically, ferry wakes (especially those from areas, such as the head of East Bay. There is limited fast ferries) had a significant adverse effect on aquaculture present, with only the Ruakaka salmon the diversity and abundance of shallow subtidal farm in Ruakaka Bay and a number of mussel farms and intertidal species adjacent to the ferry route. and one salmon farm in East Bay. Following restrictions on ferry speeds and wakes Scallop diving and spear fishing are also commonly introduced in 2000, a noticeable recovery of marine enjoyed. Various sharks (e.g. carpet shark) are also life occurred along the ferry route. However, for seasonally evident in more open waters. Due to this, invertebrate communities inhabiting intertidal the Sound is extremely memorable. cobble and bedrock shores this recovery was reversed following the introduction of the Kaitaki in 2005; these particular communities continue to be adversely affected by ferry wash. Experiential

This mainly sheltered and highly indented waterway is the most popular part for the Sounds for recreational activities and habitation. This is due to its location next to Picton and Waikawa and the terminus for the Cook Strait ferry. Many baches and houses line the coastline and many roads traverse the Sound where access Above: Bottlenose Dolphins and views are plentiful. Expansive views of the Sound are also available from small sections of the Queen Charlotte Walking Track. Jetties, wharves and moorings tend to be located within the many small embayments, notably along its western side. Boats and yachts are plentiful closer to the head of the Sound, dissipating further northwards towards Cook Strait.

Modification to the water is therefore highest around Picton, Waikawa and the south-western side of the Sound. Further northwards, beyond Tory Channel, the modification on the water is limited to small Above: Sea Perch are commonly caught in Queen Charlotte Sound

Level 3: Overall Area Rating for Coastal Marine Area D: Queen Charlotte Sound

Natural Character Attributes Degree of Natural Character Abiotic Biotic Experiential Very High   High  Moderate to High

Moderate

Moderate to Low

Low

Very Low

Overall Natural Character Rating Very High

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 79

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Marine Area D: Queen Charlotte Sound

Holding High or Very High Natural Character SECTION D

Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments

Outer Queen Very Largely unmodified and mostly sheltered near- Excludes an area around Charlotte Sound High shore and offshore marine environment with Motuara Island and offshore complex topography, multiple aspects and from Ship’s Cove which is complex hydrology, leading to a wide variety commercially dredged for of environmental conditions. Naturally low scallops. sedimentation levels. Excludes Otanerau Bay and Long Island – Kokomohua Marine Reserve. the eastern sector of East Bay which have a relatively high Blumine and Pickersgill Islands. Fast flow concentration of marine farms. habitats through Patten and Pickersgill passages. Several ecologically significant marine sites, including the entire northern flank of East Bay. A large proportion of the terrestrial environment is protected land (several scenic reserves) Adjoins Coastal Marine Area G.

Inner Queen Very Largely unmodified near-shore and offshore Privately owned jetties and Charlotte Sound High marine environment. moorings are common through various parts of this region, but Very sheltered with a highly indented coastline these are considered to have made up of numerous inlets and bays. only small localised effects Relatively low sedimentation levels due to the ecologically. absence of any major rivers. Grove Arm supports the largest estuarine wetland in Queen Charlotte Sound. A large proportion of the surrounding terrestrial environment, mainly along the northern shores and in Grove Arm, is protected land. Several scenic reserves. Several ecologically significant marine sites

Tory Channel High Largely unmodified intertidal and near-shore Commercial scallop dredging entrance to marine environment occurs in places offshore. Umuwheke Bay Moderate-strong current communities near the entrance to Tory Channel grading to more typical inner Queen Charlotte Sound communities with distance away from Tory Channel. Backed by regenerating scrub/forest and in places scenic

Table continues overleaf

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 80

Coastal Marine Area D : Queen Charlotte Sound

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Marine Area D: Queen Charlotte Sound Holding High or Very High Natural Character

Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments

Ship Cove – High Largely unmodified intertidal and near-shore Offshore areas are modified by Motuara Island marine environment backed by significant commercial scallop dredging naturally forested hill slopes. between Long Island – Kokomohua Marine Reserve Motuara Island. and the mainland at Ship Cove. Bordered by Long Island – Kokomohua Marine Reserve.

Small areas of Macrocystis kelp near Motuara Island.

Adjoins Coastal Marine Area G

Refer also to Section F of this report for: Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 10: Ship Cove & Resolution Bay, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 11: Islands of Queen Charlotte Sound, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 12: Mt. Stokes.

Above: The main channel of Queen Charlotte Sound

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 81

Legend SECTION D Extent of Coastal Environment Marine Area D: Queen Charlotte Sound MDC Residential Zones (2009) Active / Consented Marine Farms (Oct 2013)* Marine Area D: Queen Charlotte Sound Coastal Natural Character Rating** High Very High

Ship Cove

Long Island

Blumine

Island Bay of

Ruakaka Bay Many Coves Patten Passage

Blackwood Bay

East Bay Dieffenbach n d * o u Point Tory Channel e S l o t t Curious a r r y * C h u a e e n o B Cove Q u b a r w a a H ik n a o t WWaikawa ic P

Picton

* Data represents active and consented marine farms as of October 2013. Marine farms mapped may not be operational. **Marine maps illustrate abiotic and biotic values only. Experiential values have been taken into consideration in the text and would represent a separate overlay on this map.

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Fiille Reff:: C10003_6002_Marriine_Arrea_E..mxd

Coastal Marine Area E : Tory Channel Collective Characteristics

Very sheltered; cold waters; strong currents; a narrow rock/cobble reef fringe bordered by well-sorted sands; silty sands and calcareous gravels in the bottom of the main channel; shallow muddy side bays; rich and abundant seaweed and invertebrate communities along channel margins.

East Head West Head

Deep Bay

Tory Channel

Te Rua Bay

Tikimaeroero Point Otamango Point

O Oyster Bay n a p u a B ay

Cook Strait

0 1..75 3..5 km

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 83 No commercial trawling or dredging occurs in Tory Tory occurs in or dredging trawling No commercial (salmon and is some aquaculture There Channel. farming) butrestricted itshellfish to a small is mostly along the channel. aboutnumber of localities half way local also cause may hills on surrounding Forestry issues. sedimentation Biotic rich and abundant macro-algae A comparatively seaweeds and red green – a mix of brown, community main along the sides of the areas – inhabits reef intertidally necklace is common channel. Neptune’s are pyrifera Macrocystis and stands of the giant kelp weed and Paddle the most low water. below obvious are as are also abundant subtidally, flapjack flexible the seaweeds beneath and red smaller green various on forests extensive weed forms Paddle canopy. kelp of the and dense patches deep reefs some moderately seaweed Undaria occur along North Pacific introduced to way give of the channel. Macroalgae the margins deepest on the reefs. varieties crustose coralline Channel also supports and abundant a diverse Tory species – feeding Filter community. invertebrate – are and hydroids ascidians sponges, anemones, especially on the deeper reefs. particularly noteworthy, cats molluscs (e.g. paua, topshells, Numerous chitons, and echinoderms (e.g. shell) turret kina, snake eye, and a rich starfish), sea cucumbers and several stars, on the also present are fish species, of coastal array Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Tory Channel is a narrow open-endednarrow Channel is a channel Tory Strait. It with Cook Charlotte Sound Queen connecting very is and bays shallow side by numerous is flanked sheltered. Tory Channel’s influence on a strong has Strait Cook drives Strait Cook In particular, environment. physical tidal mixing and strong tidal currents strong the very strongest are Currents area. which distinguish this Heads. Cook West between East and (up to 7 knots) saline and nutrient- of the cold, is also the source Strait clarity Water Channel. Tory within found rich waters good, though turbidity can be variable is generally and the size Strait in Cook depending on sea conditions of the tide. a narrow small, exposing is relatively The tidal range reefs boulder and bedrock Cobble, intertidal zone. interrupted shoreline, fringe much of the channel’s extend beach. Reefs by the occasional sand/gravel to well- giving way before metres several subtidally for and shell. Silt, muddy sands sorted sands and broken the bottom of the main dominate gravels calcareous by mud/ dominated and inlets are bays channel. Larger silt habitat. 30- from Maximum depths in the main channel range much shallower (6-17m) and some are 75m. Side bays bars extending shallow (1-3m) silt/sand very have their mouths. across Abiotic Above: Tory Channel from Tikimaeroero Point and Otamango Point (foreground) (foreground) and Otamango Point Point Tikimaeroero Channel from Tory Above: 84

Coastal Marine Area E : Tory Channel reefs and adjacent sediments. Experiential Reef areas in the side bays support an array of This mainly sheltered waterway is moderately modified invertebrates and algae similar to sheltered areas of by a small number of salmon farms and mussel farms. Queen Charlotte Sound. Horse mussel and cockle beds Tory Channel is the main transportation route for the occur in some side bays. Cook Strait ferries offering a number of visitors their Various seabirds and marine mammals utilise Tory first close up view of the South Island when travelling Channel (refer Collective Biotic Characteristics of the from Wellington. Crayfish diving and spear fishing is Marlborough Sounds Marine Environment). Bottlenose also experienced in outer Tory Channel. The channel is dolphins in particular are regularly seen feeding and reasonably narrow and there are a number of jetties travelling through this area. Large whales only rarely and wharves located within more sheltered bays. Based enter Tory Channel from Cook Strait. on this, the waters of Tory Channel therefore display Historically, ferry wakes (especially those from fast high experiential natural character values. ferries) had a significant adverse effect on the diversity and abundance of shallow subtidal and intertidal species along Tory Channel. Following restrictions on ferry speeds and wakes introduced in 2000, a noticeable recovery of marine life occurred along the ferry route. However, for invertebrate communities inhabiting intertidal cobble and bedrock shores this recovery was reversed following the introduction of the Kaitaki in 2005; these particular communities continue to be adversely affected by ferry wash. Above: Paua. Level 3: Overall Area Rating for Coastal Marine Area E: Tory Channel Natural Character Attributes Degree of Natural Character Abiotic Biotic Experiential

Very High High    Moderate to High

Moderate

Moderate to Low

Low

Very Low

Overall Natural Character Rating High

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Marine Area E: Tory Channel Holding High or Very High Natural Character Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments Eastern entrance Very Largely unmodified high current Extension of the Outer Queen to Tory Channel. High communities where Tory Channel meets Charlotte Sound – Eastern Cook the outer Cook Strait coast. Strait – Rarangi sub area (Coastal Marine Area G). Mostly protected from wave action except near the heads.

Adjoins Coastal Marine Area G

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 85

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Marine Area E: Tory Channel Holding High or Very High Natural Character SECTION D Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments Tory Channel High Narrow deep channel dominated by strong The main marine farming areas in (excluding tidal flows, sheltered wave climate and Tory Channel are excluded. centrally located proximity to Cook Strait. Ferry wash continues to have an marine farming Shallow side bays. affect but is limited to exposed areas) Numerous ecologically significant marine intertidal shores. sites distinguished by high current Undaria is widespread in shallow communities. waters but is not considered to Unique natural character area as a whole. affect wider trophic/community structure and function significantly. Adjoins Coastal Marine Area G Strong currents minimise sedimentation impacts along the main channel.

Legend Extent of Coastal Environment Marine Area E: Tory Channel MDC Residential Zones (2009) Active/ Consented Marine Farms (Oct 2013)* Marine Area E: Tory Channel Coastal Natural Character Rating** High Very High

East Head West Head

Deep Bay

Tory Channel

Te Rua Bay

Oyster Bay Tikimaeroero Point Otamango Point

n a p u a B ay

* Data represents active and consented marine farms as of October 2013. Marine farms mapped may not be operational. ** Marine maps illustrate abiotic and biotic values only. Experiential values have been taken into consideration in the text and would represent a separate overlay on this map.

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 FFiillee RReeff:: CC1100000033__66000022__Maarriinnee__AArreeaa__FF..mxxdd

Coastal Marine Area F : Port Underwood Collective Characteristics

Mostly sheltered; often turbid; shallow waters; extensive mud bottom with narrow rock/cobble fringe; conspicuous brown seaweed community; offshore red algae beds; massive tube worm colonies in places.

Ngakuta Bay

Oyster Bay

Separation Point

Horahora Kakahu Island Port Underwood

Robertson Point

Cloudy Bay 0 1 2 km

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 87 Port Underwood is relatively shallow (<20m). A narrow shallow (<20m). A narrow Port Underwood is relatively of the fringes much reef rocky and in places cobble of and to a depth 10-40m offshore extending shore, gravel band of silty-shell a narrow 7m where around mud/ and uniform An extensive over. normally takes silt below about bottom dominates 9m depth. Small bays. atsandy beaches occur the heads of several Port Underwood into extends Some bottom trawling the around feature is a significant and aquaculture side of the peninsula and along the eastern central local also cause hills may on surrounding Port. Forestry issues. sedimentation Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Above: Aquaculture at Whangatoetoe Bay, Port Underwood. Bay, Whangatoetoe at Aquaculture Above: Port Underwood has a highly indented coastline Port coastline Underwood indented has a highly at numerous its head and bays by two large formed It is mostly sheltered, its perimeter. around small bays to rough is exposed shore though the south-western and is a small tidal range There the south. seas from of outer regions in the can be moderate while currents in inner areas. to be weaker tend currents the Port, but is variable clarity Water cold. is generally The water can be particularly poor when southerly winds push especially Port, the into Cloudy Bay from turbid waters Sedimentation River. Wairau in the events during flood high at these times. correspondingly are levels Abiotic 88

Coastal Marine Area F : Port Underwood Biotic Experiential

The area harbours a conspicuous brown seaweed This small, sheltered and highly indented water enclave community. Narrow flapjack fringes the shoreline harbours numerous mussel farms and small bach at low water, with flexible flapjack, paddle weed and communities. Settlement occurs predominantly at giant kelp dominating the deeper reef zone. Common the heads of many of the bays. Jetties and wharves reef invertebrates include paua and several other are also present, as is an electricity transmission line, mollusc species, as well as numerous ascidians and located predominantly along the western coastline, a diverse array of anemones. Enormous tube worm and all accessed via the Port Underwood Road. Views mounds (Galeolaria hystrix) at two headlands along are foreshortened by the enclosing nature of the Port; the south-eastern coast are notable features; these however, vistas are gained looking southwards, beyond are by far the largest known colonies in Nelson and the Port entry. Marlborough. Modification to the water in Port Underwood is There is generally a low diversity and abundance of moderate, and is amplified by its relatively enclosing conspicuous macro-organisms on the off-shore mud form and numerous indented bays. Port Underwood is habitat, though red algae beds are a key feature in popular for holiday visits. some bays.

A typical array of colder water coastal fishes inhabits the Port, along with some outer shelf and deep water species probably due to the proximity of Cook Strait. Port Underwood is also a rock lobster nursery area.

Various seabird and marine mammal species utilise these waters (refer to Collective Biotic Characteristics of the Marlborough Sounds Marine Environment). Of particular note are Hector’s dolphins which visit the area from neighbouring Cloudy Bay. Port Underwood was also historically a Southern Right Whale calving area.

Above: Hakahaka Bay, Port Underwood

Level 3: Overall Area Rating for Coastal Marine Area F: Port Underwood Natural Character Attributes Degree of Natural Character Abiotic Biotic Experiential

Very High High Moderate to High    Moderate

Moderate to Low

Low

Very Low

Overall Natural Character Rating Moderate - High

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 89 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Above: Ocean Bay Above: There are no specific parts of the Coastal Marine Area of Port of parts no specific Marine Area Coastal retain are that Underwood There the of 4 and 5 at Levels character natural High Very of High or areas File Ref: C10003_6002_Marine_Area_G..mxd

Coastal Marine Area G : Eastern Cook Strait & Outer Queen Charlotte Sound

Collective Characteristics

Mostly very exposed; strong currents; cold, nutrient-rich waters; rich reef communities; kelp beds; mixed coarse sediments offshore; significant migratory route for whales.

Cape Jackson

Motuara Cape Koamaru Island

The Brothers Islands

Long Island

Perano Head East Head West Head

Tory Channel

Cook Strait

i g h Rununder Point t i n g B ay

0 4.5 9 km

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 91 sandy gravels, medium-large cobbles and broken shell broken and cobbles medium-large sandy gravels, corrugations Surface than 300m. to more extending in the mobile sediments and mega-ripples distinguish (13-30m) shallow broad places. A shallower exposed of Queen Charlotte the mouth across sandy sill extends the south of the towards prevalent Sound. Silt is more bioregion. and trawled the open eastern coast of are Parts also occurs immediately dredging scallop commercial no is currently There to the north-west Island. of Long in this area. aquaculture Biotic reef and productive diverse contains This marine area diversity. with high macroalgae communities, seaweeds extend brown stands of large Dense mixed canopy large (20m). Several deep water relatively into kelp, including strap present species are forming spp. in seaweed, flapjack and Marginariella oak-leafed in the and paddle weed and Macrocystis sites, exposed to Queen Charlotte Sound. entrance sheltered more also are seaweeds and green brown red, Numerous sub-canopy. as a luxuriant often present, feeding animals (e.g. anemones, Sessile filter sponges, areas in reef thrive ascidians) and hydroids zooanthids, are particularly there below the seaweed zone, where has a particularly Rock Awash tidal currents. strong community. encrusting invertebrate diverse Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Above: Sea Cliffs of Arapawa Island. Arapawa Island provides protection protection of Queen Charlotte to Island provides the northern entrance Island. Arapawa of Arapawa Sea Cliffs Above: Sound (background) This Coastal Marine Area on the western flank of on the Area Marine This Coastal indented by a variably is distinguished Strait Cook exposed which is very and mostly rugged coastline south and north- the from to winds and waves east. the Southerly swells in particular into drive high energy a very creating eastern shores, exposed some protection provides Island Arapawa coastline. Charlotte Sound. of Queen to the northern entrance especially off also a feature, are tidal currents Strong (e.g. and islands rocks offshore around headlands, Tory to and near the entrance Islands) the Brothers Channel. due to the the region bathe waters nutrient-rich Cold and upwelling influence of the Southland Current well mixed. generally are Waters Strait. within Cook sea state depending on location, is variable Turbidity clarity tends to of the tide, though water and the size Cloudy Bay. from away with distance improve and bedrock comprising Steeply sloping shores beaches dominate by gravel separated boulder reefs by backed These are environment. the near-shore on the outer coast and steep hills in the high cliffs also are There mouth of Queen Charlotte Sound. the most and islands, stacks rocks, offshore several Strait. Islands in Cook notable being the Brothers down to 6-18m, though extend generally Reefs headlands and offshore various deeper than 60m off and islands. Much of the deeper sea floor is rocks Abiotic 92

Coastal Marine Area G : Eastern Cook Strait & Outer Queen Charlotte Sound

A range of seabed communities inhabit the offshore Experiential sediments depending on substrate, depth and This exposed and rugged coastline receives strong tidal exposure. Conspicuous invertebrates in silty/sandy currents with significant wave action. There is limited sediments include various species of shellfish, access to these parts and relatively limited recreational brachiopods, echinoderms (brittle stars, starfish, and activity occurring. The open waters of Eastern urchins) and crustaceans. Marine life is sparse on Cook Strait and Outer Queen Charlotte Sound host wave-worked gravels < 18m depth. Below this depth, numerous remote-related boating activities, including stable gravels support up to 50% seaweed cover but open-water fishing as well as acting as the principal a generally sparse invertebrate assemblage. Deeper shipping route between Picton and Wellington. The still (170-200m) gravels and cobbles in Cook Strait are Brothers Islands act as a remote reference point for dominated by a brittle star species and an assemblage boaties. There are also memorable attributes relating of sessile and encrusting invertebrates. to the expansive visual connection between the North The area supports a wide variety of coastal and deeper and South Islands, particularly seen by passengers on water temperate fish, including some with a strong the Cook Strait ferry. southern affinity. Various seabird and marine mammal There are no aquaculture related activities species utilise these waters (refer Collective Biotic present. The submarine Cook Strait electricity and Characteristics of the Marlborough Sounds Marine telecommunications cable stretches from Fighting Bay Environment). Of particular note is Cook Strait’s to Oteranga Bay (Wellington), however, it is unseen significance as a key migratory route for several species from the surface. of large whale.

Above: The Brothers in Eastern Cook Strait

Level 3: Overall Area Rating for Coastal Marine Area G: Eastern Cook Strait & Outer Queen Charlotte Sound Natural Character Attributes Degree of Natural Character Abiotic Biotic Experiential Very High    High

Moderate to High

Moderate

Moderate to Low

Low

Very Low

Overall Natural Character Rating Very High

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 93

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Marine Area G: Eastern Cook Strait & Outer Queen Charlotte Sound Holding High or Very High Natural Character SECTION D Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments

Outer Queen Very High Largely unmodified coastal marine Excludes an area around Motuara Charlotte Sound environment extending over many tens Island and offshore from Ship’s – eastern Cook of kilometres. Cove which is commercially Strait – Rarangi dredged for scallops. Semi-exposed to very exposed and subjected in places to strong tidal Certain offshore areas in Cook currents. Strait are commercially trawled.

Diverse and productive reef communities with high macroalgae diversity.

Large whale (notably humpback whale) migration route.

Several ecologically significant marine sites.

Long Island – Kokomohua Marine Reserve.

Scenic reserves in the outer Queen Charlotte and along the outer coast of Arapawa Island.

Includes the Brothers Islands and the rugged outer coast bordering Cook Strait.

Adjoins Coastal Marine Areas B, D, E, F and H.

Ship Cove – High Largely unmodified intertidal and Offshore areas are modified by Motuara Island near-shore marine environment backed commercial scallop dredging by significant naturally forested hill between Long Island – Kokomohua slopes. Marine Reserve and the mainland at Ship Cove. Motuara Island.

Bordered by Long Island – Kokomohua Marine Reserve.

Small areas of Macrocystis kelp near Motuara Island.

A significant horse mussel bed and reef community at the northern end of Motuara Island.

Adjoins Coastal Marine Area D

Refer also to Section F of this report for: Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 5: Eastern Arapawa & The Brothers, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 9: The Capes, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 11: Islands of Queen Charlotte Sound.

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 94

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 95 The Brothers Islands Cape Koamaru Cape Perano Head Cook Strait Cook East Head Cape Jackson Cape West Head West Motuara Island

Extent of Coastal Environment of Coastal Extent & Outer Queen Charlotte Strait Cook G: Eastern Marine Area Sound (2009) Zones MDC Residential (Oct 2013)* Marine Farms Consented Active/ High High Very

Long Island Long Tory Channel Tory Legend Marine Area G: Eastern Cook Strait & Outer Queen Charlotte Sound & Outer Queen Strait Cook G: Eastern Marine Area Rating** Character Natural Coastal Rununder Point Rununder

y a B Fighting Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Opposite: West Head West Opposite: * Data represents active and consented marine farms as of October 2013. Marine farms mapped may not mapped may be as of October 2013. Marine farms marine farms active and consented represents * Data operational. Marine of biotic & abiotic assessments. extent on the offshore limitations to page 23 and Appendix 6 for **Refer in the text and consideration into been taken have values Experiential only. abiotic and biotic values maps illustrate on this map. overlay a separate would represent 96

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS COASTAL TERRESTRIAL AREAS

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 File Ref: C10003_6000a_Marine_Areas_MS.mxd

File Ref: C10003_7000a_Terrestrial_Areas_MS.mxd

Legend

Extent of Coastal Environment

Marlborough District Boundary SECTION D 2 Coastal Terrestrial Areas 1 D'Urville 6 Nydia 2 Cook Strait 7 Robertson 1 3 Bulwer 8 Stokes 4 Arapawa 9 Pelorus 5 Portage 10 Kaituna

3 3 2 3 1 2

3 1 8 2

6 5 4 2 5

4 5 9

10 2 7

MAP 8: MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

N COASTAL TERRESTRIAL AREAS

0 5 10km 98

Coastal Terrestrial Area 1 : D' Urville Collective Characteristics and Coastal Context Hard Beech, Manuka, Weka, Bellbird, Coastal Ultramafic-Dominated Ecosystem

Steep hills and mountains typify this land ecosystem with bluffy sea cliffs and headlands in many places. Large drowned river valley harbours feature a varied array of coastal landforms including numerous inlets, spits, estuaries, beaches, lagoons and minor fans. Elevation is moderately low but rainfall moderately high in places as the landmass is being constantly buffeted on all fronts by the sea, has a strong maritime influence and is subject to frequent sea storms. Characteristic base-rich rocks eventuate from deep within the earth’s mantle. Soils derived from these rocks lack many essential nutrients and have toxic concentrations of trace elements resulting in inhospitable conditions and unusual vegetation. There are many streams, some quite large and extensive tracts of native vegetation. The coastal context extends south, beyond the Elliot Peak/ Editor Hill ridge, into the upper northern Pelorus catchment. River valleys here are typically modified close to the river on the flatter land. Agriculture and plantation forestry dominate. The mid and upper slopes are clothed with indigenous vegetation. The Ronga/Croisilles Road straddles the Ronga Saddle, connecting Okiwi Bay with the northern upper Pelorus. The Bryant Range forms the westernmost and territorial boundary.

y rd a H t r o P

Rangitoto Gre vi lle H a ki te Tonga r b o u / D'Urville Island r

e ov C e in r e h t

ss Pa ch n re F

Camp Bay

Tasman Bay

C ro .Matarau Point isi lles Harbour

O k iw i B a y

e g N n .Ronga Saddle .Elliott Peak

a .Editor Hill

t ° n

y r 0 5 10 km

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 1:320,000 01 D’Urville

N °

0 5 10 km

1:320,000 01 D’Urville SECTION D 99 Past & potential native native & potential Past vegetation Red beech-silver beech beech-silver Red forest. with beech forest Silver southern halls totara, & miro. rata Forest forest. Kohekohe-karaka Kohekohe-tawa-nikau forest. with beech forest Hard hinau, tanekaha kamahi, in places & scattered rimu. emergent Pukatea-mahoe-nikau- supplejack-mixed forest. broadleaf Hard beech-southern Hard rata-kamahi-rimu- and lancewood forest treeland. rata- Manuka-southern shrubland. kamahi-inaka scrub. Manuka rush Manuka-square rush-shrubland. Remnant native vegetation native Remnant Red beech-silver beech forest. beech forest. beech-silver Red with halls beech forest Silver & miro. southern rata totara, Forest forest. Kohekohe-karaka forest. Kohekohe-tawa-nikau broadleaf Mahoe-mixed forest. with beech forest Hard in hinau, tanekaha kamahi; emergent places & scattered rimu. nikau- Pukatea-mahoe, broadleaf supplejack-mixed forest. with ponga, forest Kanuka mingimingi, fivefinger, Gahnia, heketara Scrub scrub. Rewarewa-manuka scrub. Manuka Vineland vineland. Nikau-kiekie Hard beech-southern rata- Hard kamahi-rimu-lancewood and treeland. forest rata- Manuka-southern shrubland. kamahi-inaka scrub. Manuka rush rush- Manuka-square shrubland. heathland. Manuka-inaka Elevation (m) >500 0–500 0–550 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Geological formation Sandstone, siltstone and minor limestone and conglomerate of the Maitai Group Sandstone, siltstone and minor limestone and conglomerate of the Maitai Group Dun Mountain Ultramafic and Livingstone Volcanics and Groups Croisilles melanges - Landform Landform component Steep to steep very upper hill and mountain slopes on sedimentary rocks Moder to steep ately steep lower hill slopes on sedimentary rocks Rolling, Rolling, moderately steep to very steep lower hill slopes on ultramafic and serpentinitic rocks to [prone slumps and earthflows] 1 2 3 100

Coastal Terrestrial Area 1 : D' Urville

Landform Geological Eleva- Remnant native vegetation Past & potential native component formation tion vegetation (m)

3 Coprosma-weeping mapou- Manuka-inaka heathland. inaka shrubland. Coprosma-weeping mapou- Turfland, herbfield and inaka shrubland. boulderfield. Turfland, herbfield and Umbrella fern-comb sedge boulderfield. turfland. Umbrella fern-comb sedge Raoulia-Epilobium open- turfland. herbfield Raoulia-Epilobium open- herbfield.

4 Rolling, Part Brook 0–500 Hard beech-black beech- Hard beech-black beech- moderately Street kamahi forest, with rimu, kamahi- rewarewa forest, steep to very Volcanics miro, hinau and other with rimu, miro, hinau and steep low Group broadleaved trees. other broadleaved trees. hill slopes on Kamahi-inaka-manuka- Kamahi-inaka-manuka- basic igneous kanuka-fivefinger low forest kanuka-fivefinger-rewarewa rocks and shrubland. low forest and shrubland. Manuka-kanuka low forest Manuka-kanuka low forest and shrubland, with varying and shrubland, with varying amounts of broadleaved amounts of rewarewa and species. other broadleaved species.

5 Steep to Part Maitai, 0–250 Forest Forest precipitous Brook Street Akiraho-puka-wharariki- Akiraho, puka-wharariki eroding sea Volcanics rangiora-kiekie forest on rangiora-kiekie forest on cliffs, [some Dun coast fringe. coast fringe. large-scale Mountain Scrub and Shrubland Scrub and Shrubland slope fail- Ultramafic, Taupata-ngaio scrub & Taupata-ngaio scrub & ures] Livingstone shrubland. shrubland. Volcanics Tussockland Tussockland Groups and Silver tussock and/or knot Silver tussock - knot sedge Croisilles sedge tussockland. tussockland. melanges Herbfield and Rockland Herbfield and Rockland Wharariki-rengarenga- Wharariki-rengarenga- rauhuia flax-herbfield coastal rauhuia flax-herbfield coastal fringe. fringe. Horokaka rockland. Horokaka rockland.

Above: Raoulia 'hookeri coast'

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 101 Past & potential native native & potential Past vegetation Forest mixed Kahikatea-pukatea forest. tall swamp broadleaf maire- Kahikatea-swamp forest. pukatea Kahikatea-matai-totara-tawa forest. Matai-rimu-miro-kahikatea tanekaha, with tawa, forest mahoe, kiekie. Rimu-matai-miro-hinau forest. broadleaf mixed Raoulia sand flats. Raoulia vineland on Pohuehue boulder bank. duneland. Spinifex-pingao Shrubland Marsh ribbonwood-coastal Coprosma shrub daisy- estuary shrubland. propinqua and Sedgeland Rushland, Reedland rush rushland. Giant spike Oioi-sea rush estuarine rushland. reedland. Raupo-pukio sedgeland Rautahi-pukio Herbfield Sea primrose-remuremu- litorosa glasswort-Carex herbfield. na na Remnant native vegetation native Remnant Forest Forest and Treeland forest. broadleaf Tawa-mixed treeland. maire Swamp mixed Kahikatea-pukatea forest. tall swamp broadleaf kahikatea rimu miro Matai tawa, with scattered forest mahoe, kiekie. tanekaha, Rimu-matai-miro-hinau forest. broadleaf mixed Shrubland shrubland. *Manuka/baumea Raoulia sand flats. Raoulia vineland on Pohuehue boulder bank. Scrub Marsh ribbonwood-coastal Coprosma shrub daisy- estuary scrub. propinqua and Sedgeland Rushland, Reedland rush rushland. Giant spike Oioi-sea rush estuarine rushland. reedland. Raupo-pukio sedgeland Rautahi-pukio Herbfield Sea primrose-remuremu- litorosa Carex glasswort- herbfield. na na - Eleva tion (m) 0–20 0–20 0–3 sea level sea level Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Geological Geological formation Recent Recent alluvium from predominantly sedimentary swamp rocks, deposits Recent marine Recent sand and gravel Recent fluviatile fluviatile Recent and lagoonal deposits na na Landform Landform component - Minor pro inlet grading heads and fans Barrier spits tombolos, beach ridges and dunes Lagoons and estuaries Confined Confined inlets [Okiwi Camp Bay, Bay] Large Large drowned valley river harbours [Port Hardy, and Greville Croisilles harbours] 6 7 8 9 10 102

Coastal Terrestrial Area 1 : D' Urville Abiotic with warm, summers and mild winters being largely The D’Urville Coastal Terrestrial Area is characterised surrounded by sea and exposed to salt spray from by a unique combination of ultramafic dominated many directions. Localised frost-free ecological niches basement rock types and a grouping of coastal are common. Rainfall is moderate to high, 1,100 erosional steepland and depositional landforms. The – 2,000 mm per year, increasing significantly with underlying geology comprises ultrabasic, intermediate, elevation and lowest at the northern end of D’Urville and acid intrusive and extrusive rocks, and serpentinitic Island. Exposure to wind is high, severe gales, storms, melange (collectively known as the mineral belt rocks); and high intensity rainfalls are common and often associated hard and very hard poorly bedded and well result in severe localised mass movement erosion. bedded sandstone and siltstone sedimentary strata; Low gradient streams with good pool-riffle structures with minor alluvium and dune sand. Soils derived from and quality in-stream habitat and riparian cover are the ultrabasic rocks have severe nutrient imbalances common. There are also numerous large, permanent- and sometimes toxic levels of exchangeable flowing freshwater streams with stable substrate. magnesium, whereas those derived from Brook Street Water quality is excellent from streams draining from Volcanic Group rocks are of medium fertility, and those native forest. from siliceous sedimentary rocks range from low to medium fertility. Dominant landforms include coastal, Elevation ranges from 0 – 1,032 m, with a mean steep to moderately steep, dissected hill and mountain altitude 250 m. slopes to 1,032m; very steep to precipitous sea cliffs Biotic and headlands; large sheltered drowned river valley harbours [Port Hardy, Greville and Croisilles harbours]; Summary analysis: Total area of D’Urville Coastal confined coastal inlets, barrier spits and tombolos, Terrestrial Area is 25,300ha, of which 37% native forest, estuaries and lagoons, rolling beach ridges and dunes; 40% native shrubland, 6% exotic treeland, 16% pasture and undulating to rolling fans and prograding inlet and 0.1% exotic scrub This biotic environment forms head deltas. part of the Department of Conservation’s D’Urville and Sounds Ecological Districts. The sheltered coastal lagoons are regionally rare. Nationally important geological and landform features Originally, this area was predominantly covered with present in the D’Urville Coastal Terrestrial Area include indigenous forest. Indigenous vegetation loss has been the Matarau Point beach ridge gravel foreland, Greville largely on lowland, maritime peninsulas, west-facing Harbour boulder spit; and serpentinitic breccias along slopes and gentle topography, especially alluvium. parts of western coast. Regionally important landforms Upland vegetation largely is intact. include: Pakiaka Point barrier island and lagoon; the Original non-forest vegetation is confined to exposed Greville Harbour barrier dune system, and associated or heavily mineralised ultramafic areas, estuaries, lagoon and swamp; French Pass partly submerged freshwater wetlands, dunes, spits and barrier beaches, ridgeline and reef; and the Whangarae and D’Urville coastal bluffs, exposed islands and stacks. Island limestone outcrops. Valley floor landforms and There are a number of distinctive biota, communities floodplains are a minor component of this area. and habitats. Of the communities and habitats, The area has a windy strongly maritime climate coastal, lowland and upland ultramafic vegetation is

Above: The banded kokopu is a real signature species in the Sounds

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 103

Olearia Carex devia devia Carex . obovatus -r; . obovatus r; - petrosum Rytidosperma -r; Chionochloa defracta rewarewa; matagouri; -r; rutifolius Pleurosorus r; Euphorbia glauca - -r; ‘ultramafic’ Craspedia = threatened nationally t = threatened r = at risk nationally Sounds e = endemic to Marlborough Area Terrestrial ee = endemic to D’Urville Coastal Above: Kiekie , Freycinetia banksii fruit banksii Kiekie , Freycinetia Above: r; - hookeri aff. Raoulia -r; microphylla Poranthera Dichelachne inaequiglumis -r; tetragonoides Tetragonia -r; -r; flavus Drymoanthus sericeus -r; Spinifex formosum Adiantum pingao -r; -r; litorosa Carex -r; -r; black maire; hutu; raukawa; hangehange; tanekaha; montana; Gingidia gnidia; Pimelea Hebe elliptica; Corybas pygmaeum; Bulbophyllum cuneata; Euphrasia laterale; Lepidosperma Gahnia lacera; cheesemanii; Schoenus nitens. Machaerina huttonii; types of animals found: are The following South Island long-tailed -r,e; ‘obscura’ Powelliphanta king shag -t,e; pied shag -t; reef r; bat -t; fernbird- -r; sooty shearwater -r; -t; spotless crake heron white-fronted diving petrel; fluttering shearwater; spotted western weka; little blue penguin -r; tern -r; NZ longfin eel -r,e; gecko green Marlborough skink -r; -r; shortjawkokopu bullies -r; blue-gill -r and redfin -r; dwarf -r; lamprey -r; koaro inanga -r; -r; giant kokopu shortfin eel; bully; common banded kokopu; galaxias -r, nasuta -t; D’Urville Island smelt; Wainuia giant bully, johnsi) -ee.slug (Pseudaneitea ; Pterostylis tasmanica -t; bamboo tussock Pterostylis -t; grass white -r; obconica Hebe urvilleana-t; Coprosma -r; -r; sand coprosma mistletoe -r; yellow mistletoe -r; Melicytus shrub -r; affporcupine longifolia P. -r; milktree large-leaved -r; serpentina -r; Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough extensive, very distinctive, and an important distinctive, very habitat extensive, Itdisturbance and loss. to retains which is vulnerable but diversity with a low species low productivity very especially is highly distinctive. Some communities, forest shrublands and stunted rocklands, tussocklands, tolerance belt, due to the to the mineral endemic are elements, of trace levels by their species to high important, with nationally These are especially nickel. being unique in communities, ultramafic the coastal New Zealand. spit, beach, include dune, Other communities wetland, estuarine and alluvial lagoon, freshwater in and rare distinctive all very which are communities, all important and add are habitats They the Sounds. and biotic patterns, to the biodiversity, considerably include These areas of the ecosystem. productivity and leastsome of the most modified extensive Sounds. wetlands in the freshwater important. nationally are here Island communities which biotic assemblages, distinct are and rare They others Some predator-free, highly productive. are (e.g. on D’Urville) no possums of major predators free and communities of species, survival allowing for on the mainland. now under threat processes titoki especially with kohekohe, communities, Forest important nationally due to their are or southern rata, one of the also contains This area lack of possums. in remaining of lowland forest tracts extensive more Marlborough. and endemic to also distinctive shrublands are Coastal Strait. Cook intact. still largely are Upland biotic patterns fragmented. often are patterns and coastal Lowland between some good connections is still very There of biota and movement allowing for communities, threats. from buffering very high with diverse values are fisheries Native is an absence There fish species. assemblages of native very good fish. Generally freshwater of introduced coastal their fish species due to threatened access for Shortfin occur eel populations and longfin proximity. bully and smelt lagoons with common and in coastal abundant. inanga often and of communities biodiversity natural Overall, species is exceptional. in notable plant species found are The following Hebe rigidula area: terrestrial the D’Urville coastal scurvy -t; Cooks cinerea Atriplex -t,ee; sulcata var. 104

Coastal Terrestrial Area 1 : D' Urville

Experiential

This Coastal Terrestrial Area is characterised by a unique to its perceived lack of modification. There are numerous combination of ultramafic dominated basement rock campsite and visitor accommodation areas and the types and a grouping of coastal erosional steepland and island boasts exceptional ecological and naturalness depositional landforms. This includes D’Urville Island to values as it is free of possums, feral goats and ship rats the north and the majority of the land form surrounding (kiore and Norwegian rat are present though). Croisilles Harbour to the south. At the southern end of this Coastal Terrestrial Area, With an area of 150km², D’Urville Island is the eighth the main area of settlement in Croisilles Harbour is largest island of New Zealand and the largest in Okiwi Bay. The area is accessed by the sinuous road Marlborough. Separated from the mainland by the extending to French Pass and Port Ligar in the north, tortuous passage of French Pass, the island is home beyond this character area. The higher elevated land to approximately 52 permanent residents. There are a tends to be covered with indigenous forests. Similar few roads on the island with much of the modification to D’Urville Island, this southern part of the character restricted to the shoreline. The island holds extremely area is also known for its high experiential values, due high experiential values, partially due to its semi- to the relative lack of modification and high degree of remoteness and dark, night-time skies, but equally due naturalness.

Level 3: Overall Area Rating for D'Urville Coastal Terrestrial Area Natural Character Attributes Degree of Natural Character Abiotic Biotic Experiential Very High    High

Moderate to High

Moderate

Moderate to Low

Low

Very Low

Overall Natural Character Rating Very High

Above: Whangarae Estuary, Pakiaka Point barrier Island and Lagoon. Croisilles Harbour. Moukirkiri Island and Otuhaereroa Islands are located at the far left

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 105 Table continues overleaf continues Table Additional Comments Areas of pasture and pasture of Areas forestry commercial included within 'High' rating Key Values Key Nationally important geological and landform importantNationally geological and landform Harbour boulder spit; including Greville features along parts breccias of western and serpentinitic importantcoast. regionally landforms It contains Harbour barrier dune system, including: the Greville Pass French lagoon and swamp; and associated and the partly and reef; ridgeline submerged D’Urville Island limestone outcrops. important nationally are here Island communities and habitats. biota, communities with distinctive especially tussocklands, Some communities, are forests shrublands and stunted rocklands, and belt” “mineral endemic to the ultramafic ultramafic important, with the coastal nationally Also being unique in New Zealand. communities, dune, spit, beach, lagoon, freshwater are present which wetland, estuarine and alluvial communities, in the Sounds. and rare distinctive all very are and of communities biodiversity natural Overall, species is exceptional. threatened nationally for D’Urville Island is a refuge that It are is one of the largest areas and flora fauna in New Zealand. goats of possums and feral free D’Urville hold Island and its smaller islands partially due to values, high experiential extremely but skies, and dark, night-time its semi-remoteness lack of modification. equally due to its perceived Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Rating Very High High Very with small parts High General Values applicable to the whole Coastal Terrestrial Area Terrestrial the whole Coastal applicable to Values General The sheltered rock types; basement dominated ultramafic of combination by a unique is characterised This area rare regionally lagoons are coastal intact. is largely Upland vegetation Sub Area Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Terrestrial Area 1: D'Urville Area High Holding Terrestrial Coastal Parts within 5: Specific 4 & Levels Character High Natural Very or D’Urville Island 106

Coastal Terrestrial Area 1 : D' Urville

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Terrestrial Area 1: D'Urville Holding High or Very High Natural Character

General Values applicable to the whole Coastal Terrestrial Area This area is characterised by a unique combination of ultramafic dominated basement rock types; The sheltered coastal lagoons are regionally rare Upland vegetation is largely intact. Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments Croisilles Harbour Very High Nationally important geological and landform Area with small features including Matarau Point beach ridge gravel parts High foreland. Regionally important landforms including: Pakiaka Point barrier island and lagoon; Taipare and Whangarae limestone outcrops. Island communities here are nationally important with distinctive biota, communities and habitats. Some mainland communities, especially tussocklands, rocklands, shrublands and stunted forests are endemic to the ultramafic “mineral belt” and nationally important, with the coastal ultramafic communities, being unique in New Zealand. Also present are dune, spit, beach, lagoon, freshwater wetland, estuarine and alluvial communities, which are all very distinctive and rare in the Sounds. Overall, natural biodiversity of communities and species is exceptional. High experiential values due to lack of modification.

Refer also to Section F of this report for: Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 1: D’Urville Island, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 2: French Pass, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 3: D’Urville Islands, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 6: Croisilles Harbour

Above: East Arm, D' Urville Island. Buildings at Camp Bay can be seen on the right

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 107 e l l i v m r k N 0 U ° ’ 1 D

1 0 5 0 0 0 , 0 2 3 :

Camp Bay 1

d e

h t t

a r

o P

e r F Rangitoto ki te Tonga / D'Urville Island

our arb H le il v e r G Matarau Point Matarau . Editor Hill Editor .

r y

u a B o i Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough b iw Elliott Peak r k

a O .

s le il is o Cr

Ronga Saddle Ronga

e .

n g a t

y n R a r B Extent of Coastal Environment of Coastal Extent Area Terrestrial Urville Coastal D’ (Oct 2013)* Marine Farms Consented Active/ (2009) Zones MDC Residential High High Very D'Urville Coastal Natural Character Rating Character Natural D'Urville Coastal Legend Tasman Bay * Data represents active and consented marine farms as of October 2013. Marine farms mapped may not be operational. not mapped may be operational. as of October 2013. Marine farms marine farms active and consented represents * Data Above: Two Bay Point (left) and Moawhitu Wetland (centre) at the western side of D'Urville (centre) Island. Wetland Moawhitu and (left) Point Bay Two Above: 108

Coastal Terrestrial Area 2 : Cook Strait Collective Characteristics

Taupata, Ngaio, Rengarenga, Tuatara, Diving Petrel, Exposed, Dry, Maritime Ecosystem

This Coastal Terrestrial Area is highly exposed and maritime with a high coherence of cliff face landforms and a collection of jagged stacks and harsh rocky islands. Steep, exposed and imposing sea cliffs, peninsulas and headlands are dominant landforms creating a wild and scenic sea coast. Dry climate is coupled with small catchment areas and few streams. Elevation is low and rocks are predominantly a range of schists and sedimentary strata. Exposure and maritime influence is extreme. Brutal exposure to maritime elements has shaped a unique Cook Strait vegetation. The sheer nature of the topography and its inaccessibility has left some areas, especially islands, predominantly in a natural state. There is a high aesthetic coherence of pastoral landcover. Numerous island sanctuaries (Stephens, Chetwode, Titi & Brothers Islands) supporting many nationally threatened species including tuatara on Stephens and North Brother Islands, and king shags on rock stacks.

Stephens Island

Saddle Rocks

Rangitoto Islands

Jag Rocks

Rangitoto ki te Tonga / D'Urville Island

Clay Point Cook

Chetwode Islands Paparoa Strait P o r t L i g a r Forsyth Island Titi Island

Alligator Head

Cape Lambert Cape Jackson

Port Gore

Motuara Island

Long Island The Brothers

Arapawa Island

East Head West Head

Bushy Point

Glasgow Bay

Rununder Point N ° Cloudy 0 5 10 km Bay

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 1:480,00002 Cook Strait

N °

0 5 10 km

1:480,00002 Cook Strait SECTION D 109 Past & potential native native & potential Past vegetation Forest and Shrubland and Forest and forest Ngaio-taupata shrubland. Kohekohe-karaka-nikau forest. Kohekohe-broadleaved forest. milktree Herbfield tussock-muttonbird Silver groundsel tussock-herbfield. Glasswort herbfield. Shrubland kowhai Strait Cook shrubland. shrubland. Taupata Rockland Herbfield and Sea blite-horokaka herbfield. Herb-rockland. Tussockland tussockland. Silver Remnant native vegetation native Remnant Shrubland and Forest and forest Ngaio-taupata shrubland. Kohekohe-karaka-nikau forest. Kohekohe-broadleaved forest milktree Vineland vineland. Pohuehue Herbfield tussock-muttonbird Silver tussock-herbfield. groundsel Glasswort herbfield. Shrubland shrubland. kowhai Strait Cook shrubland. Taupata Rockland Herbfield and herbfield. Sea blite-horokaka Herb-rockland. Tussockland tussockland. Silver - Eleva tion (m) 0–280 0–200 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Geological formation Predominately Predominately t.z 11 and t.z. 111 schist of the Caples Group Predominately Predominately t.z 11 and t.z. 111 schist and sedimentary the rocks Group Caples Landform Landform component Steep to steep, very dissected, cliff-bounded islands Very steep to Very precipitous with sea cliffs extensive outcrop rock 1 2 110

Coastal Terrestrial Area 2: Cook Strait

Landform Geological Eleva- Remnant native vegetation Past & potential native component formation tion vegetation (m)

3 Steep to very Predominately 0–735 Forest Forest steep sinuous t.z 11 and t.z. Ngaio-taupata forest. Ngaio-taupata forest. headlands 111 schist and Kohekohe forest. Kohekohe forest. with sedimentary Cook Strait mixed broadleaf Cook Strait mixed broadleaf extensive rocks the forest. forest. rock outcrop, Caples Group and very Shrubland Shrubland steep coastal Cook Strait shrublands. Cook Strait shrublands. hill and Tauhinu scrub and shrubland. Cook Strait kowhai mountain Cook Strait kowhai shrubland. shrubland. slopes Taupata-ngaio shrubland. Taupata-ngaio shrubland. Wharariki flaxland. Wharariki flaxland.

Herbfield and Rockland Herbfield and Rockland Herb-rockland. Herb-rockland.

4 Precipitous Predominately 0–100 Herbfield and Rockland Herbfield and Rockland stacks t.z 11 and t.z. 111 schist and sedimentary rocks the Caples Group

Abiotic

The Cook Strait Coastal Terrestrial Area is characterised part of Forsyth Island, Alligator Head, Capes Lambert, by very exposed, very steep to precipitous coastal Jackson and Koamaru, The Brothers Islands and the escarpments and sea cliffs with extensive bare rock, eastern cliffs of Arapawa Island including Perano steep coastal slopes and sinuous headlands, cliff Head to the Eastern Head of Tory Channel, and the bound islands and stacks facing onto the Tasman south eastern cliffs and shoreline from West Head to Sea, Cook Strait, or the South Pacific Ocean. These Robinson Point in Port Underwood. erosional landforms result from and are continually It is underlain by foliated textural zone (t.z.) 11A rejuvenated by the high wave energy environment. and 11B, with minor t.z. 111A, schist, well bedded Former drowned valley ridges form headlands, and sedimentary sandstones and, and minor igneous depositional landforms and colluvial slopes are rare lithologies of the Caples Group. Shallow and stony or absent. Regionally important geological features skeletal soils predominate with deeper profiles include the Fighting Bay schist sea cliffs. restricted to rare gentler slopes. The Cook Strait Coastal Terrestrial Area includes Streams are ephemeral, have steep unstable beds Stephens Island, Saddle and Tower Rocks, the Rangitoto, lacking of good pool-riffle structures, low gradient Trio, Chetwode and Titi Islands, the headlands north stretches and floodplain sections are absent. of Port Ligar (Clay and Paparoa Points), the northern

Above: Distinctive rocky outcrops Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 111 Kirkianella ‘glauca', North Island Brother Kirkianella ‘glauca', Above: threatened species due to their lack of introduced their lack of introduced species due to threatened Coastal to this confined species now Several predators. Area. Terrestrial which plantThe unique animal and communities important. nationally are dependent on seabirds are community a major influence on have Seabirds Their high and processes. structure composition, acid guano input the marine fertility/high from of effects disturbance and major physical environment in a highly productive result and trampling burrowing with high nutrientturnover. ecosystem communities herbfields and tussockland Shrublands, highly are important as they nationally habitats are Strait. and endemic to Cook distinctive Island support some of Arapawa The eastern flanks mixed Strait of Cook examples of the best remaining important, nationally and are forests broad-leaved environments. especially as possum-free influence a profound have swells and surges Frequent communities. on coastal it has exceptional Area Terrestrial a Coastal For its to other land ecosystems but relative biodiversity, due to the extreme is moderate biodiversity natural of range and narrow conditions environmental regimes. altitude, and water landforms, and fragmented very generally are Biotic patterns the eastern flanks are exceptions difficult to interpret; Lambert islands Island, Cape and a few of Arapawa Titi, Chetwodes). (Trios, Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Above: Marlborough Green Geko, Naultinus manukanus Naultinus manukanus Geko, Green Marlborough Above: on tauhinu ,Stephens Island Biotic Coastal Strait of Cook area Total Summary analysis: forest, 2% native 6,471 ha of which: Area Terrestrial 0.5% treeland, shrubland, 15% exotic 47% native is extensive There scrub and 33% pasture. exotic some bluff for except Mostly cleared cover. pasture This biotic environment and islands. communities Cook partforms Department of the of Conservation’s District. Ecological Strait of broad-leaved a mixture was Originally this area and on exposed, forest, especially kohekohe forests, windshorn forest, sites: stunted rocky steep or very dry, tussocklands and herbfields - scrub and shrublands, to other Coastal Compared especially of succulents. proportion is a high of non- there Areas, Terrestrial communities. forest biota, communities of distinctive a number are There nationally are Island communities and habitats. biotic assemblages, important, with distinct and rare to disturbance and loss and vulnerable which are for vital habitats These are recover. difficult to Freshwater quality is reasonable despite agricultural agricultural despite quality is reasonable Freshwater being present. extreme temperate, dry, has an exposed The area wind-run and frequent with a high maritime climate 800-1,200 mm annually and receives The region gales. frost- It common. is relatively are conditions drought is to wind. Salt spray exposure to the constant due free with large the whole ecosystem, over a major influence swells and storm surges. 112

Coastal Terrestrial Area 2: Cook Strait Several otherwise southern and subantarctic species Melicytus aff. obovatus -r; Sophora molloyi -r; Kirkianella occur here at or near their northern limits, e.g. ‘glauca’ -r; Microseris ‘Brothers’ -r; muttonbird Puccinellia walkeri, Carex trifida, Crassula moschata. groundsel -r; Euphorbia glauca -r, Carex testacea; Scandia geniculata; Hebe stenophylla var. oliveri -r,ee; There is a pronounced lack of introduced freshwater Cook Strait bristle tussock -r; Puccinellia walkeri ssp. fish. There is good fish access from sea but unsuitable walkeri -r; Trisetum antarcticum -r; Hebe elliptica; Hebe in-stream habitat due to steep topography and lack parviflora; Asplenium appendiculatum ssp. maritimum; of low gradient stream areas. The coastal location of Asplenium obtusatum; Crassula moschata; seablite; streams facilitate good access for juvenile whitebait Aciphylla squarrosa; Craspedia uniflora var. maritima; (e.g. banded kokopu). Generally there is low native fish rengarenga; Carex trifida. diversity. Cook Strait Coastal Terrestrial Area also supports a The following are notable plant species found in the nationally high concentration of rare, relictual and Cook Strait Coastal Terrestrial Area : Anemanthele endemic fauna which is vulnerable to predation and/or lessoniana -t; Atriplex buchananii -t, Cooks scurvy grass collection. Typical animals found include: tuatara -r,ee; -t; Melicytus aff. novae-zelandiae -t; Pimelea tomentosa king shag -t,ee; pied shag -t; reef heron -t; fluttering -t; fierce lancewood -r; large-leaved milktree -r,

Juvenile Little Blue Penguin Tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus on Stephens Island

Above: Cook Strait giant weta, Deinacrida rugosa on Above: Stephens Island weevil, Anagotis stephenensis Stephens Island

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 113  Very High Very Experiential  threatened nationally threatened t = r = at risk nationally Sounds e = endemic to Marlborough Area Terrestrial Coastal Strait ee = endemic to Cook the Marlborough Sounds terrestrial areas. Access is areas. Sounds terrestrial the Marlborough maintained although a privately primarily by boat, Track) (known as the Outer Queen Charlotte track lighthouse Jackson to the Cape Ship Cove from extends coastline. direct with this exposed contact and provides the islands and outer peninsulas hold very Due this, expansive to the remote due values high experiential sanctuaries and hold islands are seascape vistas. Many to these areas Modifications biotic values. high very tending to be of development low with most forms are enclosed bays. of more in a small number concentrated in the some of the darkest are The night skies here experience. add to the remote-like and country Biotic Natural Character Attributes Character Natural  Overall Natural Character Rating Character Natural Overall Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Abiotic Degree of Natural Character of Natural Degree Very High Very High to High Moderate Moderate to Low Moderate Low Low Very Level 3: Overall Area Rating for Cook Strait Coastal Terrestrial Area Terrestrial Coastal Strait Cook for Rating Area 3: Overall Level Experiential islands and outer headlands of These exposed typify of this area. Strait the rugged character Cook windswept platforms, rocky peninsulas, Rocky of the but a few are headlands and steep cliffs of this most of characteristics exposed numerous Above: The exposed islands and outer headlands of Cook Strait Strait typify islands and outer headlands of Cook of the ruggedThe exposed character this area Above: sooty shearwater petrel; prion; diving fairy shearwater; storm petrel; white-faced shearwater; flesh-footed -r, -t,ee; speckled Hamiltons frog little blue penguin -r; -t,e; spotted striped gecko -r; gecko duvaucels skink -r; -r; flax weevil -r,e; gecko green Marlborough skink -r; click beetle –t,e; Cook Strait Cook -r,ee; ngaio weevil c.-t, ee; Mecodema costellum giant weta -r; Strait nesobia -e; RhytidaOdontria stephenensis peripatus; South Island -r; (yellow-crowned parakeet) -t; kakariki slug Trios schauinslandi) -e; (Pseudaneitea slug robin; delli) -ee.(Reflectopallium 114

Coastal Terrestrial Area 2: Cook Strait

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Terrestrial Area 2: Cook Strait Holding High or Very High Natural Character

General Values applicable to the whole Coastal Terrestrial Area

Island communities are nationally important, with distinct and rare biotic assemblages, which are vulnerable to disturbance and loss and difficult to recover. These are vital habitats for threatened species due to their lack of introduced predators

Shrublands, herbfields and tussockland communities are nationally important habitats as they are highly distinctive and endemic to Cook Strait

The Area also supports a nationally high concentration of rare, relictual and endemic fauna which is vulnerable to predation and/or collection.

The islands and outer peninsulas hold very high experiential values due to the remote, rugged and expansive seascape vistas. The weathered sea-cliffs and hardy vegetation tilted from the wind are characteristic of their exposed maritime position.

Remoteness values amplified through natural darkness of the night sky

Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments

Cape Lambert & Very High Exceptional biodiversity at Cape Lambert. Cape Jackson Threatened plants, remnant forest and regenerating native vegetation at Cape Jackson.

Western Cook Very High Intricate bluff system between Robertson Point Much of the upper Strait, Port (Port Underwood) and Tory Channel slopes beyond the Underwood to bluffs are commercial Regionally important geological features including Tory Channel forestry the Fighting Bay schist sea cliffs

Western Cook Very High Towering cliffs and native vegetation sequences Strait, Arapawa & High of the Cook Strait narrows. Exceptional natural Island biodiversity.

The eastern flanks of Arapawa Island support some of the best remaining examples of Cook Strait mixed broad-leaved forests and are nationally important, especially as possum-free environments.

Refer also to Section F of this report for: Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 3: D’Urville Islands, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 4: Chetwode and Titi Islands, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 5: Eastern Arapawa & The Brothers Islands, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 9: The Capes, Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 11: Islands of Queen Charlotte Sound

Opposite: Rangitoto Islands off the eastern coastline of D'Urville Island

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 115 116

Legend Extent of Coastal Environment Stephens Island Active/ Consented Marine Farms (Oct 2013)* Cook Strait Coastal Terrestrial Area Saddle Rocks MDC Residential Zones (2009) Cook Strait Coastal Natural Character Rating High Very High

Rangitoto Islands Jag Rocks

Rangitoto Cook ki te Tonga / D'Urville Island Strait

Trio Islands

Chetwode Islands

P o r t

L i g

r Titi Island

Forsyth Island Alligator Head

Cape Lambert Cape Jackson

Port Gore N °

0 5 10 km

* Data represents active and consented marine farms as of October 2013. Marine farms mapped may not be operational. 1:280,000 02 Cook Strait

Opposite: Rangitoto Islands off the eastern coastline of D'Urville Island. Tinui Island (left), Puangiangi Island (centre) and Wakaterepapanui Island (right)

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 117 t m i k a 7 r t S N

° k The Brothers o o C

2 5 . 0 3 0 0 0 , 0 0 2 : 0 1 White Rocks Cook Strait East Head Long Island Long West Head West Arapawa Island

Bay Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Fighting Extent of Coastal Environment of Coastal Extent (Oct 2013)* Marine Farms Consented Active/ Area Terrestrial Coastal Strait Cook (2009) Zones MDC Residential High High Very Legend Cook Strait Coastal Natural Character Rating Character Natural Coastal Strait Cook Robertson Point Robertson * Data represents active and consented marine farms as of October 2013. Marine farms mapped may not be operational. not mapped may be operational. as of October 2013. Marine farms marine farms active and consented represents * Data Opposite: Sea cliffs flanking the exposed eastern coastline of Arapawa Island, coastline of Arapawa exposed eastern flanking the Sea cliffs Opposite: can be seen in Bay the background of Onauku waters the sheltered 118

Coastal Terrestrial Area 3 : Bulwer Collective Characteristics and Coastal Context

Kohekohe, Wharariki, Blue Penguin, Western Sounds, Dry, Non To Weakly Schistose Ecosystem

This Coastal Terrestrial Area is characterised by steepish, dissected, climatically dry coastal hill slopes which stretch fingers at random into the sea, forming many bays and coves, the landmass itself being the most submerged of the Marlborough land ecosystems. Inside these splayed fingers the sea abuts the land abruptly, with few beaches. Rocks are sedimentary and weakly developed schist. Maritime influence and exposure is high and elevation generally low. Vegetation patterns are fragmented with much scrubland.

s s P a P h o c r n t e r F L i

a y i n a r s B a Waihinau Bay B y t t e n l r r a u r C i m d A Waitata h Forsyth c Bay a e Bay R a t a t i a .Mt Shewell W e l n n h a C u a u p A Maud Island Ta w h i t Beatrix i n u i R e Bay a c h

.Tawero Point

d n u o S s u r o l e P

N °

0 4 8 km

1:230,000 03 Bulwer

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014

N °

0 4 8 km

1:230,000 03 Bulwer SECTION D 119 Past & potential native native & potential Past vegetation Forest beech-miro beech-hard Silver Mt. Shewell Summit.forest, beech-miro, Rimu-red forest kamahi Forest forest Kohekohe-tawa-nikau in places). (with karaka forest beech-kamahi Hard rimu. with emergent forest. Kamahi-hinau-miro mixed Pukatea-tawa forest broadleaf Remnant native vegetation native Remnant Forest beech-miro beech-hard Silver Mt. Shewell Summit.forest, beech-miro, Rimu-red forest. kamahi Tussockland tussockland. Silver Forest forest Kohekohe-tawa-nikau in places). (with karaka forest. Kohekohe forest beech-kamahi Hard emergent with scattered rimu. forest broadleaf Secondary mamaku, (mahoe, wineberry, putaputaweta, pigeonwood, mamaku). forest. Kamahi-hinau-miro treefernland. Mamaku Scrub and vineland scrub with Pinus Manuka in places. emergent radiata scrub and shrubland. Tauhinu Kiekie vineland. - Eleva tion (m) 500– 775 0–500 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Geological formation Siliceous, Siliceous, sedimentary and t.z.rocks 11A schist of the Caples Group Siliceous, Siliceous, sedimentary and t.z.rocks 11A schist of the Caples Group Landform Landform component Steep to steep very upper hill and mountain slopes Moderately Moderately steep to steep lower hill slopes 1 2 120

Coastal Terrestrial Area 3 : Bulwer

Landform Geological Eleva- Remnant native vegetation Past & potential native component formation tion vegetation (m)

3 Minor Recent 0–20 Podocarp–broadleaved forest, Forest prograding alluvium from kahikatea, rimu, matai, miro Kahikatea-pukatea-nikau inlet heads predominantly forest. and fans e.g sedimentary Kahikatea-pukatea-tawa- P26/733188 and schist kohekohe forest. rocks, minor swamp deposits 4 Minor steep Siliceous, 0–250 Hard beech-kamahi forest Forest to precipitous sedimentary with rimu. Akiraho-wharariki-fivefinger eroding sea rocks and t.z. Black beech forest. flax cliffs 11A schist of Akiraho-wharariki-fivefinger treeland coastal forest and the Caples flax-treeland coastal forest shrubland. Group and shrubland. Kiekie vineland. Kiekie vineland. Hard beech-kamahi forest + Herb-rockland (just above sea rimu. level) Black beech forest.

Abiotic The Bulwer Coastal Terrestrial Area includes the climate and low relief. There is some water quality mainland north of a line between Whakitenga and degradation associated with farming, forestry and Elaine Bay, Maud Island, through to Tawero Point and subdivision settlements. north-westwards to Beatrix Bay then north to include Elevation ranges from sea level to 775 m with a mean the southern part of Forsyth Island. This Coastal altitude of 200 m. Terrestrial Area also includes land within Port Ligar, Waihinau Bay, Waitata Bay and Admiralty Bays to Biotic French Pass. Summary analysis: Total area of Bulwer Coastal The dominant landforms include steep to moderately Terrestrial Area is 15,534 ha of which 15% in native steep dissected coastal hill and mountain slopes to 775 forest, 47% in native shrubland, 9% in exotic treeland, m, [Mt Shewell]; and confined indented coastal inlets 0.1 % in exotic scrub and 29% in pasture. This biotic with prominent peninsulas and headlands and minor environment forms part of the Department of undulating to rolling fans and prograding inlet heads. Conservation’s Sounds Ecological District. Steep rocky shore lines are common but precipitous sea Originally, all of this area was vegetated with cliffs are not a prominent feature. indigenous forest, except for small areas of rock and The Bulwer Coastal Terrestrial Area is developed on gravel shore fringe communities, bluffs, exposed, rocky poorly bedded and well bedded sedimentary sandstone or dry headlands, and estuaries at inlet heads. There and siltstone sedimentary rocks and foliated t.z. is a small amount of remaining forest which is largely 11A schist of the Caples Group. Alluvial and colluvial confined to the upper slopes or south-facing aspects. depositional landforms are of limited extent. Indigenous vegetation has, however, been lost over most of the coastal and lower altitude zones, especially The area has a moderately dry, warm-temperate north and west-facing aspects. Kohekohe and mixed maritime climate with rainfall between 1,200 and broadleaf forests which were once dominant are now 1,500 mm per year and summer droughts are common. greatly diminished. Salt spray is a major coastal influence, especially along the more exposed and windy Cooks Strait aspects of There are a number of distinctive biota, communities the region where many places are frost-free. The less and habitats. Island communities (e.g. Maud Island) exposed inland regions are characterised by sheltered are distinctive, rare and nationally important due to bays and inlets. its predator-free status. These provide a vital habitat to numerous endangered biota and is an important Streams are generally small and steeply graded with marooning island for nationally threatened species many being ephemeral in summer due to the dry

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 121 threatened nationally threatened t = r = at risk nationally Sounds e = endemic to Marlborough Area Terrestrial ee = endemic to Bulwer Coastal Above: Leiopelma pakeka, Maud Island frog pakeka, Leiopelma Above: Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Above: There are small amounts of remaining forest which are largely largely which are forest of remaining small amounts are There Above: aspects toconfined the upper slopes or south-facing such as takahe, Cook Strait giant weta and titirangi for for giant weta and titirangi Strait Cook such as takahe, limited. are mainland habitats which safe high due to island is moderately biodiversity Natural of the nature and warm-temperate contributions northern species. for providing ecosystem is moderate. Productivity disrupted and fragmented, are Biotic patterns and and drier aspects, the warmer especially over zone. coastal in the area of marine farming Due to the presence typically limited undisturbed natural are there and marine ecosystems. between terrestrial gradients fish migratory a good habitat for is however There still unsurveyed, are areas species. Although large with fish diversity, high native for is potential there fish species. native threatened good access for -r and giant bully -r, redfin include Species recorded dwarf galaxias inanga -r, -r, koaro -r, shortjaw kokopu -r and koura. in notable plant species found are The following milktree large-leaved Area: Terrestrial Bulwer Coastal wharangi, rewarewa, -r, australis Danhatchia -r, viridescens; Arthropteris tenella, Adiantum rengarenga; velutina. Lastreopsis in Bulwer Coastal Notable animal species found -t,ee; striped Maud Island frog are: Area Terrestrial pied shag -t; reef -t,e; little blue penguin -r; gecko -r,e; ‘obscura’ Powelliphanta -t; western weka; heron nesobia -e; click beetle -t,e; Odontria Strait Cook Rhytida -t. stephenensis 122

Coastal Terrestrial Area 3 : Bulwer

Experiential

This north-western part of the Sounds encompasses Road, which extends from Okiwi Bay is one of a few a network of slender peninsulas, islands and roads and tracks in the area. The land is reasonably broad bays. The land comprises a mix of land uses, steep, with the ridges and peaks often clothed in including forestry, pastoral farming and areas of indigenous vegetation. The area is not as popular as regenerating bush. Maud Island is a sanctuary Queen Charlotte Sound to the east for holidaying and within Pelorus Sound/ Waitata Reach. There are a recreating, however, there are a number of locations number of residential dwellings in the area with where visitors would experience a more remote access to the majority gained via boat. The Port Ligar setting. Due to this, experiential values are high.

Level 3: Overall Area Rating for Bulwer Coastal Terrestrial Area Natural Character Attributes Degree of Natural Character Abiotic Biotic Experiential Very High  High   Moderate to High

Moderate

Moderate to Low

Low

Very Low

Overall Natural Character Rating High

Above: This north-western part of the Sounds encompasses a network of slender peninsulas, islands and broad bays

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 123 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Above: The waters of Allen Strait separate Forsyth Island (foreground) and and peninsulas of the bays the Mainland Island (foreground) Forsyth separate of Allen Strait The waters Above: (background) 124

Coastal Terrestrial Area 3 : Bulwer Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Terrestrial Area 3: Bulwer Holding High or Very High Natural Character

Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments

Land to west of Very High Whilst some land has been cleared for pasture, Many bays contain Waitata Reach and High there are limited structures on the land, especially houses, jetties and around northern Port Ligar and land west of wharves Waitata Reach.

Of the remaining indigenous forests within the Area, much appears on more elevated slopes (Mt. Shewell, Mt. Drew, Bobs Peak, Okuri Peak), but with substantial tracts at lower coastal altitudes, especially east and south aspects (Apuau Channel, Fitzroy Bay).

Very High perceived naturalness values

Maud Island Very High Maud Island is distinctive, rare and nationally important due to its predator-free status and nationally threatened fauna.

Eastern Waitata High Relatively low levels of modification and extensive Also contains low Reach, Forsyth (small areas of regenerating bush, especially on Forsyth intensity grazed Island and land part Very Island. pastoral land south of Allen High at Largely-intact podocarp-broadleaved forest at Strait Kauauroa Kauauroa Bay. Bay)

North West Bay Very High Indigenous forested peninsula at Stafford Point Modification to the & High immediate north

Refer also to Section F of this report for: Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 2: French Pass Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 7: Maud Island Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 8: Tennyson Inlet & Inner Pelorus Sound

Above: The waters of Apuau Channel between Mt Shewell (left) and Maud Island (right).

Opposite: The slender forms of Tawero Point (foreground) and Whakamawahi Point (background). Indigenous forest at Kauauroa Bay and the distinctive rounded headland of Tapapa Point can be seen at the centre of this photograph.

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 125 r e m k w l 8 u N ° B

3 0 4 0 0 Forsyth Bay 0 , 0 Beatrix Bay 3 2 : 1 0

L i g a r r t

P o

Waihinau Bay R

t Point Tawero

a .

W d

Waitata Bay

o l

n a

Maud Island h

u h

p c

r a

i e m

d R

A Mt Shewell s

. i s

a u

P n

i h t

i c

n h

e w r F a T

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough

u C Extent of Coastal Environment of Coastal Extent Area Terrestrial Bulwer Coastal (Oct 2013)* Marine Farms Consented Active/ (2009) Zones MDC Residential High High Very Legend Bulwer Coastal Natural Character Rating Character Natural Coastal Bulwer * Data represents active and represents * Data as of marine farms consented October 2013. Marine farms notmapped may be operational. 126

Coastal Terrestrial Area 4 : Arapawa

Collective Characteristics and Coastal Context

Tauhinu, Black Beech, Fluttering Shearwater, Powelliphanta ‘bicolor’, Eastern Sounds, Dry, Weakly Schistose Ecosystem

Steep to moderately steep dry dissected coastal hill slopes are a feature of this coastal terrestrial area with several islands, a highly indented coast, with confined coastal inlets, beaches and undulating to rolling prograding inlet heads, and minor fans filling the valley floors. Base rock is weakly developed schist with minor sedimentary layers, with a valley overlay of alluvium in a few places. Exposure and maritime influence is generally high due to the landmass being surrounded by sea, while low relief is due to excessive drowning of the landmass. Vegetation patterns are fragmented, with much scrubland.

Long Island

y a B u k u a East n Pickersgill O Island Bay

Blumine Island

Arapawa Island Arapawa

Wairere

n d e l u n S o n t e a o t h a r l C C h Kaitapeha e n r y u e o Q T

Kahikatea Taraukawa

Rahotia

d o o w r e d n U

t r o P N °

0 3.25 6.5 km

1:190,000 04 Arapawa

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014

N °

0 3.25 6.5 km

1:190,000 04 Arapawa SECTION D 127 Past & potential & potential Past vegetation native Shrubland and Herbfield bluffs Coastal herbfield. Wharariki-tauhinu- shrub daisy- coastal scrub. akiraho lily cliff Rengarenga herbfield. Shrubland Marsh ribbonwood- shrub daisy coastal estuary scrub. Forest Kahikatea-pukatea- matai-tawa-titoki forest Forest Tawa-hinau-mixed forest. broadleaf Kohekohe-nikau-tawa forest. Kohekohe-mahoe- milk tree broadleaved forest. beech-kamahi- Hard forest. hinau-miro Black beech forest. Forest beech forest. Red Kamahi-hinau-toro- miro-mountain rata totara-southern forest. Remnant native native Remnant vegetation Shrubland and Herbfield bluffs Coastal herbfield. Wharariki-tauhinu- shrub daisy- coastal scrub. akiraho lily cliff Rengarenga herbfield. Shrubland Marsh ribbonwood- shrub daisy coastal estuary scrub. Forest mixed Tawa-titoki forest. broadleaf Tawa-kamahi- mixed mamaku forest. broadleaf Forest Kohekohe-nikau-tawa forest. Tawa-hinau-mixed forest. broadleaf Kohekohe-mahoe- milk-tree broadleaved forest. beech-kamahi- Hard forest. hinau-miro Kanuka/manuka- fivefinger- mingimingi-shining forest. karamu Black beech forest. Shrubland scrub. Manuka Forest beech forest. Red Kamahi-hinau-toro- miro-mountain rata totara-southern forest. Elevation (m) 0–250 0–20 0–500 500–640 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Geological formation Siliceous, weakly Siliceous, t.z. 11A foliated and t.z. 11B schist and sedimentary Torlesse of the rocks Supergroup Recent alluvium Recent predominantly from minor schistose rocks, deposits swamp Siliceous, weakly Siliceous, t.z. 11A foliated and t.z. 11B schist and sedimentary Torlesse of the rocks Supergroup Siliceous, weakly Siliceous, t.z. 11A foliated and t.z. 11B schist and sedimentary Torlesse of the rocks Supergroup Landform Landform component Steep to precipitous Steep to precipitous sea cliffs, eroding minor component Minor prograding Minor prograding inlet heads and fans Moderately steep to Moderately steep lower hill slopes Steep to very steep Steep to very upper hill and slopes mountain 4 3 2 1 128

Coastal Terrestrial Area 4 : Arapawa Abiotic

The Arapawa Coastal Terrestrial Area includes Arapawa, The area has a dry, temperate maritime climate, with Blumine, Pickersgill and Long Islands, and the peninsula rainfall between 1,200 and 1,800 mm per year, common separating Tory Channel and Port Underwood east of a summer droughts and moisture deficient’s possible line between Hakahaka and Motueka Bays. at any time of the year. Salt spray is a major coastal influence in exposed situations, especially in Port The dominant landforms include very steep to Underwood and the outer Queen Charlotte Sounds moderately steep dissected, moderate relief, coastal which are exposed to strong winds and occasional gales. hill and mountain slopes to 640 m, [Kahikatea], and Inner Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel and confined coastal inlets with undulating to rolling associated bays are generally sheltered. The summits of prograding inlet heads e.g., Ruapara and Ngakuta the higher peaks are very exposed to wind. Bays, minor beaches and fans. The partial drowning of the dendritic drainage network by subsidence and Elevation ranges from sea level to 640 m with a mean marine incursion has resulted in an intricate array of altitude of 170 m. small inlets, coves, headlands, peninsulas and deeply Biotic recessed bays. Steep rocky shore lines are common but precipitous sea cliffs are not a prominent feature. Summary analysis: Total land area of Arapawa Ocean sea cliffs to the east are included in the Cook Coastal Terrestrial Area is 11,417 ha, of which 4% in Strait Coastal Terrestrial Area. The Long Island gravel native forest, 47% in native shrubland, 41% in exotic cuspate foreland is considered a regionally important treeland, 4% in exotic scrubland and 4% in pasture. This landform feature. biotic environment forms part of the Department of Conservation’s Sounds Ecological District. The Arapawa Coastal Terrestrial Area is developed on siliceous, weakly foliated t.z. 11A, and t.z. 11B Originally, predominantly indigenous forest covered the schist and well to poorly bedded sandstone-siltstone area, except for rock and beach shoreline fringes, bluffs, sedimentary rocks of the Torlesse Supergroup. Colluvial and estuarine embayment heads. Now, this is mostly and alluvial deposits and landforms are limited. cleared of indigenous forest with only small scattered pockets remaining, generally at higher elevations and There are numerous steep, small to moderate-sized steeper slopes, or on islands. Fan and alluvial forests stream catchments, with some low-gradient stream communities are almost entirely absent. The same stretches and few freshwater wetlands (e.g. in Port can also be said for coastal forests, save from those on Underwood). Water quality is generally not an issue smaller islands. even during summer low flows, and some streams are ephemeral during dry spells.

Above: Motuara Island, Long Island and Cape Koamaru

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 129 threatened nationally threatened t = r = at risk nationally Sounds e = endemic to Marlborough functioning is incapacitated or severely compromised compromised or severely functioning is incapacitated areas. natural in many their important very for are Smaller islands ridge top to sea sequences from natural uninterrupted communities. coastal intact relatively and floor, to the potential have stretches gradient low Freshwater is good There fish populations. support native diverse coastal fish species due to native threatened access for proximity. Coastal Arapawa in Notable plant found species -t; Hoheria Kirkianella ‘glauca’ are: Area Terrestrial Olearia solandri; white -r; sand spurge -r; ‘Tararua’ ternata; Melicope -r; milktree large-leaved mistletoe -r; Asplenium Senecio rufiglandulosus; Hebe parviflora; . microspermum Collospermum lamprophyllum; ‘bicolor’ Notable animal species include: Powelliphanta little blue western weka; little-spotted kiwi -r; -r,e; Sounds -t; Eastern heron pied shag -t; reef penguin -r; nasuta Wainuia -r,e; sp.) beetle (Megadromus carabid -r; redfin bully -r; shortfin koaro -t; longfin eel -r; eel; inanga -r. bully; common banded kokopu; Above: Inanga, of Above: the mainstay the whitebait fishery. Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Above: Onauku Bay Onauku Above: Above: Peripatus sp., Arapawa Island. Arapawa sp., Peripatus Above: Freshwater wetlands are naturally rare in this Coastal in this Coastal rare naturally wetlands are Freshwater element with a distinctive form and Area Terrestrial still remaining, mainly in Port Underwood.only a few However, disappeared. have forests All swamp a significant shrublands now form regenerating of the landscape. component biota, communities a number of distinctive are There broadleaf and mixed Dry beech forest and habitats. and distinctive are Area Terrestrial of this Coastal forests not on important, present are and possums regionally Island. Arapawa absent from Deer are islands. any supportIsland refuges with an absence communities and regionally and are mammals, of major introduced important. nationally Some of these communities, threatened now becoming are forest, such as kohekohe ongoing and historic clearance on the mainland from possum impacts. due to to moderate low is generally, Productivity especially dry conditions. constraints, environmental of island, to the range due is moderate Biodiversity communities. /exposed lowland, sheltered coastal, altitude and of landforms, is a limited range There geology. and difficult to fragmented very are Biotic patterns and intact connection with little gradation interpret, Dynamics and process communities. amongst various 130

Coastal Terrestrial Area 4 : Arapawa Experiential

This Coastal Terrestrial Area occupies the mid to predominantly exotic forestry, especially south of Tory north eastern side of Queen Charlotte Sound and Channel with the remaining areas being regenerating the northern and eastern sides of Port Underwood. scrub and pasture. Any residential areas are restricted Tory Channel bisects this area in two. The majority to the shorelines. Other modifications in the area of Arapawa Island to the north, including Blumine include powerlines, historic whaling stations and Island, Pickersgill Island and the southern extents navigational aids. The constrained nature of Tory of Long Island are also contained under this Coastal Channel offers passengers on the Cook Strait ferries Terrestrial Area. Roads in this area are restricted, with an opportunity to view and experience this terrestrial only Tumbledown Bay Road providing vehicular access area either side of Tory Channel at close proximity, and to northern and eastern areas in Port Underwood. many for the first time. Therefore experiential values Other than forestry and farm tracks, the remaining are reasonably moderately high. areas of land are accessed via boat. The land use is

Level 3: Overall Area Rating for Arapawa Coastal Terrestrial Area Natural Character Attributes Degree of Natural Character Abiotic Biotic Experiential Very High  High  Moderate to High  Moderate

Moderate to Low

Low

Very Low

Overall Natural Character Rating High

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Terrestrial Area 4: Arapawa Holding High or Very High Natural Character

Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments

Blumine, Very The Long Island gravel cuspate foreland is Pickersgill and High considered a regionally important landform Long Islands feature.

Island refuges support communities with an absence of major introduced mammals, and are regionally and nationally important. These islands are also important for their uninterrupted natural sequences from ridge top to sea floor, and relatively intact coastal communities.

Very high perceived naturalness values

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 131

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Terrestrial Area 4: Arapawa Holding High

or Very High Natural Character SECTION D

Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments

Remaining areas High Extensive areas of regenerating bush; Occassional house and of Arapawa pastoral land included Extensive area of indigenous forest at Wharehunga within rating Bay;

Experiential values are high along parts of Queen Charlotte Sound, the Kaitapeha peninsula, parts of northern Arawapa Island, including East Bay and western parts of Tory Channel due to the numerous indented bays holding limited modification.

Refer also to Section F of this report for: Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 5: Eastern Arapawa & The Brothers Islands Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 11: Islands of Queen Charlotte Sound

Legend Extent of Coastal Environment Arapawa Coastal Terrestrial Area Long Island Active/ Consented Marine Farms (Oct 2013)* y a B u MDC Residential Zones (2009) k u a East n Arapawa Coastal Natural Character Rating Pickersgill O Island Bay High Blumine Very High Island

Arapawa Island Arapawa

Wairere

n d e l u n S o n t e a o t Kaitapeha h a r l C C h e n r y u e o Q T

Kahikatea Taraukawa

Rahotia

d o o w r N e d n U ° t r o P 0 3.25 6.5 km N

* Data represents active and consented marine farms as of October 2013. Marine farms mapped 1may:19 0not,00 be0 operational.04 Ar a°pawa 0 3.25 6.5 km Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014

1:190,000 04 Arapawa 132

Coastal Terrestrial Area 5 : Portage Collective Characteristics and Coastal Context

Kanuka, Rewarewa, Pipipi, Sounds, Dry, Strongly Schistose Ecosystem

This Coastal Terrestrial Area is dominated by a strongly dissected long low ridge with many bays forming a gnarled finger, which separates two major water bodies - Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Rocks are strongly schistose and slopes steep. Both maritime influence and rainfall are moderated. Due to the excessively drowned nature and low relief of the landmass, flats and gentle slopes are uncommon. Slopes generally trend into the sea without a change in slope, only sometimes terminating in truncated rocky shorelines, and then not usually with tall cliffs.

Motuara

Ship Cove Island

E n R e d s

e o v lu o t u io r n In B let ay

K e B n u n d a e p u r u S o y

a d n n y

o u C u r u S o d e p R v n u e n a s u e B k o l a S K a k c e y a t k t a w B B a l o o o y r t o a T o d o t h C r a B Arapawa Island e a n a m L u y e o B K e Onahau c a u h y Q m

d a Allports Island r n a u o B S a y a u M a h

r u r m o e A b o v r G r a H n o t c i P

Linkwater

N °

0 5 10 km

1:300,000 05 Portage Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014

N °

0 5 10 km

1:300,000 05 Portage SECTION D 133 Past & potential native native & potential Past vegetation Forest beech- beech-silver Red totara- kamahi-mountain fuchsia southern rata-tree forest. Forest Rimu-kahikatea/tawa- kohekohe-pukatea-nikau- hinau forest. (with forest Tawa-pukatea in nikau-kiekie kohekohe, places). beech-kamahi Rimu/hard forest. Rimu-matai-kahikatea- forest tawa-pukatea Rimu/black beech forest. Remnant native vegetation native Remnant beech- beech-silver Red totara- kamahi-mountain fuchsia southern rata-tree forest. Rimu-kahikatea/tawa- kohekohe-pukatea-nikau- hinau forest. forest. broadleaf Tawa-mixed beech-kamahi-ponga- Hard on ridges mingimingi forest and spurs. broadleaf mixed Secondary (mahoe, forest mamaku rangiora, kaikomako, mapou, fivefinger, heketara, putaputaweta, wineberry, karamu). forest Tawa-pukatea kiekie in nikau, (kohekohe, places). scrub stands with Manuka rewarewa. emergent forest Kanuka Black beech forest. - Eleva tion (m) 600– 700 0–600 0–50 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Geological formation Siliceous, t.z. foliated 111A and t.z. 11B schist of the Caples Group Siliceous, Siliceous, t.z. foliated 111A and t.z. 11B schist of the Caples Grou Siliceous, Siliceous, t.z. foliated 111A and t.z. 11B schist of the Caples Group Landform Landform component Steep to steep very upper hill and mountain minor slopes, component Moderately steep to steep lower hill slopes Moderately Moderately steep low broad headlands 1 2 3 134

Coastal Terrestrial Area 5 : Portage

Landform Geological Eleva- Remnant native vegetation Past & potential native component formation tion vegetation (m)

4 Minor Recent 0–20 Mixed broadleaf forest with Forest prograding alluvium from supplejack and kiekie. Kahikatea-pukatea forest inlet heads, predominantly Kahikatea-pukatea forest with tawa and nikau. fans, and schistose rocks, with tawa and nikau. wetlands minor swamp Sea rush-jointed rush Shrubland and Shrub- and estuarine rushland with marsh Rushlandmarsh deposits ribbonwood. ribbonwood -manuka- Coprosma propinqua scrub with toitoi. Sea rush-jointed rush rushland with marsh ribbonwood.

5 Steep coastal Siliceous, 0–100 Coastal fringe of rangiora- Shrubland cliffs, minor foliated t.z. akiraho-wharariki-akeake Coastal fringe of rangiora- component 111A and t.z. shrubland. akiraho-wharariki-akeake 11B schist of shrubland. the Caples Group

Abiotic The Portage Coastal Terrestrial Area includes the low Streams are small steep and short with limited dissected ridge with a highly indented shoreline, low-gradient stretches near the coast. Some streams between Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds, and are ephemeral during dry conditions. Water quality the headlands between Endeavour Inlet and Ships Cove issues associated with septic tanks are evident around east of the Kenepuru Fault. settlements. The dominant landforms include very steep to The area has a relatively dry to moist, temperate moderately steep, dissected, inner sounds hill slopes maritime climate with rainfalls between 1,400 and generally below 450 m, with minor mountain slopes 1,600 mm per year. Summer droughts are infrequent to 700 m [Mt. Oliver]; low headlands, and confined but most common on the drier northwest-facing coastal inlets with undulating to rolling prograding slopes above Kenepuru Sound. The maritime influence estuarine inlet heads and wetlands. Steep rocky is less than that of the outer sounds being surrounded shorelines are common but precipitous cliffs are not a by significantly calmer sheltered seas, and sheltered prominent feature. Beaches are limited and there are from strong oceanic winds and storms. a few small islands (Motuara, Allports, and Motutapu) Elevation ranges from sea level to 700 m with a mean and occasional stacks. The weakly dissected north- elevation of 200 metres. westerly oriented faces above a weakly serrated Biotic coastline in Kenepuru and Mahau Sounds form a striking contrast to the deeply incised coastline of Summary analysis: Total land area in Portage headlands and recessed bays of Queen Charlotte Coastal Terrestrial Area is 12,846 ha, of which 16% Sound. The dip of bedrock rock foliation influences in native forest, 66% native shrubland, 14% exotic slope profiles and often determines the orientation of treeland, 1% in exotic scrub and 3% in pasture. This the failure surface of shallow landslide erosion. Areas biotic environment forms part of the Department of of gently sloping fans and alluvial flats are restricted Conservation’s Sounds Ecological District. but are present Anakiwa and between Mahau and Originally this Coastal Terrestrial Area was Kenepuru Sounds. predominantly forested in indigenous vegetation, This Coastal Terrestrial Area is developed on siliceous, except for rock areas and beach shoreline fringes, predominantly strongly foliated t.z. 111A and minor t.z. bluffs, and estuarine embayment heads. There were 11B schists of the Caples Group. also small areas of swamp forest on alluvium.

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 135 There are a number of distinctive biota, communities communities biota, a number of distinctive are There biotic and island communities Rare and habitats. completely and are existassemblages in this area important Island is nationally Motuara predator-free. nationally island for marooning species as a threatened such as South Island saddleback, species threatened gecko. green and Marlborough Maud Island frog between Ship forest Primary podocarp-broadleaf and regionally distinctive is Bay and Resolution Cove sequences from outstanding, intact natural displaying forest coastal of primary Tracts ridge top to sea floor. and is in this area is also found Bay) (e.g. Kumatoto important.regionally wetland and alluvial estuarine, freshwater Remaining although uncommon, generally are communities distinctive, considered are they exist, do they where significant. and regionally vulnerable Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Above: Regenerating shrublands of various stages are now a significant component of now a significant the landscape, especially above stages are shrublands of various Regenerating Above: Sound (pictured) Kenepuru Now, this indigenous vegetation has been has been vegetation this indigenous Now, forest secondary although a cleared, predominantly being much of this ecosystem, colonised has cover and bays south-facing in the many advanced more Charlotte Sound as well as on headlands in Queen at the eastern is good primary forest There islands. though, Generally Area. Terrestrial end of the Coastal and at higher elevations is less compromised the forest almost have alluvial forests and steeper slopes. Fan in Kenepuru. forest gone as has the coastal entirely well-represented are forest of coastal areas Remaining they Charlotte Sound however on headlands in Queen bays. lost many from are in this rare naturally wetlands are Freshwater forest Swamp still remain. although a few ecosystem is all but gone. now stages are shrublands of various Regenerating component of the landscape, especially a significant Sound. Kenepuru above 136

Coastal Terrestrial Area 5 : Portage

The biotic patterns are highly modified but generally Experiential are able to be interpreted. Complex human-induced This elongated Coastal Terrestrial Area extends from patterns are evident. There are many long-standing coastal flat area of Linkwater in the south to Endeavour communities connected by regenerating forest and Inlet and parts of Resolution Bay in the north. shrublands present. South-facing communities are Dividing Kenepuru Sounds to the west from Queen generally more intact (greater cover, less vulnerable Charlotte Sound in the east, the area is reasonably to past and ongoing disturbance) than north-facing steep, with its highest elevations clothed in mature communities. and regenerating native forest. Extending along the Dynamics and process are generally functioning areas entire spine is the Queen Charlotte Track, an healthily although there are ongoing weed and wild internationally recognised track offering unsurpassed animal threats. views of the Marlborough Sounds. This walking track, Moderate natural biodiversity is aided by the which traverses through DOC and private land, takes contribution of island biota. approximately 3-5 days for walkers and 2-3 days for Moderately low productivity is partly due to the mountain bikers and is one of the best known and moderately low fertility of highly schistose rock; most popular walks in the country. seasonally limited by drought in places. Vehicular access to the entire area is provided by Lower gradient streams with intact habitats have the Kenepuru Road, located on the southern side of potential to support diverse native freshwater fish Kenepuru Sound. The majority of the lower flanks of populations including whitebait species, eels and bully both sides of this area are the most modified parts, associations (banded kokopu, koaro -r, redfin bully -r, noticeably on the Queen Charlotte side, where many shortfin eel, longfin eel -r, inanga -r, bluegill bully -r, houses, jetties and wharves occupy the coastal fringes common bully). and numerous bays. Despite the modification, the area Notable plant species occurring in Portage Coastal as a whole retains reasonably high experiential values. Terrestrial Area include: large-leaved milktree -r; At a more specific level, the northern-most areas retain Korthalsella salicornioides -r; rewarewa; hangehange; the highest experiential values due to their high levels Corybas cheesemanii; white maire. of naturalness. Animals include: western weka; little blue penguin -r; pied shag -t; reef heron -t; South Island saddleback -t t = threatened nationally (introduced); South Island robin; Maud Island frog -t,e r = at risk nationally (recently introduced); Marlborough green gecko -r,e (recently introduced). e = endemic to Marlborough Sounds

Level 3: Overall Area Rating for Portage Coastal Terrestrial Area

Natural Character Attributes Degree of Natural Character Abiotic Biotic Experiential Very High   High  Moderate to High

Moderate

Moderate to Low

Low

Very Low

Overall Natural Character Rating Very High

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 137 - Additional Com ments residential of Areas land adjacent to excluded shoreline rating. from to Coastal Refer 8: Area Terrestrial on more for Stokes northern Queen Charlotte Sound Key Values Key at the eastern end of the is good primary forest There of coastal areas Remaining Area. Terrestrial Coastal on headlands in Queen well-represented are forest Charlotte Sound. important Island is nationally as an island Motuara species. threatened nationally “marooning” for refuge Ship between forest Primary podocarp-broadleaf and regionally is distinctive Bay and Resolution Cove from sequences outstanding, intact natural displaying ridge top to sea floor. Bay Resolution around values high experiential Very Tracts of primary coastal forest (e.g. Kumutoto Bay) Bay) (e.g. forest Kumutoto of primary coastal Tracts important. regionally are Most of in this area found native of the land is clad in regenerating the remainder forests. more generally are biotic communities South-facing to past and vulnerable less cover, intact (greater communities. ongoing disturbance) than north-facing along both Queen values of high experiential Areas Sound. Charlotte Sound and Kenerpuru Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Rating Very High and High Very High Mt. Cawte and Southern Queen Charlotte Sound Northern Queen Charlotte Sound & Motuara Island also to Section F of this reportRefer for: Bay & Resolution 10: Ship Cove Area Character Natural Outstanding Coastal Charlotte Sound 11: Islands of Queen Area Character Natural Outstanding Coastal Sub Area Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Terrestrial Area 5: Portage Holding High 5: Area Terrestrial Coastal Parts within 5: Specific 4 & Levels Character High Natural Very or Above: Tracts of primary coastal forest can be found at Kumutoto Bay (centre). The Queen Charlotte Track follows this follows Track The Queen Charlotte (centre). Bay at Kumutoto can be found forest primary of coastal Tracts Above: of Queen Charlotte Sound (top right) and the waters Sound (top left) Kenepuru separating series of ridge lines, 138

Coastal Terrestrial Area 5 : Portage

Legend Extent of Coastal Environment Portage Coastal Terrestrial Area Active/ Consented Marine Farms (Oct 2013)* MDC Residential Zones (2009) Portage Coastal Natural Character Rating High Very High

Motuara

Ship Cove Island

E n R e d s

e o v lu o t u io r n In B let ay

K e B n u n d a e p u r u S o y

a d n n y

o u C u r u S o d e p R v n u e n a s u e B k o l a S K a k c e y a t k t a w B B a l o o o y r t o a T o d o t h C r a B Arapawa Island e a n a m L y e Onahau o u B K e c a u h y Q m

d a Allports Island r n a u o B S a y a u M a h

r u r m o e A b o v r G r a H n o t c i P

Linkwater

N °

0 5 10 km

* Data represents active and consented marine farms as of October 2013. Marine farms mapped may not be operational. 1:300,000 05 Portage

Above: Motuara Island is situated at the northern extent of Portage Coastal Terrestrial Area and is nationally important as an island refuge for 'marooning' nationally threatened species Opposite: Regenerating scrubland at Double Cove (foreground) and Lochmara Bay (background). Kenepuru Sound can be seen at the top right

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 139 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough 140

Coastal Terrestrial Area 6 : Nydia Collective Characteristics and Coastal Context Red Beech, Supplejack, Filmy Ferns, Kakariki, Inner Sounds, Wet, Non to Weakly Schistose Area Steep to moderately steep terrain is typical of this Coastal Terrestrial Area with slopes plunging at similar angles into the sea. Small inlets and bays nestle within a range of fine fingers and broad headlands. Within the sheltered valleys lie fans and wetlands accumulating on the alluvium washed down from the non-schistose sedimentary strata and weakly developed schists. Elevation here is moderately high with high rainfall at the tops. Being Inner Sounds, it is relatively sheltered and enjoys a moderate maritime influence. Some frosts occur on flats behind sheltered bays. Original forest covers much of the northern part of the Coastal Terrestrial Area. The coastal context includes Mt. Rutland and the Bull Range. Tributaries of the Pelorus River, namely the Opouri River, the Tunakino River and the Ronga River drain into the Rai River at Rai Valley. The valley floors of these river corridors are modified with agricultural grazing and forestry. The mid and upper slopes are typically clothed with indigenous forests.

t e l n I

n o s y n n e T .Devils Staircase

.Mt Stanley

e g d n n u a o Crail Bay R S .Nydia Saddle s l r u l e l o u P

B W

I n l e t

ay ia B er yd iv N R ri u o p O ay B ui a M .Opouri Peak a u a t a M

h e T c

a .Kaiuma Saddle e R e p e n u r u n d u K S o u p a k i H

Mt Rutland n d o u u S K h a a M a i u m a

B a y

N N ° 0 3 6 km ° ver us Ri Pelor 0 3 6 km 1:170,000 06 Nydia Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 1:170,000 06 Nydia SECTION D 141 Past & potential native native & potential Past vegetation Forest forest beech silver - beech Red fern tree soft with kamahi, smithii). (Cyathea beech - southern rata Silver crest. on cloud forest Forest with beech forest Rimu/hard ponga, and toro, kamahi, vine. abundant scarlet rata Black beech-ponga- on mingimingi forest headlands. Rimu-miro-tawa-hinau- forest broadleaf mixed (mahoe, pigeonwood, putaputaweta, mamaku, supplejack, kiekie). Remnant native vegetation native Remnant Red beech - silver beech forest forest beech silver - beech Red fern tree soft with kamahi, smithii). (Cyathea beech - southern rata Silver crest. on cloud forest Rimu/hard beech forest with beech forest Rimu/hard ponga, and toro, kamahi, vine. abundant scarlet rata Black beech-ponga- on mingimingi forest headlands. Tawa-pukatea-mixed nikau, with forest broadleaf kiekie, supplejack, puka, kawakawa. scrub (with Manuka pines in places). emergent with scrub & forest Kanuka secondary ponga & mixed species. broadleaf (where fernland Bracken burnt). most recently Rimu-miro-tawa-hinau- forest broadleaf mixed (mahoe, pigeonwood, putaputaweta, mamaku, supplejack, kiekie). - Eleva tion (m) 600– 971 0–600 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Geological formation Siliceous sedimentary sandstones and siltstones t.z. 11A schist of the Caples Group Siliceous sedimentary sandstones and siltstones t.z. 11A schist of the Caples Group Landform Landform component Steep to steep very upper hill and mountain slopes3 Moderately Moderately steep to steep lower hill slopes 1 2 142

Coastal Terrestrial Area 6 : Nydia Landform Geological Eleva- Remnant native vegetation Past & potential native component formation tion vegetation (m)

3 Undulating Recent 0–20 Kahikatea-pukatea-tawa- terraces, alluvium from nikau forest. floodplains predominantly and fans sedimentary and schistose rocks

4 Minor Recent 0–20 Manuka scrub (with Flax-shrubland prograding alluvium from emergent pines in places). Toetoe-Coprosma inlet heads, predominantly Kanuka scrub & forest with propinqua-manuka- fans and sedimentary ponga & mixed secondary harakeke wetlands at bay wetlands, e.g. and schistose broadleaf species. heads. Nydia and rocks, minor Toetoe-Coprosma propinqua- Tuna Bays swamp manuka-harakeke wetlands Forest deposits at bay heads. Rimu-miro-tawa-hinau- Tawa-pukatea-mixed mixed broadleaf forest broadleaf forest with nikau, (mahoe, pigeonwood, kiekie, supplejack, puka, putaputaweta, mamaku, kawakawa. supplejack, kiekie). Kahikatea-pukatea-tawa- Kahikatea-pukatea-tawa- nikau forest. nikau forest. Rimu-miro-tawa-hinau- Matai-rimu-hinau-tawa mixed broadleaf forest forest. (mahoe, pigeonwood, putaputaweta, mamaku, supplejack, kiekie).

5 Estuaries and Recent 0–3 Oioi rushland. Oioi rushland. tidal flats fluviatile and Sea primrose herbfield. Sea primrose herbfield. estuarine Coastal shrub daisy-tauhinu- Coastal shrub daisy- deposits manuka estuarine shrubland. tauhinu-manuka estuarine shrubland.

Abiotic

The Nydia Coastal Terrestrial Area includes the terrain The terrain is developed on siliceous, non-foliated, well west of a line between Te Matau a Maui Bay and Wet bedded sandstones and siltstones and weakly foliated Inlet, north of Kenepuru Sound, including the Hikapu t.z. 11A schist of the Caples Group. Reach, Pelorus Sound, and Tennyson Inlet and those Streams are generally of moderate size with high contributing catchments. gradients, short low gradient stretches are restricted The dominant landforms include very steep to to reaches on the fans and alluvial flats. The area has moderately steep, dissected, inner coastal hill and high freshwater quality within the many forested mountain slopes to 1,040 m (near Editor Hill); confined catchments and headwaters. Some degradation coastal inlets with undulating to rolling prograding occurs in the lower gradient reaches associated with inlet heads; sinuous undulating terraces and agriculture. Water quality issues associated with septic floodplains; and fans e.g., Kaiuma and Nydia Bays; and tanks are evident around settlements. minor beaches, estuaries and tidal flats e.g., Kaiuma The climate is relatively wet, with rainfall varying Bay. Steep rocky shorelines are common however there between 1,600 and 2,000+ mm per year, increasing are few islands or stacks. The coastline is moderately rapidly with elevation. Summer drought is uncommon dissected with numerous large, deeply indented or negligible. The temperature range is ameliorated by inlets e.g., Tennyson Inlet and Nydia Bay and large and the marine influence being surrounded by relatively prominent headlands. calm, inner Sounds waters. Temperature inversion

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 143 threatened nationally threatened t = r = at risk nationally Sounds e = endemic to Marlborough Tennyson Inlet and Nydia Bay supports Inlet Bay some of Nydia and Tennyson in forests of lowland and coastal the largesttracts intact altitudinal largely These are Marlborough. ridgetops from extending sequences of primary forest, important. nationally therefore to seafloor and are intact at higher altitudes and largely are Biotic patterns Alluvial partially areas. in lower altitude and coastal so difficult and incomplete to interpret. very are patterns Inlet islands are Tennyson on Plant communities very are Some plant communities possum-free. which herbfields, especially the coastal distinctive, species and are support threatened nationally important.nationally functioning are and dynamics process Natural and areas alluvial for except healthy generally ongoing wild animal are as there estuarine margins, and weed threats. enhanced by coastal, is moderate; biodiversity Natural alluvial communities. and non-forest with low is moderate, productivity the natural Overall, at and high estuarine and high altitudes productivity alluvial productivity. the close to which are stretches stream gradient Low fish. Native threatened good habitat for sea provide high. to is moderate fish diversity Coastal Notable plant species occurring in Nydia -t; large- scurvy grass include: Cooks Area Terrestrial hangehange; estuary sedge -r; -r; milktree leaved pukatea; vine; supplejack; scarlet rata ramarama; gully ; rengarenga; hastatum kiekie; Collospermum treefern. include: Powelliphanta Notable animals in this area heron pied shag -t; reef western weka; -r,e; ‘obscura’ At Risk, (all fish Threatened -t; little blue penguin -r. redfin bully , shortjaw longfin eel, -r) include koaro, inanga and dwarf galaxias. Also and giant kokopu, are threatened but not found considered commonly shortfincommon and giant bully, eel , banded kokopu, smelt, and spotted shag. Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Summary analysis: Total area of the Nydia Coastal Coastal of the Nydia area Total Summary analysis: is 24,819 ha, of which 59% in native Area Terrestrial in exotic shrubland, 12% 25% in native forest, This scrub and 3% in pasture. 1% in exotic treeland, part forms of the Departmentbiotic environment of District. Sounds Ecological Conservation’s forested, predominantly was Originally this area estuarine fringes, shoreline and beach rock for except coastal wetlands, floodplains, active embayments, alluvial Tall rock stacks. and shrublands and herbfields, of the feature a significant was indigenous forest Area. Terrestrial Coastal and estuaries are communities upland forest Today, on lower altitude intact.still largely Original forests largely are forests and coastal hillslopes and toeslopes, but Bay, to Fairy Bay Inlet, and Nydia Tennyson intact in Terrestrial in the Coastal elsewhere gone from most are by has been replaced forests and coastal Lowland Area. shrublands. and regenerating forest limited secondary including wetlands and Alluvial communities, the from all but disappeared have estuarine margins and of alluvial forests Small areas alluvial areas. larger Inlet Tennyson still intact in are beach communities notably in islands in this area, The few Bay. and Nydia support and possum-free forest Inlet, are Tennyson shrubland and herbfields. with shore biota, communities a number of distinctive are There and alluvial, estuarine, Remaining and habitats. however uncommon, are communities freshwater significant. and regionally vulnerable distinctive, are contribute they small in extent, Although relatively Coastal of the to the biodiversity significantly Area. Terrestrial for vital habitats are of upland forest Some tracts species such as giant land snails threatened nationally stunted These include the distinctive (Powelliphanta). ridges and summits. on exposed wind shorn forests Biotic and cold air drainage into valleys is pronounced with pronounced is valleys into air drainage and cold The lower landforms. gentle on frosts occasional are inner Sounds landscape of these elevations winds and storms. strong from sheltered well generally to the exposed very summits are The high ridges and snow on Winter and storms. westerly winds prevailing the summits is rare. to a 1,040m peak by sea level from ranges Elevation is also a peak There Hill on the inland boundary. Editor Saddle which is 976m. east of Kaiuma 144

Coastal Terrestrial Area 6 : Nydia

Above: Tennyson Inlet retains extremely high experiential values, due mainly to its unmodified indigenous vegetation

Experiential

This Coastal Terrestrial Area occupies the mid-south- and regenerating forests and farmland. The climb to western inner part of the Sounds, and is centred on Kaiuma Saddle (387 m) at the mid-point of the track mid Pelorus Sound. The largest area of settlement has superb views of the inner Sounds, as well as of is at Duncan Bay, located within Tennyson Inlet and Marlborough’s highest mountain, Tapuae-o-Uenuku accessed via the Tennyson Inlet Road, although there (2885 m), to the south in the distant Inland Kaikoura are other smaller areas of settlement, including those mountains. There are also numerous campsites and within Nydia Bay. Due to the topography and location, visitor accommodation areas. there are limited roads within this area, where the Tennyson Inlet and parts of Nydia Bay retain main mode of transport is via boat. The Nydia Track, extremely high experiential values, due mainly to its which is typically a 2-day tramp of 27km (or a one day unmodified indigenous vegetation cover that extends cycle), extends from Duncan Bay to Nydia Bay and from the shore line to the ridges and peaks that through a range of land uses, including indigenous contain the inlet.

Level 3: Overall Area Rating for Nydia Coastal Terrestrial Area Natural Character Attributes Degree of Natural Character Abiotic Biotic Experiential Very High    High

Moderate to High

Moderate

Moderate to Low

Low

Very Low

Overall Natural Character Rating Very High

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 145

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Terrestrial Area 6: Nydia Holding High or Very High Natural Character SECTION D

Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments

Tennyson Inlet & Very High Original forests on lower altitude hillslopes and Some modification Nydia Bay area toeslopes, and coastal forests are largely intact in around Tuna Bay, Tennyson Inlet, and Nydia Bay to Fairy Bay. Penzance Bay and North West Bay Small areas of alluvial forests and beach restricts those areas communities are still intact in Tennyson Inlet to High Natural and Nydia Bay and contribute significantly to the Character. biodiversity of the area.

Tennyson Inlet and Nydia Bay supports some of the largest tracts of lowland and coastal forests in Marlborough. These are largely intact altitudinal sequences of primary forest, extending from ridgetops to seafloor and are therefore nationally important.

There are nationally threatened plants on the Tennyson Inlet islands.

Tennyson Inlet and parts of Nydia Bay retain extremely high experiential values, due mainly to its unmodified indigenous vegetation cover that extends from the shore line to the ridges and peaks that contain the inlet.

Southern and Very High Extensive upland forest, although some eastern parts and High regenerating to slopes around Hikapu Reach.

High experiential values.

Refer also to Section F of this report for: Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 8: Tennyson Inlet and Inner Pelorus Sound

Above: Wet inlet, Crail Bay

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 146

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 147 a i m k d 6 y N N

° 6 0 Legend 3 0 0 0

, d 0

3 n

7 u

o : S

p d

S K

n 0

Nydia Coastal Terrestrial Area Terrestrial Coastal Nydia

MDC Residential Zones (2009) Zones MDC Residential u

Extent of Coastal Environment of Coastal Extent u

a S

h r

a M

e a

i P H Black Point Active/ Consented Marine Farms (Oct 2013)* Marine Farms Consented Active/ Devils Staircase Devils *

y a B

a Mt Stanley

m u i

K Point Kaiuma

y Nydia Saddle N Kaiuma Saddle Kaiuma . Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Opouri Peak .

High High Very

l l u Rating Character Natural Coastal Nydia B * Data represents active and consented marine farms as of October 2013. Marine farms mapped may not mapped may be operational as of October 2013. Marine farms marine farms active and consented represents * Data Above: Kaiuma Bay road winds its way around Kaiuma Point Kaiuma around winds its way road Bay Kaiuma Above: of Mahau Sound and Pelorus at the convergence on Black Point, scrubland and pine forest Regenerating Opposite: right stretch to the far Reach of Hikapu The waters Reach. Sound/ Hikapu Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Nydia Coastal Terrestrial Area Area Terrestrial Coastal Parts Nydia within 5: Specific 4 & Levels Character High Natural Very High or Holding 148

Coastal Terrestrial Area 7 : Robertson Collective Characteristics and Coastal Context

Mamaku, Horopito, Ruru, Moist, Non to Weakly Schistose Ecosystem

This Coastal Terrestrial Area is part of the larger Roberston Land Type which includes very steep to moderately steep schist and sedimentary rocks, which underlie the hills and mountains and extend into the coastal context. Colluvium and alluvium coalesce on the lower slopes and valley floors between the broad shoulders of indented inlets. Elevation is high and rainfall moderate with a variable maritime influence. Exposure is high, and the tops are subject to infrequent snow fall events. Mountain flanks support large tracts of forest.

Whatamango Bay

Wedge Point

Waikawa Bay

Picton Harbour

.Mt Freeth .Mt McCormick

.Piripiri

g e n a R n s o r t e b o d R o o w r e d n U

t r .Mt Robertson o P

R ob in H oo d Bay

N Rarangi °

0 1.75 3.5 km

1:110,000 07 Robertson

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014

N °

0 1.75 3.5 km

1:110,000 07 Robertson SECTION D 149 Past & potential native native & potential Past vegetation Red beech-silver beech- beech-silver Red with forest kamahi mountain horopito, fern, tree soft fivefinger, and hupiro broadleaf, (stinkwood). with beech forest Silver and hall’s southern rata totara. Hard beech-black beech Hard rimu, with emergent forest ponga, scarlet and kowhai, crown vine, heketara, rata fern. Pukatea-tawa-mahoe- forest. broadleaf mixed Rimu/black beech forest. Forest Matai-totara-kahikatea- maire tawa-titoki-white forest. Kahikatea-narrow-leaved ribbonwood-lacebark forest. Remnant native vegetation native Remnant Red beech-silver beech- beech-silver Red with horopito, kamahi tree soft fivefinger, mountain and hupiro broadleaf, fern, (stinkwood). with beech forest Silver and hall’s southern rata totara. Hard beech-black beech Hard rimu, with emergent forest ponga, scarlet and kowhai, crown vine, heketara, rata fern. of forest broadleaf Mixed mahoe, wineberry-mamaku, putaputaweta, fivefinger, tutu. in gullies & flats forest Tawa podocarps with emergent in places (rimu, kahikatea) mahoe, nikau, & pukatea, pate. pigeonwood, Black beech forest. Pukatea-tawa-mahoe-mixed forest. broadleaf Matai-totara-kahikatea-tawa- treeland. titoki-white maire - Eleva tion (m) 600– 920 0–600 0–30 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Geological formation Siliceous, Siliceous, sedimentary and weakly t.z. foliated 11A and IIB schist of the Torlesse Supergroup Siliceous, Siliceous, sedimentary and weakly t.z. foliated 11A and IIB schist of the Torlesse Supergroup Recent Recent alluvium from predominantly schistose swamp rocks, deposits Landform Landform component Steep to very Steep to very steep upper mountain slopes Moderately Moderately steep to steep lower hill and mountain slopes Undulating Undulating terraces and fans floodplains 1 2 3 150

Coastal Terrestrial Area 7 : Robertson

Landform Geological Eleva- Remnant native vegetation Past & potential native component formation tion vegetation (m)

4 Prograding Recent 0–10 Swamp maire-mixed Kahikatea-swamp maire inlet heads alluvial and broadleaf forest forest. estuarine Matai-totara-kahikatea-tawa- deposits titoki forest.

5 Steep rocky Siliceous, 0–100 Rangiora-fivefinger-akiraho- Rangiora-fivefinger-akiraho- shorelines sedimentary akeake-wharariki forest. akeake-wharariki forest. and weakly Mamaku-tauhinu-ngaio- Mamaku-tauhinu-ngaio- foliated t.z. taupata. taupata . 11A and IIB schist of the Torlesse Supergroup 6 Dunes Recent Pingao duneland (dominated Spinifex- pingao duneland. marine sand by marram-Whites Bay) and gravel

Abiotic

The Robertson Coastal Terrestrial Area includes the Moderate to large high gradient streams originate off terrain east of Mt. Freeth and Wedge Point between Mt. Robertson, meandering low gradient reaches are Queen Charlotte Sound and Port Underwood, including restricted to the fans and alluvial flats. Freshwater is the lower faces of Mt. McCormick and the lower north- generally of high quality in forested catchments and eastern faces of Mt. Robertson. The upper flanks of headwaters. Some degradation occurs in the lower Robertson Range are excluded as this falls within the gradient reaches, and fish passage constraints with Coastal Context. channelisation and alteration of in-stream habitats impacts on water quality in the urban the parts of the The dominant landforms include steep to very steep, Waitohi and Waikawa Streams. moderately dissected, hill and mountain slopes to 920 m; confined coastal inlets e.g., Robin Hood and The climate is temperate to cool and moist, Waikawa Bays, and Picton Harbour, with undulating rainfall varies between 1,200 and 1,600 mm p.a., terraces, floodplains and fans; and rolling, prograding increasing markedly with elevation. Summer drought inlet heads. Compared with the rest of the Sounds is uncommon or negligible above 250 m. The these fluvial depositional landforms are substantial temperature range is ameliorated by the maritime but of limited extent. Intertidal flats e.g., Whatamango influence and is greater at higher altitudes. The Bay, stacks (Mabel), beaches and dunes are also maritime influence is variable ranging from significant present. The coastline in Port Underwood is intensively on those aspects exposed to the south e.g., in Port dissected with numerous small bays and headlands Underwood, but more moderate on the sheltered whereas the inlets in Queen Charlotte Sound tend to slopes overlooking the inner Sounds e.g., around be broader. Steep rocky shorelines are common but sea Picton and Waikawa. The high ridges and summits cliffs are not a prominent feature. are exposed to strong winds from most directions, and winter snow is infrequent. Light winter frosts The Robertson Coastal Terrestrial Area is developed on are common on gentle landforms and temperature siliceous, weakly foliated t.z. 11A, and t.z. 11B schist inversion and cold air drainage into valleys is and well to poorly bedded sandstone and siltstone pronounced, although there are some frost-free areas. sedimentary rocks of the Torlesse Supergroup. Major faults run through Picton and Waikawa Bay. Elevation ranges from sea level to 920 m with a mean elevation of 350 metres.

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 151 Remaining alluvial, estuarine, and freshwater and freshwater alluvial, estuarine, Remaining vulnerable distinctive, uncommon, are communities small in significant.relatively and regionally Although to the biodiversity significantly contribute they extent, of the ecosystem. environment the coastal beyond Immediately and shrubland alluvial forest are Stace Creek around some of the most extensive which are communities in the Sounds and almost and extinct in Marlborough species - regionally support threatened regionally outstanding. their reach shrublands Sounds coastal Distinctive southern limit at Rarangi. intact at altitudes higher largely are Biotic patterns natural and partially so at lower altitudes. Coastal lost largely and difficult to interpret. are As a patterns gone. intact altitudinal sequences are consequence, functioning are and dynamics process Natural and some lowland areas upland for healthy generally and alluvial areas. coastal down for but broken largely major are threats ongoing wild animal and weed Also, in places. enhanced by coastal, is moderate; biodiversity Natural alluvial communities. and non-forest with low is moderate productivity natural Overall at and high estuarine and high altitudes productivity alluvial productivity. in southern values high freshwater Extremely access and (e.g. Excellent Stace River). catchments vital habitat provide stretches low gradient extensive including threatened fishery, native diverse a very for species. Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Summary analysis: Total land area of Robertson of Robertson land area Total Summary analysis: 48% in is 11,100 ha, of which Area Terrestrial Coastal in exotic 10% shrublands, in native 35% forest, native and 3% in pasture. scrub 2% in exotic treeland, forested, predominantly was area this Originally, coastal fringes, and beach shoreline rock for except estuarine and inland bluffs, coastal shrublands, and dune systems. floodplains active embayments, of the feature a significant once was forest alluvial Tall systems and estuaries bluff Upland forests, ecosystem. intact. still largely are is still intact in upper reaches hill slope forest Lowland and Stace Graham (e.g.Waitohi, of some main valleys on most slopes compromised but is severely Rivers), especially north the coast, faces. facing and second- wilding pines) Shrublands (with extensive much of lowland hillslopes. Some cover growth forest still extant. shrublands are coastal within the remaining is almost forest no coastal There and communities alluvial and few environment coastal remaining. estuarine margins biota, communities of distinctive a number are There intact (some are tracts Upland forest and habitats. nationally for vital habitats and are so) exceptionally windshorn stunted, species. Distinctive threatened ridges and summits. of exposed a feature are forests persists in places. structure Good understorey still are of primary lowland hillslope forests Tracts important. and regionally Forest quite extensive threatened nationally vital habitat for providing tracts Sounds such as giant land snails and Eastern species, important. nationally beetle, are carabid Biotic Above: The coastline in Port Underwood is intensively dissected with numerous small bays and headlands small bays in Port dissected Underwood with numerous The coastline is intensively Above: 152

Coastal Terrestrial Area 7 : Robertson

Plant species that are notable in Robertson Coastal north. The area’s lower elevated parts are reasonably Terrestrial Area include: Melicytus aff. obovatus -r; modified with roads, tracks, housing, powerlines pingao -r; swamp maire; laurel daphne; Euphrasia and forestry, with only the higher elevations of the cuneata; green mistletoe; Cyrtostylis reniformis. Robertson Range holding the highest naturalness values. Indigenous vegetation and numerous Animal species of this area include: Powelliphanta freshwater streams occupy these more lofty ‘bicolor’ -r; western weka; little blue penguin -r; pied elevations, which are generally difficult to access, shag -t; Eastern Sounds carabid beetle (Megadromus other than for the determined tramper. sp.) -r,e; Wainuia nasuta -t; native slug (Pseudaneitea gravisulca) -r,e; lamprey -r, dwarf galaxias -r, shortjaw There are numerous small bays forming Port kokopu -r, shortfin eel and longfin eel -r, banded Underwood’s western side, where numerous kokopu, inanga -r, koaro -r, torrentfish -r, blue-gill -r and campsites and places for visitor accommodation are redfin bullies -r, inanga -r.. located. These areas provide for high experiential Experiential values, and are also heavily associated with post colonisation and Maori heritage. The Queen Charlotte This Coastal Territorial Area includes the western Sound area is heavily modified with the settlements shores of Port Underwood and the north-facing of Waikawa and Picton. flanks of the peaks of Mt. McCormick and Piripiri t = threatened nationally on Queen Charlotte Sound. Access is provides along this entire area, via the Port Underwood Road linking r = at risk nationally Rarangi in the south to Waikawa/ Picton to the e = endemic to Marlborough Sounds

Above: Robin Hood Bay

Level 3: Overall Area Rating for Robertson Coastal Terrestrial Area Natural Character Attributes Degree of Natural Character Abiotic Biotic Experiential

Very High High    Moderate to High

Moderate

Moderate to Low

Low

Very Low

Overall Natural Character Rating High

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 153 n o m s k t r 5 N . e ° 3 b o

o 7 w

e 0

r 7

o . P 1 0 0 Some exotic forestry forestry Some exotic occupies the lowlands. Additional Comments Most modification occurs closest to the shoreline 0 , 0 1 1 : 1 0

y a B

d o o H in b o R

Whatamango Bay Mt McCormick .

y a B s ite Wh Piripiri . Wedge Point Wedge

Rarangi Waikawa Bay Waikawa Mt Robertson

e Picton Harbour Picton g

Upland indigenous forest tracts provide vital habitat provide tracts Upland indigenous forest species. threatened nationally for naturalness. high perceived Very Key Values Key in Port Underwood from bays indented Numerous hold high Oyster Bay Point/ Willawa to Whites Bay values experiential managed now Point, headland of Kaipupu Forested as a “mainland island”. n

n Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough

o R Very High Very Rating High High Extent of Coastal Environment of Coastal Extent Robertson Coastal Terrestrial Area Terrestrial Coastal Robertson (Oct 2013)* Marine Farms / Consented Active (2009) Zones MDC Residential High High Very * Data represents active represents * Data marine and consented as of October 2013. farms mapped Marine farms notmay be operational. Legend Robertson Coastal Natural Character Rating Character Natural Coastal Robertson Upper parts of Mt and Robertson Kahikatea General values applicable to the whole Coastal Terrestrial Area Terrestrial the whole Coastal to applicable values General species. threatened nationally for vital habitats and are so) intact (some exceptionally are tracts Upland forest important. and regionally still quite extensive are of primary lowland hillslope forests Tracts Sub Area Port Underwood area Queen Charlotte Sound areas Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Terrestrial Area 7: Robertson Holding 7: Area Terrestrial Coastal Parts within 5: Specific 4 & Levels Character High Natural Very High or 154

Coastal Terrestrial Area 8 : Stokes Collective Characteristics and Coastal Context Silver Beech, Stoppy-Stop, Celmisia macmahonii, Mohua, Sounds, Wet, Weakly To Strongly Schistose Ecosystem

Very steep to moderately steep, evenly contoured coastal hills and mountain slopes with steep and rolling upper ridge crests and summits dominate this ecosystem forming the substantial Stokes massif. The coastline is characterised by several large, deeply incised inlets and prominent headlands. In the confined coastal inlets, undulating to rolling prograding inlet heads are evident and comprise alluvial flats, fans and dunes. There is a considerable range in height and rainfall gradient from sea level to the mountain tops, which are exposed and sometimes covered in snow. The influence of the sea is significant as it surrounds the landmass. Original forest covers most of the upper slopes of Stokes massif and its summit supports the only occurrence of subalpine vegetation in the Sounds.

Cape Lambert Guards Bay Waitui Bay

A n Titarangi a k o Bay h a

B a Puzzle Peak y Port Gore

Beatrix Bay

Melville Cove

Oterawhanga

Mt Furneaux

Clova Bay Mt Stokes

Manaroa n

d e

Crail Bay a R

v e s o o Mt McMahon u l u r t

W i I o n n e l B t e a t I y n l e t

y a B a ri a it a a y B W i u a Kenepuru Sound M a u a t a M

e T

N °

0 3.5 7 km

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 1:200,000 08 Stokes

N °

0 3.5 7 km

1:200,000 08 Stokes SECTION D 155 Past & potential native native & potential Past vegetation Grassland Shrub-tussockland (broad and mid-ribbed snow shrubs). with mixed tussocks Shrub-sedge-cushionfield ( , Donatia dealbata Montitega , pectinatus Oreobolus n-z, alpina). Carpha Celmisia daisy- Mt Stokes rutlandii rockland. Forest with beech forest Silver in places. leatherwood beech forest. Mountain beech forest beech-red Silver southern with halls totara, kamahi papauma, toro, rata, and toi. Forest beech - toro- Rimu/hard with halls forest kamahi miro. totara, - Rimu-kahikatea/tawa forest. broadleaf mixed - Kahitatea-matai/kohekohe forest. broadleaf mixed Remnant native vegetation native Remnant Shrub-tussockland (broad Shrub-tussockland (broad and mid-ribbed snow shrubs). with mixed tussocks -Shrub-sedge-cushionfield , Donatia dealbata (Montitega , pectinatus Oreobolus n-z, alpina). Carpha Celmisia daisy- Mt Stokes rutlandii rockland. Silver beech forest with beech forest Silver in places. leatherwood beech forest. Mountain beech forest beech-red Silver southern with halls totara, kamahi papauma, toro, rata, and toi. Rimu/hard beech - toro- Rimu/hard with halls forest kamahi miro. totara, broadleaf - mixed Tawa forest. broadleaf - mixed Kohekohe forest. broadleaf-mamaku Mixed forest. shrubland. - bracken Tauhinu - Eleva tion (m) 1000– 1203 600– 1100 0–600 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Geological formation Siliceous, Siliceous, t.z. foliated 11A to t.z. 111A schist of the Caples Group Siliceous, Siliceous, t.z. foliated 11A to t.z. 111A schist of the Caples Group Siliceous, Siliceous, t.z. foliated t.z.11A to 111A schist of the Caples Group Landform Landform component Strongly Strongly to rolling moderately steep broad mountain summits and upland ridge crests Steep to steep very upper hill and mountain slopes Moderately Moderately steep to steep lower hill slopes 1 2 3 156

Coastal Terrestrial Area 8 : Stokes

Landform Geological Eleva- Remnant native vegetation Past & potential native component formation tion vegetation (m)

4 Undulating Recent 0–20 (Kahikatea)/tawa - pukatea Forest terraces, alluvium from forest on alluvium. Kahikatea-pukatea-nikau floodplains, predominantly Kanuka forest on alluvium. swamp forest fans and schistose rocks associated wetlands and deltas, e.g. P27/980050, 970098 5 Minor Recent 0–20 Matai-titoki-tawa forest. Forest and Shrubland prograding alluvium from Kohekohe-mixed broadleaf Kahikatea-matai-totara- inlet heads predominantly forest. kohekohe-tawa-titoki and fans, e.g. schistose rocks, Kaikomako-kahikatea-mahoe- forest. P26/980110, minor swamp tawa forest. Marsh ribbonwood 030165 deposits . shrubland. Kanuka forest on alluvium. Manuka-Carex sedge- Marsh ribbonwood shrubland. shrubland. Manuka-Carex sedge- shrubland.

6 Beach Recent marine 0–20 Spinifex, dune slack, rushes, Spinifex-pingao duneland. ridges and sand and gravel sedges, low scrub dunes, e.g. P26/056202

7 Minor steep Siliceous, 0–100 Horokaka rockland. Horokaka rockland. to precipitous foliated t.z. 11A Silver tussock tussock- Silver tussock tussock- eroding sea to t.z. 111A loamfield. loamfield. cliffs schist of the Tauhinu-taupata-wharariki- Taupata-wharariki- Caples Group flax-shrubland tauhinu flax-shrubland.

Abiotic

The Stokes Coastal Terrestrial Area includes terrain east environments the coastline is characterised several of a line between Te Matau a Maui Bay and Wet Inlet, large, deeply indented bays and inlets e.g., Port Gore, centred on Mount Stokes, and includes the head of Anakoha Bay, Endeavour Inlet, separated by prominent Kenepuru Sound through to Endeavour Inlet. peninsulas and headlands. Fans, alluvial terraces and floodplains are common and occupy significant areas The dominant landforms include very steep to compared to the rest of the Sounds e.g., Clova and moderately steep, dissected, inner coastal hill and Waitaria Bays. Minor landforms include intertidal mountain slopes; strongly rolling to moderately steep, flats at the heads of major inlets e.g., Anakoha upland ridge crests and summits to 1,203 m [Mt. Bay, Kenepuru Head, islets e.g., Clark and Ouokaha, Stokes]; confined coastal inlets with undulating to beaches; and regionally significant dunes at Titirangi. rolling prograding inlet heads; sinuous undulating terraces and floodplains; fans, wetlands and associated The terrain is developed on siliceous, weakly to deltas [e.g. the head of Kenepuru Sound, and strongly foliated t.z. 11A, 11B, and t.z. 111A schist of Manaroa]; and minor rolling beach ridges and dunes. the Caples Group. Steep rocky shorelines are common but precipitous A number of streams originating off Mt. Stokes are sea cliffs are not a prominent feature. Ocean sea cliffs large, long and have high gradients. Reaches of low to the east and north are included in the Cook Strait gradient meandering stream reaches are restricted to coastal area. In contrast to the surrounding coastal

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 157 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough This coastal terrestrial unit is characterised by several large, deeply indented bays and inlets such as Port Gore and inlets such as Port Gore bays deeply indented large, unit by several terrestrial This coastal is characterised 158

Coastal Terrestrial Area 8 : Stokes the fans and alluvial flats and are some of the most Biotic well-developed in the Sounds, e.g., Kenepuru Head. Summary analysis: Total land area in Stokes Coastal Freshwater quality is high in forested catchments and Terrestrial Area is 27,319 ha, of which 42% in native headwaters. Some degradation in water quality is forest, 34% in native shrubland, 6% in exotic treeland, evident in lower gradient reaches as a result of farming 2% in exotic scrub and 17% in pasture. This biotic activity. environment forms part of the Department of The climate is temperate to cool and relatively wet, Conservation’s Sounds Ecological District. rainfall varies between 1,200 and 2,000+ mm p.a., Originally, this area was predominantly forested, increasing rapidly with elevation. Summer drought is except for rock and beach shoreline fringes, coastal uncommon or negligible above 150 m. The maritime and inland bluffs, estuarine embayments, sub-alpine influence is variable but significant in the north where communities, active floodplains and dune systems. the terrain is exposed to oceanic winds and storms but Subalpine communities on Mt. Stokes comprise significantly less in more sheltered inlets, Kenepuru predominantly rockland, boulderfield, tussockland, Sound and Endeavour Inlet. The high ridges and shrublands, and cushion bogs. summits of Mt. Stokes are exposed to the prevailing westerlies and receive infrequent winter snow. Frosts Tall alluvial forest is a significant feature of this occur on gentle sheltered landforms. Coastal Terrestrial Area. Upland forests and alpine communities, bluff systems and estuaries are still Elevation ranges from sea level to 1,203 m with a mean largely intact. Forests of lower altitude hill slopes elevation of 400 metres. and toe-slopes, and coastal forests are severely compromised. Very little of the original forests remain, although a significant proportion of this is now secondary forest and regenerating shrublands.

Alluvial communities and estuarine margins are all but gone. Indigenous vegetation of dunes are gone.

Within the sub-alpine plant communities the followings species are present: outcropping rockland bluffs with scattered Mt. Stokes cushion daisy (Celmisia macmahonii var. macmahonii), Celmisia rutlandii and Mt Stokes carrot (Anisotome haastii var.); shrub- tussock boulderfield; shrub-tussockland; shrub-sedge- cushionfield (Montitega dealbata, Carpha alpina, Donatia novae-zelandiae and Oreobolus pectinatus).

Within the forests, silver beech dominates with leatherwood (Olearia colensoi) in places. Kanuka forest is prevalent on alluvium; (kahikatea)/tawa-pukatea forest is also found on alluvium; kaikomako-kahikatea- mahoe-tawa forest is found on alluvium and matai- titoki-tawa forest is found on alluvium. Other species include rimu/hard beech-toro-kamahi forest with hall’s totara, miro; silver beech-red beech forest with halls totara, southern rata, toro and toi; kohekohe-mixed broadleaf forest; tawa-mixed broadleaf forest; mixed broadleaf forest.

Above: Mt Stokes cushionfield Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 159 -r,ee; macmahonii -r,ee; threatened nationally threatened t = r = at risk nationally Sounds e = endemic to Marlborough Area Terrestrial Coastal ee = endemic to Stokes Above: The forested slopes of Mt Furneaux The forested Above: Dynamic process functioning is generally healthy healthy functioning is generally Dynamic process management alluvial sites. Ongoing of wild for except is required. weed threats animal and of altitude, is high due to range biodiversity Natural and habitat types; especially enhanced by landform subalpine communities. low partly due to is moderately productivity Overall is low productivity There schists. infertile moderately at high altitudes. close to the sea which are reaches stream gradient Low of threatened range a diverse habitat good for provide koaro, eel, inanga, Zealand longfin fish including New shortjaw and redfin bullies, and blue-gill torrentfish, At and dwarf galaxias (all lamprey giant kokopu, but not found considered Risk -r). Also commonly bully and common banded kokopu, are threatened shortfin eel. Area Terrestrial Coastal in Stokes Notable plants macmahonii var.include: Celmisia Hebe rutlandii -r,e; -e, Celmisia Anisotome haastii var -r,e; Astelia ‘Stokes’ -r; titirangi rididula -r; rigidula var. leatherwood; snow tussock; toi; broad-leaved raukawa; novae-zelandiae; Donatia A. squarrosa; aurea; Aciphylla pine; Alseuosmia pusilla; pygmy odorata; Carmichaelia woollyhead. Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Scrublands include manuka shrubland; tauhinu- include manuka Scrublands tussock silver rockland; shrubland; horokaka bracken flax- taupata-wharariki-tauhinu tussock-loamfield; shrubland; manuka- shrubland; marsh ribbonwood shrub-sedgeland. Carex distinctive unique and very are Subalpine communities supportingin this area, of the local endemics. Some else in the nowhere found are species occurring here otherwise confined which are Sounds including species to the North (e.g. Island subsp. Chionochloa flavescens squalida). This subsp. Leptinella squalida flavescens), in the Sounds coastal area is the only subalpine important. and is nationally environment and dune alluvial, estuarine, freshwater Remaining distinctive, are however uncommon, are communities significant. and regionally Although vulnerable significantly contribute they small in extent, relatively Area. Terrestrial of the Coastal to the biodiversity and diverse distinctive, are of upland forest Some tracts species. threatened nationally act for habitats as vital on present are windshorn forests stunted, Distinctively ridges and summits. exposed important and nationally primary coastal large, A few intact to contribute they remain; tracts lowland forest (e.g. ridgetop to seafloor, altitudinal sequences from Ship Cove). Black Head, Big Bay, (e.g. shrublands occur in places, above Unusual coastal Head.) Jacksons disrupted in most lower altitude are Biotic patterns intact at largely are however areas, and coastal lost largely and are higher altitudes. Alluvial patterns uninterpretable. therefore Above: Hebe speciosa Above: 160

Coastal Terrestrial Area 8 : Stokes

A few large, nationally important primary coastal and lowland forest tracts remain; they contribute to intact altitudinal sequences from ridgetop to seafloor, (eg. Black Head, Big Bay, Ship Cove)

Animals in this area include: Powelliphanta ‘bicolor’ maintains many different characteristics. Although western weka; little blue penguin -r; pied shag -t; reef access to the area can be gained via water from these heron -t; koaro -r, banded kokopu, lamprey -r. Mohua many areas, there is essentially only one vehicular (yellowhead) -t has recently become extinct through route, which wends its way along the arm dividing rat and stoat irruptions, Mt Stokes having been the Kenepuru Sound from Queen Charlotte Sound only known occurrence of this bird in the northern and splinters off to many of the respective areas. South Island in the last 40 years. Modification is most apparent in along the lower coastal shores and within the lower lying valleys of Experiential this area, with the highest elevations protected for The Stokes Coastal Terrestrial Area incorporates one their conservation values. Much of the modification of the largest and highest landforms in the Sounds reflects the varied land use, which includes pastoral and due to its central location, straddles both the grazing and forestry. Residential housing, airstrips eastern and western parts of the Sounds. The area and transmission lines are also evident in these areas. also straddles the inner and outer Sounds, where Despite this, the natural darkness of the night sky is extreme weather can also play an important aspect virtually free from artifical light. into the areas experiential values. Contained by The area is particularly memorable where the level of Queen Charlotte Sound/ Endeavour Inlet to the east, modification is least, notably the most elevated parts Kenepuru Sound to the south, Crail and Beatrix Bays of Mt. Stokes and along the Queen Charlotte Shores of to the west, Anakoha and Guards Bay to the north- Endeavour Inlet and Ship Cove. west and Port Gore to the north, the area retains

Level 3: Overall Area Rating for Stokes Coastal Terrestrial Area Natural Character Attributes Degree of Natural Character Abiotic Biotic Experiential Very High    High

Moderate to High

Moderate

Moderate to Low

Low

Very Low

Overall Natural Character Rating Very High

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 161 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Endeavour Inlet Endeavour 162

Coastal Terrestrial Area 8 : Stokes

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Terrestrial Area 8: Stokes Holding High or Very High Natural Character

Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments

Mt. Stokes massif Very High Original forest covers most of the upper slopes of Parts of Titirangi (& High the Stokes massif and its summit supports the only Road and Anakoha around occurrence of subalpine vegetation in the Sounds. Road connecting Port inner Port It is the largest and highest forest tract in the Gore and Guards Gore and Marlborough Sounds, and includes largely-intact Bay/ Anakoha Bay are Camp Bay shore-to-tops sequences. The area also straddles the included within the inner and outer Sounds, where extreme weather rating due to their can also play an important aspect into the areas limited visual and experiential values. physical presence.

Unique sub-alpine rockland vegetation [i.e. Celmisia macmahonii var. macmahonii only occurs here, on bluffs]

More settled areas of inner Port Gore retain High levels of natural character due to regenerating bush and limited modification.

Limited modification and indigenous forest cover along the Queen Charlotte Shores of Endeavour Inlet and Ship Cove.

Southern extents Very High Original forest covers most of the upper slopes around Bob’s Knob and the lowlands around Golf Reef Bay in Kenepuru Sound

Refer also to Section F of this report for: Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 10: Ship Cove and Resolution Bay Outstanding Coastal Natural Character Area 12: Mt. Stokes

Inner Port Gore and the steep slopes of Mt Furneaux

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 163 s m e k k 7 o t N ° S

8 0 Oterawhanga 5 .

y 3 a

Cape LambertCape B

n 0 o t i 0

l u 0 s o , Port Gore R e 0 0 Mt Furneaux 2 . : 1 0 Waitui Bay Melville Cove e t E n d e a v o u r I n l Puzzle Peak Puzzle Titarangi Bay Guards Bay Guards Mt Stokes .

y Mt McMahon B a a . o h a k

A n

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough a

r Sound Kenepuru

Manaroa t

a W

Clova Bay

Beatrix Bay

Extent of Coastal Environment of Coastal Extent Area Terrestrial Coastal Stokes (Oct 2013)* Marine Farms Consented Active/ (2009) Zones MDC Residential High High Very t a

e B

Crail Bay Crail l

I n i

e t u W a

Stokes Coastal Natural Character Rating Character Natural Coastal Stokes a

Legend t

e T Above: The peak and ridgeline associated with Grants Lookout (centre) from Furneaux Lodge, Queen Charlotte Sound. Lodge, Furneaux from (centre) Lookout with Grants The peak and ridgeline associated Above: Inlet Indeavour Lodge, Launching outside Furneaux Opposite: * Data represents active and consented marine farms as of October 2013. Marine farms mapped may not be operational. not mapped may be operational. as of October 2013. Marine farms marine farms active and consented represents * Data Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Stokes Coastal Terrestrial Area Area Terrestrial Coastal PartsStokes within 5: Specific 4 & Levels Character High Natural Very High or Holding 164

Coastal Terrestrial Area 9 : Pelorus Collective Characteristics and Coastal Context Kahikatea, Rimu, Beeches, Non to Weakly Schistose Area The Pelorus Coastal Terrestrial Area is a small part of the inland mountainous Pelorus Land Type. It encompasses a small section of the lower valley floor, flood plain and distributary delta of the Pelorus River, and the adjoining south-easterly aspect steep hill country to the north. The recent alluvial and estuarine deposits and landforms infilling the mouth of the valley are extensive by Sounds standards and are prone to flooding and fresh silt deposition. The low energy saline depositional environment of shallow distributary delta channels and tidal flats provides a specialist freshwater and estuarine habitat. Elevation and rainfall range are moderate. The Pelorus delta complex and upper hill slopes are still dominated by native vegetation.

The coastal context includes the mid and upper Pelorus valley. The mid parts of the valley are typically modified, with numerous pine plantations, roads, small settlements and farmsteads occupying the lower slopes and valley floor. The higher slopes and upper Pelorus catchment retains less modification, where indigenous forest dominate.

. Mt Rutland

N °

0 0.5 1 km

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 1:40,000 09 Pelorus

N °

0 0.5 1 km

1:40,000 09 Pelorus SECTION D 165 Past & potential native native & potential Past vegetation Grassland-Shrubland Mid-ribbed snow tussockland. turfland. Carpet grass - Hebe subalpine Coprosma shrubland. Cushion-herb-rockland. Forest beech forest Mountain (treeline). beech Red-silver-mountain forest. beech- beech-silver Red forest. kamahi Forest beech beech-silver Hard forest. with rimu beech forest Hard ponga. kamahi, emergent, broadleaf Rimu/tawa-mixed forest. Forest Rimu-totara-matai-black forest. beech-tawa forest. Black beech-matai Rimu/black beech forest. beech-black beech-rimu Silver forest. Remnant native vegetation native Remnant Mid-ribbed snow tussockland. turfland. Carpet grass - Hebe subalpine Coprosma shrubland. Cushion-herb-rockland. beech forest Mountain (treeline). beech Red-silver-mountain forest. beech- beech-silver Red forest kamahi Hard beech forest with rimu beech forest Hard ponga. kamahi, emergent, forest. broadleaf Mixed with mixed forest Tawa spp. broadleaf beech beech-silver Hard forest. Podocarp–broadleaved forest, forest, Podocarp–broadleaved kahikatea rimu, matai, - Eleva tion (m) 700– 1008 0–700 5–150 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Geological formation Non-foliated, Non-foliated, well to poorly bedded sandstones and siltstones, and weakly t.z. 11A foliated schist of the Group Caples Non-foliated, Non-foliated, well to poorly bedded sandstones and siltstones, and weakly t.z. 11A foliated schist of the Group Caples Pleistocene alluvium from predominantly sedimentary and schistose rocks Landform Landform component Steep to very Steep to very steep upper slopes and summits (minor component) Moderately Moderately steep to steep lower hill and mountain slopes Undulating Undulating fans terraces, and terrace remnants 1 2 3 166

Coastal Terrestrial Area 9 : Pelorus

Landform Geological Eleva- Remnant native vegetation Past & potential native component formation tion vegetation (m)

4 Narrow Recent 5–20 Lowland ribbonwood-kowhai Forest sinuous alluvium from treeland. Kahikatea-matai-totara floodplains predominantly Kahikatea-matai forest. forest. sedimentary Totara-matai forest. Lowland ribbonwood- and schistose Riparian flood zone narrow-leaved lacebark- rocks shrublands and herbfields. kowhai forest. Cabbage tree-harakeke tree- flaxland. Riparian flood zone shrublands and herbfields.

5 Prograding Recent alluvial 0–3 Lowland ribbonwood-kowhai Lowland ribbonwood- delta / tidal and estuarine treeland. kowhai treeland. flat deposits Manuka-kahikatea-swamp Manuka-kahikatea-swamp coprosma shrubland. coprosma shrubland. Three-square sedgeland. Three-square sedgeland. Bolboschoenus sedgeland. Bolboschoenus sedgeland. Oioi rushland. Oioi rushland. Marsh ribbonwood coastal Marsh ribbonwood- coastal shrub daisy shrubland. shrub daisy shrubland. Seablite-glasswort herbfield. Seablite-glasswort herbfield.

Abiotic

The dominant landforms include the floodplain and very intense rainfall events occur. Warm summer regionally significant prograding delta-estuarine tidal temperatures are apparent in valleys sheltered from flat complex of the Pelorus River, sinuous undulating strong winds and storms. Winter frosts are typical on terrace remnants, minor footslope fans, and the valley floors but are ameliorated to some extent by adjacent marginal steep to very steep, dissected, hill coastal proximity. Cold air drainage onto the valley floor slopes and ridges to 700 m. can be pronounced, and there is a high incidence of

The landscape is underlain by siliceous, non-foliated, valley fog, especially in winter. well to poorly bedded sandstones and siltstones, and Elevation ranges from sea level to 700 m on the flanks weakly foliated t.z. 11A schist of the Caples Group. The of Mt Rutland. Recent alluvial and estuarine deposits and landforms Biotic are extensive by Sounds standards. The lower reaches of the Pelorus River flood frequently ponding surface Summary analysis: Total land area of Pelorus Coastal water and depositing fresh silt. Terrestrial Area is 1,951 ha, of which 58% is native forest, 3% native shrubland, 19% exotic treeland, 1% The large river low gradient shallow distributary exotic scrub and 14% pasture. channels dominate the freshwater habitat, with short steep high gradient streams draining the steepland Originally all the hill country and alluvial landforms component. A major area of low energy saline- of this coastal terrestrial area was forested. Discrete estuarine habitat exists at the interface between the non-forest areas were restricted to tidal flats and freshwater environment and that of Pelorus Sound. estuaries, riparian communities, active flood plains Water quality in this reach of the Pelorus is variable, and deltas, within the flood zone of the lower Pelorus eutrophication and contamination from intensive land River, a few coastal non-forest wetlands, and rare bluff use is an issue. communities and slip sites.

The climate is temperate and relatively wet, with Now, upper hill country forest on the Mt Rutland flanks rainfall varying between 1,600 and 1800 mm per and the Pelorus intertidal, estuarine delta system are year, increasing with elevation. Summer drought still largely intact. Low altitude and coastal hill country is uncommon or negligible although occasional forests are greatly compromised and alluvial forest is

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 167  High Experiential  threatened nationally threatened t = r = at risk nationally Sounds e = endemic to Marlborough Experiential is the smallest in Area Terrestrial Coastal The Pelorus mouth of the the delta and encapsulating the Sounds, Rutland. of Mt. and the southern flanks River Pelorus delta, with its network of small The intertidal river especially in terms memorable, is extremely waterways upper slopes The forested to Havelock. of its character part this intimate of assistof Mt. in framing Rutland via SH6 and via Kaiuma the Sounds. Access is provided on the northern bank of the river. Road Bay Extensive inanga -r spawning and adult rearing habitat adult -r spawning and inanga rearing Extensive in tidal zones. Area Terrestrial Coastal Notable plant species of Pelorus salicornioides) (Korthalsella mistletoes include: coral lowland estuary sedge -r; -r, clavata Korthalsella -r; saltmarsh oioi; kōwhai; tōtara; ribbonwood; coprosma; swamp shrub daisy; coastal ribbonwood; mane; clubrush; marsh horse’s mistletoe; green clubrush. spotless -r, fernbird -r, rail Animals include: banded little blue penguin and western weka pukeko, -r, crake habitat types freshwater and larger Diverse -r. supporting: shortfin longfin -r eel, giant and -r and and upland common gill -r, blue banded kokopu, bullies . rainbow trout population and A significant brown fishery. supports an important recreational the fish penetrate of estuarine and marine A variety and yellow-eye grey as Kahawai, such lower Pelorus mullet and snapper. Biotic Natural Character Attributes Character Natural  Overall Natural Character Rating Character Natural Overall Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Abiotic Degree of Natural Character of Natural Degree Very High Very High to High Moderate Moderate to Low Moderate Low Low Very Level 3: Overall Area Rating for Pelorus Coastal Terrestrial Area Terrestrial Coastal Pelorus for Rating Area 3: Overall Level almost entirely gone, being reduced to rare treeland treeland to rare being reduced gone, almost entirely variously are communities non-forest stands. All active especially on the and diminished, altered estuarine delta system and upper large flood plains, shrublands. biota, communities distinctive numerous retains The area and podocarp-beech and coastal Lowland and habitats. on hill country. forests broadleaf mixed although alluvial communities, remnant Distinctive regionally are treelands, to scattered now reduced important and mixed podocarp include fertile and and semi-deciduous kowhai- treeland, broadleaf treelands. ribbonwood-lacebark wetland and adjoining freshwater Estuarine regionally distinctive, very extensive, are communities outstanding, important habitats. and provide is biodiversity natural extent, Despite the small coastal - especially of landforms due to a wide range moderate involving regimes water and estuarine - and riverine Alluvial biodiversity and seawater. both freshwater the and by clearance compromised has been severely to loss. vulnerable are that remain fragments and process dynamics and sequences, Biotic patterns intact at higher altitudes on the largely functioning are but disrupted throughout mosthillslopes, of the lower and almost Alluvial losthillslopes, in alluvial areas. difficult and very to highly fragmented are patterns well-preserved very are interpret. Intertidal patterns are but to alluvial communities sequences through gone. largely is high in alluvial and intertidal productivity Natural productivity to moderate and decreasing communities on adjacent hillslope communities. 168

Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Terrestrial Area 9: Pelorus Holding High or Very High Natural Character

Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments Pelorus/ Kaituna Very High Distinctive remnant alluvial communities, although Refer also to Coastal Estuary now reduced to scattered treelands, are regionally Marine Area C important and include fertile podocarp and mixed broadleaf treeland, and semi-deciduous kowhai- ribbonwood-lacebark treelands.

Estuarine and adjoining freshwater wetland communities are extensive, very distinctive, regionally outstanding, and provide important habitats.

The estuarine system also has biotic patterns and sequences, dynamics and processes that are largely intact.

The intertidal river delta, with its network of small waterways holds very high perceived naturalness values.

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 169 s u r o l N e ° P

m k 9 1 0 5 . 0 0 Additional Comments slopes retain Lower forestry. commercial by delineated Area cover. vegetation 0 0 , 0 4 : 1 0 Extent of Coastal Environment of Coastal Extent Area Terrestrial Coastal Pelorus (2009) Zones MDC Residential High High Very Pelorus Coastal Natural Character Rating Character Natural Coastal Pelorus Legend Key Values Key The forested upper slopes of Mt. Rutland assist of Mt. upper slopes in Rutland The forested part intimate this of the Sounds. framing dynamics and and sequences, Biotic patterns intact at higher largely functioning are process altitudes on the hillslopes Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Rating High Mt Rutland . Sub Area Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Terrestrial Area 9: Pelorus Holding High or Holding High Pelorus 9: Area Terrestrial Coastal Parts within 5: Specific 4 & Levels Character High Natural Very Upper vegetated Upper vegetated slopes also to Section F of this reportRefer for: Estuary 13: Pelorus Area Character Natural Outstanding Coastal Opposite: Pelorus Estuary Pelorus Opposite: 170

Coastal Terrestrial Area 10 : Kaituna

Collective Characteristics and Coastal Context

Papauma, Kamahi, Karearea, Inland Eastern Moist to Wet, Strongly Schistose Area.

The Kaituna Coastal Terrestrial Area is a small part of the mostly inland mountainous Kaituna Land Type. It extends across the northern part of the largely inland Kaituna Land Type. It encompasses the steepland slopes adjacent to Havelock, the Mahakipawa and Grove Arms of the Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds, and the Linkwater lowlands. The steeplands are underlain by weakly to strongly foliated schist rocks. Extensive fan, floodplain and terrace alluvium and colluvium sourced from the surrounding hill slopes in-fills the Linkwater valley which separates Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds. The shoreline consists of small delta - tidal flat complexes or steep rocky shores. Rainfall is adequate and increases with elevation. Forests clothe the steeplands and coastal context with pasture on the gently sloping topography.

e p u r u S o u K e n n d

d o u n u S h a M a

d u n S o r u s P e l o Wedge Point r m v e A G r o

r u M o b a r h a a H k n i o p t c a i w P a A r m Linkwater

.Mt Duncan

N °

0 3.25 6.5 km

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 1:180,000 10 Kaituna

N °

0 3.25 6.5 km

1:180,000 10 Kaituna SECTION D 171 Past & potential & potential Past vegetation native Forest beech forest Silver with Olearia lacunosa, Chionochloa cheesemanii (forest snow tussock). with beech forest Red putaputaweta, silver beech, southern rata, halls totara. beech-red Silver with beech forest halls totara. hieracifolia Celmisia (upland rockland outcrops). forest Remnant native native Remnant vegetation Silver beech forest beech forest Silver with Olearia lacunosa, Chionochloa cheesemanii (forest snow tussock). with beech forest Red putaputaweta, silver beech, southern rata, halls totara. beech-red Silver with beech forest halls totara. hieracifolia Celmisia (upland rockland outcrops). forest Elevation (m) 700–900 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Geological formation Siliceous, foliated t.z. foliated Siliceous, 11A to t.z. IIIB schist Group of the Caples Landform Landform component Steep to very steep Steep to very upper mountain slopes [includes some large- scale slab failures] 1 172

Coastal Terrestrial Area 10 : Kaituna

Landform Geological formation Elevation Remnant native Past & potential component (m) vegetation native vegetation

2 Moderately steep to Siliceous, foliated t.z. 0–700 Hard beech-kamahi- Forest steep lower hill and 11A to t.z. IIIB schist ponga forest with Rimu/Hard beech- mountain slopes of the Caples Group some rimu. kamahi-ponga forest. [includes some large- Black beech forest Rimu/-black beech scale slab failures] with mingimingi, forest. shining karamu. Kahikatea/tawa Mixed broadleaf mixed broadleaved forest mahoe, species forest. fivefinger, tree Shrubland and fuchsia, wineberry, Rockland putaputaweta. Tutu shrubland and Tawa-titoki-white rockland. maire forest. Rimu-black beech forest. Manuka-kanuka scrub. Tawa forest with mixed broadleaf species mainly mahoe. Tauhinu scrub. Silver tussockland.

3 Moderately steep low Siliceous, foliated t.z. 0–50 Black beech-kowhai- Black beech-kowhai- broad headlands 11A to t.z. IIIB schist akiraho forest akiraho forest of the Caples Group (Mahakipawa coastal (Mahakipawa coastal fringe). fringe). Black beech forest Rimu-black beech with mingimingi, forest. shining karamu.

4 Broad undulating Recent and 0–20 Matai-totara-silver Forest terraces, floodplains Pleistocene alluvium beech-black beech- Kahikatea-pukatea and fans from predominantly mixed broadleaf swamp maire forest. schistose rocks treeland. Kahikatea forest. Matai-totara-silver beech-black beech- mixed broadleaf forest. Harakeke-cabbage tree flax-treeland.

5 Narrow undulating Pleistocene alluvium 5–120 Rimu-black beech Rimu-black beech terraces and from predominantly forest. forest. footslope fans schistose rocks Totara-matai-white maire forest. Kahikatea-matai- tawa forest.

6 Narrow sinuous Recent alluvium 5–20 Forest floodplains from predominantly Kahikatea-swamp schistose rocks maire forest. Lowland ribbonwood- matai-totara-kowhai forest. Kahikatea- matai-tawa forest.

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 173 Past & potential & potential Past vegetation native Oioi rushland. Marsh ribbonwood- shrub daisy- coastal propinqua- Coprosma tauhinu estuarine scrub. Kowhai-narrow- lacebark, leaved ribbonwood lowland forest. Remnant native native Remnant vegetation Oioi rushland. Short steep high gradient streams draining the draining Short streams steep high gradient quality. high water usually have steepland component in lower quality is evident of water Some degradation and on the River of the Kaituna reaches gradient agriculture. of intensive lowlands as a result Linkwater wet, rainfall and relatively is temperate The climate per year, between 1300 and 1600 mm varies east from to west. increasing is Summer drought 150 m, although or negligible above uncommon Warm occur. events rainfall intense occasional very in valleys apparent are summer temperatures Winter winds and storms. strong from sheltered floors. on valley typical, sometimes severe are frosts and can be pronounced valleys into air drainage Cold a strong Overall fog. is a high incidence of valley there maritime influence is limited to the estuary and delta and and the slopes adjacent to the Mahakipawa areas Arms. Grove to 892 m [Mt Duncan]. sea level from ranges Elevation Elevation (m) 0–3 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough Geological formation Geological Recent alluvial and Recent estuarine deposits Landform Landform component Prograding delta / delta Prograding tidal flat 7 Abiotic type land Kaituna of the Area Terrestrial The Coastal the northerlyencompasses Richmond slopes of the Sound, the Linkwater Pelorus overlooking Range Arm of Queen Charlotte and the Grove lowlands, Point. Wedge Sound to steep, include steep to very components Landform slopes to 892 hill and mountain controlled, structurally m [Mt schistosity; the dip of the Duncan], reflecting and fans footslope terraces, undulating sinuous, flat delta - tidal Kaituna River floodplains; and the complex. to strongly weakly on siliceous, is developed The terrain t.z.and t.z. 11B, foliated 111A and 111B schist of the and valley colluvium associated and Group Caples foliation of the schist The orientation fill alluvium. contoured imparts rippled evenly a characteristic on the north-westerly weakly dissected topography and steeper bluffy aspect slopes and a contrasting on the southerly slopes. topography blocky more colluvium alluvium and floodplain and terrace Fan, hill slopes has in-filled the surrounding from sourced and Queen Charlotte Pelorus and separated the valley the are flats The Linkwater Sounds at Linkwater. sloping land of flat and gently area largest contiguous are in the Sounds. Significant delta-tidal landforms and at River at the mouth of the Kaituna also present The Arms. and Mahakipawa the heads of the Grove shallow indented comprises coastline steepland rocky headlands. prominent with few bays 174

Coastal Terrestrial Area 10 : Kaituna

Biotic

Summary analysis: Total land area of Kaituna Coastal Biotic patterns and sequences, dynamics and process Terrestrial Area is 8,553 ha, of which 31% in native are severely compromised and fragmented throughout forest, 33% in native shrubland, 18% exotic treeland, most of the lower hillslopes, and lost in alluvial 1% exotic scrub and 15% in pasture. areas, and are uninterpretable . Intertidal patterns are well-preserved but sequences through to alluvial Originally the terrestrial coastal area of this Coastal communities are largely gone. Terrestrial Area was forested except for tidal flats, estuaries and deltas, some valley non-forest wetlands, Natural productivity is variable, ranging from high in some riparian and bluffs communities, and slip sites. alluvial and intertidal communities and decreasing to moderate in hill slope forest and shrubland Now, lowland hill country forests and coastal communities. Highly schistose rocks are relatively communities are greatly compromised - no original infertile. forest remains. Some of this is now secondary forest and native shrublands. There is generally, a lower abundance of native fish and a limited whitebait fishery. Species recorded include Alluvial forests are almost entirely gone - included inanga-r, shortfin and longfin eels-r, giant and redfin swamp forests, fertile mixed podocarp and mixed bully-r, smelt, koaro-r and banded kokopu. Inanga broadleaf low terrace forests, and less fertile spawning seems likely where habitat is suitable within podocarp-beech high terrace forests. All low altitude the tidal reaches. non-forest communities are variously altered and diminished, especially estuarine fringes, deltas, riparian Freshwater quality, processes and riparian habitat communities and wetlands. is significantly compromised in some waterbodies, particularly Kaituna River. There are a number of distinctive biota, communities and habitats. Plant species that are notable in the Kaituna Coastal Terrestrial Area include: ladies’ tresses -t, yellow Lowland and coastal hillslope forests uncommon and mistletoe -r; Celmisia hieracifolia; hangehange; kōwhai; regionally significant for inland distributions of warm, swamp maire; white maire. northern species such as hangehange, and regionally rare species such as swamp maire. Animals include: karearea (NZ falcon) -r; pied shag - t; black shag -r, fernbird -r; banded rail -r; royal spoonbill Remnant alluvial and estuary fringe communities -r; white-faced heron; pied stilt -r, western weka and are regionally important (including treelands). Many little blue penguin -r. species for which alluvial habitat is vital are now locally extinct.

Large estuarine communities, especially at Kaituna River mouth delta, Mahakipawa Arm head and Okiwa Bay head, are very distinctive, highly productive, and provide important habitats. t = threatened nationally Overall, moderate natural biodiversity due to limited r = at risk nationally range of altitude and landforms. Alluvial biodiversity e = endemic to Marlborough Sounds largely lost.

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 175 Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough The Kaituna River Estuary and Havelock Marina and Havelock River Estuary The Kaituna 176

Coastal Terrestrial Area 10 : Kaituna

Queen Charlotte Drive at Okiwa Bay looking northwards towards Mt Cullen

Experiential

The Kaituna Coastal Terrestrial Area extends from is a noted headland where views are obtained Wedge Point in the east to Pelorus River mouth in towards Havelock from the track. Numerous areas of the west and captures all of the intervening land. residential development line the lower slopes of this This relatively slender area of land is easily accessed transportation corridor, while the steeper terrain to via Queen Charlotte Drive and includes the large the south is predominantly clothed with indigenous settlement of Havelock at the mouth of the Kaituna vegetation. For visitors and locals, high levels of River. The winding Queen Charlotte Road is a more perceived naturalness are gained from the walking scenic alternative road option for road users travelling track on Cullen Point and from the road and houses on between Picton and Havelock, offering picturesque Queen Charlotte Drive. Many people choose to the live views of Grove Arm, Okiwa Bay and Mahakipawa in this area, which is often more sheltered than other Arm and the forested peaks beyond. Cullen Point parts of the Sounds.

Level 3: Overall Area Rating for Kaituna Coastal Terrestrial Area Natural Character Attributes Degree of Natural Character Abiotic Biotic Experiential

Very High High  Moderate to High   Moderate

Moderate to Low

Low

Very Low

Overall Natural Character Rating Moderate - High

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 SECTION D 177 m a k n 5 . u

6 t

r i

r N

a a

n °

Wedge Point Wedge t c i P K Wedge Point Wedge

0 1 5 2 .

m 0 r Additional Comments houses reduce Many closest to naturalness the shore. and forestry Pasture, lower scrub dominate slopes.

d 0 n A

u , e o

0 S v

8 o

u r

r m

r G u

Bay Okiwa Okiwa

a h

Mt Duncan a . P e l o r M u s S o Linkwater u n d a R t u n i v e a i r K

Linkwater

u m r a r

o A

w l

a e a p P w i Biotic patterns and sequences south of Grove Arm. south of Grove and sequences Biotic patterns Queen from naturalness of perceived High levels Charlotte Drive Key Values Key headland where a noted vegetated is Cullen Point Havelock. towards obtained are views track from naturalness of perceived High levels vital provide tracts Upland indigenous forest species. threatened nationally habitat for naturalness. high perceived Very k a a i p h k a a M a h

M Study | June 2014 Coastal Marlborough

High Rating High High Very

g n

Extent of Coastal Environment of Coastal Extent Area Terrestrial Coastal Kaituna (Oct 2013)* Farms Marine Consented Active/ (2009) Zones MDC Residential High High Very

o m

Legend h Rating Character Natural Coastal Kaituna

* Data represents active and represents * Data as of marine farms consented October 2013. Marine farms notmapped may be operational.

c i

South of Grove South of Grove Arm Sub Area Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Coastal Terrestrial Area 10: Kaituna Holding High Kaituna 10: Area Terrestrial Coastal Parts within 5: Specific 4 & Levels Character High Natural Very or Cullen Point parts of Elevated Mt Duncan R Levels 4 & 5: Specific Parts within Kaituna Coastal Terrestrial Terrestrial Coastal PartsKaituna within 4 & 5: Specific Levels Character High Natural Very Holding High or Area 178

Marlborough Sounds Study Findings: Coastal Natural Character Values at the ‘Area’ Scale (Level 3)

As explained at the beginning of this section (Section rating. Natural character ratings for each Coastal D), the ten Coastal Terrestrial Areas (which include Marine Area and each Coastal Terrestrial Area for the freshwater) and seven Coastal Marine Areas of Marlborough Sounds are shown in the tables below the Marlborough Sounds have been described and and mapped opposite. evaluated at the 'Area' wide scale (i.e. at Level 3 Within each Coastal Terrestrial and Coastal Marine of diagram on page 27). Components specifically Area, there are specific parts that hold high or very mentioned within each of the 'Areas' have been high abiotic, biotic or experiential values. These are mapped and evaluated at the next scale (i.e. Levels considered at the next scale down (i.e. Levels 4 & 4 & 5). Refer overleaf for more about the finer scale 5 in the diagram on page 27). However, due to the mapping. knowledge and information available, it has only At the broader Level 3 'Area' scale, the areas (e.g. been possible to map Marine Areas holding high or Portage) were found to be broadly homogenous, with very high levels of abiotic and biotic natural character. moderate to high, high or very high abiotic, biotic See next pages for this more detailed evaluation and and experiential values. The more remote the area, mapping. such as Cook Strait, the higher the degree of natural As part of a separate assessment, there are 13 character (i.e. very high) due to the unmodified areas within the Marlborough Sounds that hold abiotic, biotic and experiential values. Generally Outstanding Natural Character. Again, these tend to these areas either contain a large proportion of be located within more exposed locations and include native vegetation and/ or particularly important many outlying islands and extremities. Tennyson Inlet habitat values. Some areas, which are typically is one of the few more sheltered locations holding more sheltered, hold higher degrees of modification Outstanding Natural Character. See Section F for the (such as Portage), and this is reflected in their 'Area' evaluation and mapping of these outstanding areas.

Summary Boxes of Natural Character Evaluation at the 'Area' scale (i.e. Level 3):

Coastal Terrestrial Areas- Natural Character Rating Coastal Marine Areas - Natural Character Rating

1 D'Urville Very high A Tasman Bay- South Western Very High D’Urville Island 2 Cook Strait Very high B D’ Urville Island- Northern Cook High Strait 3 Bulwer High C Pelorus Sound (including Forsyth Moderate to 4 Arapawa High Bay) HIgh D Queen Charlotte Sound Very High 5 Portage Very high E Tory Channel High 6 Nydia Very high F Port Underwood Moderate to 7 Robertson High High 8 Stokes Very high G Eastern Cook Strait & Outer Very High Queen Charlotte Sound 9 Pelorus High

10 Kaituna Moderate- High

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 179

B SECTION D

1 2 B A 2

3 2 2 m k 0

N 3 1 C 2 3 3 3 2 5 1 C

3 0 C 8 1 2 2 6 5 5 4 6 D 4 5 4 6 4 2

E G 9 5 D 4 10 7 Legend 2 F Extent of Coastal Environment 7 Marlborough District Boundary Coastal Marine Areas- Natural Character Rating Moderate to High y t r High n a e d n m Very High u n o o r B i t

v Coastal Terrestrial Areas- c n i r E t - l g Natg ural Character Rating MAP 9: MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS s s i a g h g h n n i a i t i i - D t t s e H H s Moderate to High r a a a a o o A o R R g h t t e COLLECTIVE COASTAL NATURAL l C r r r u e e High a f e e o A i t t t t r g h g h o r a a i i c c e o t r r t s a a H H b n e e

n Very High l i

r CHARACTER VALUES (LEVEL 3) r e h h d d y y r r e r a a r r t g g o o a r a i i h h e e x e M H V M M E H V C C M T N l l l l d a a a a r r t t n s s u u e t t a a g a a 0 5 10 km o o e L N C C N 180

Marlborough Sounds Study Findings: Coastal Natural Character Values at the Specific Scale (Levels 4 & 5)

Following on from the broader evaluation mapping more detailed level (i.e. Levels 4 and 5 of the diagram exercise on the preceding pages, this page and on page 27) specific mention is made of the intact the map opposite outlines the natural character upland vegetation, its lack of modification, the evaluation of the Marlborough Sounds at the nationally important geological features including finest or most detailed scale (i.e. Levels 4 and 5 of Matarau Point beach, Greville Harbour boulder spit the diagram on page 27). Here, individual bays, and the Whangarae limestone outcrops. A collective shorelines, peaks and headlands have been mapped evaluation of this material by the study team to illustrate those areas holding high or very high determined that those areas retain 'very high' levels levels of natural character. of natural character, sitting within an area holding broad 'very high' levels of natural character. More This more detailed mapping has only been modified parts of D'Urville were determined as either undertaken where specific mention or detail has 'high' or held no rating, which meant that those been included within the broader 'Area' descriptions areas were considered 'less than high'. and evaluations. For example, the D'Urville Island Coastal Terrestrial Area has been rated very high as See Section F of this study for the separate mapping a collective area (see previous page at Level 3). At a of the Outstanding Natural Character Areas.

Key to Levels 4 and 5 Natural Character mapping opposite

Coastal Terrestrial Areas Coastal Marine Areas - Natural Key Character Rating 1 D'Urville A Tasman Bay- South Western D’Urville Island

2 Cook Strait B D’ Urville Island- Northern Cook Strait

3 Bulwer C Pelorus Sound (including Forsyth Bay)

4 Arapawa D Queen Charlotte Sound

5 Portage E Tory Channel

6 Nydia F Port Underwood

7 Robertson G Eastern Cook Strait & Outer Queen Charlotte Sound 8 Stokes

9 Pelorus

10 Kaituna

Specific Parts Holding Very High or High Natural Character Very High

High

Refer to individual Coastal Terrestrial Areas within Section D for a more detailed map illustrating High and Very High Natural Character at the specific scale (i.e. levels 4 and 5)

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014 181

B SECTION D

1 2 B 2 A

3 3 2 C 3 3 2 3 1

3 C 8 1 6 5 2

D 6 4 5 4

6 4 E D G 9 5 4

10 2 Legend F Extent of Coastal Environment Marlborough Regional Boundary Coastal Marine Areas- Natural Character Rating High MAP 10: SPECIFIC COASTAL NATURAL Very High CHARACTER VALUES OF THE MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS (LEVELS 4 & 5) Coastal Terrestrial Areas- Legend Natural Character Rating High Very High 182

Marlborough Coastal Study | June 2014