DOCSLIB.ORG

The Role of Forestry in the Mackenzie Basin

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Role of Forestry in the Mackenzie Basin vided in the form of two dinners (on suc- cessive nights, of course!), well lubricated by their preceding "happy hours". Awards The role of forestry were presented at the official conference dinner, and it was indeed a pleasure to see Geoff Chavasse presented with the Kirk Hom Flask plus a bottle of the vital ingre- in the MacKenzie Basin dients with which to keep it well charged. The organising committee excelled themselves in the efficient organisation of Institute President Peter Olsen and Coun- of small seedling trees and parallel open a memorable AGM and Conference, not cillors joined a group of members from sown seed trials for comparison in the rab- only in the smooth running of every the Canterbury Section in an inspection bit-proofed enclosures. Frost is seen to be aspect of the event, but also in the very and general review of the role of forestry a more serious controlling factor in sur- high level of sponsorship achieved which, in MacKenzie Basin on March 5 and 6. vival than drought - and severe frost suf- for poor consultants like myself, helped to We enjoyed the enthusiastic and expert ficient to kill young pine trees and keep the registration costs down to a very guidance of Nick Ledgard as we inspected Douglas fir may be absent for several reasonable level indeed. This will be a established tree planting trials on a repre- years. hard act to follow next year. And our sentative dry lowland site, earlier planted thanks must go also to the sponsors for shelterbelts, and a comprehensive arbore- Snowfalls helping make the event both affordable tum of various conifer species at the Rib- and enjoyable. bonwood Station, Omarama. The group For those who are unfamiliar with sus- also viewed the impact of shelterbelt tained frost risk in the inland South Island Dennys Guild plantings, small established woodlots, and hill country I quote from the official mete- escaped wildings on the impressive tus- orological report for July 1968: sock grassland landscapes dominating the "The snowfalls on the last four days of foothill country around the basin itself. June on the high country of both islands The weather was beautifully fine and and to low levels in the South Island per- Forest Valuation almost cloudless as we ascended the sisted for the first four days of July, and Mount John University Observatory site there were further falls about July 10-12, for luncheon. The panoramic scene lived and on the 25th. Frosty conditions, espe- Working Party up to its reputaion as a countryside with cially during the first half of the month, special qualities that have made it a allowed little opportunity for the snow to progress report unique landscape. The shape of the sur- melt over the greater part of the South rounding mountains was more dramatic Island. On the hills to the south-west of under a bare tussock mantle. And neither Mossbum at an altitude of about 650 The Working Party is in the process of the "barbecue-breaker" daily on-shore metres the depth was reported as 70 cm developing guidelines for forest valuation. gale, nor the more familiar nor'wester, and 350 cm in the drifts, and it remained We have met eight times (to the end of which provide New Zealand records for frozen there for three weeks. April) and have prepared drafts on: peak windiness on this most exposed site, "Very severe conditions were experi- the purpose for forest valuation; were thankfully present on this occasion. enced, even at quite low altitudes where a alternative approaches to forest valua- Nick provided a well-balanced intro- continuous snow cover persisted. For tion for each purpose; duction to the opportunities and chal- example, Tara Hills, Omarama (altitude guidelines on the appropriate method lenges facing land owners and others with 500 metres) had snow lying on the ground for each purpose; an interest in landscape values. This has the whole month, never less than 14 cm in standards for forest description. been a particularly damp season and those depth. The mean temperature was -5.0°C, Draft Standards for Forest description unfamiliar with the impact of successive the lowest ever recorded in New Zealand have been written for: seasons of drought might have gained a for a month below the altitude of 1000 Description of Land rather rosy picture of tree establishment metres. On eight days the maximum tem- Forest Area and growth prospects. perature failed to reach zero C, the lowest Declaration of Land Value To the much discussed and vexed maximum being -6.7C on the 14th. The Description of Croptyping question of tree wildings Nick stated his air temperature fell just below -17.8C on Recording Forest History firm belief in the strategic importance of the 6th, 7th, and 14th." Yield Estimation adopting a firm management policy to And we have been reminded of partic- Describing Costs control outbreaks at the outset rather than ularly cold months in recent years, notably Specification of Prices stand by and let the countryside be check- July 1991 and June 1992 in both Central Disclosure of Discount Rates. ered with scattered and unevenly spread Otago and in the MacKenzie Basin when The Working Party is currently in the trees. The neglect in some districts has established radiata pine trees and euca- process of reviewing these standards. It is jeopardised the support of others in the lypts suffered severe damage and loss. anticipated that discussion drafts of the community who have a less direct interest At all events the newly-planted tree Standards for Forest Description together in sustainable and profitable use of the seedlings looked most promising and the with other background material will be land. good depth of soils would enable the released for review in June. Comment will The scale and special care taken in young trees to send roots down to a level be sought from both members and the establishing new and comprehensive that would render them more drought wide range of other interested parties. LandcareIFRI trials of several conifer resistant. There was some evidence of the species on a carefully selected representa- importance of mycorrhizal inoculation on Bruce Manley tive lowland site took most of us by sur- this site. Nick commented that the Convenor prise. There were machine-planted rows MacKenzie Basin was, however, essen- N.Z. FORESTRY MAY 1994 37 tially a woody plant habitat despite occu- to locate more than the isolated rabbit dur- hectares of Douglas fir at the top end of pation in recent centuries by tussock ing the course of the two-day inspection. Lake Ohau, and now set for logging, grassland and pasture. The arboretum located in a reasonably demonstrated how profitable such enter- Left to itself, the district would sooner sheltered gully site on the foothills at Rib- prise can be in the heavier rainfall zones or later revert to woody species such as bonwood is already producing some very on the western side of the catchment sweet briar and broom if the seed was encouraging progress. The pastoralists, nearer the Divide. And what a marvellous available. It is, however,more likely that Mr and Mrs Colin and Gwenda Mackay, and memorable drive we enjoyed along- introduced conifer seed would be more were most enterprising and hardworking side the big canals with the Southern Alps mobile and that the district could be cov- farmers, and we all felt the community and Mount Cook as a backdrop. Members ered in wilding trees over the course of was the stronger for such dedication and of the Institute generally agreed that the time without intervention. Better, he said, persistency in a habitat that could so often visit had proved most worthwhile and that to manage the local soils - and for wealth be very inhospitable. Fortunately the there was indeed an assured place for and employment, if possible. weather was fine for our inspection and well-planned forestry consistent with good Members of the group observed the Mackays' hospitality was much appre- landscape outcomes in the long run. Hieracium infestation but an accompany- ciated. ing small dog owned by this writer failed An inspection of a mature seven Jolyon Manning to his role of Chief Soil Conservator. Formation of the Marlborough Forest Owners Association followed with help from the Forest Service and NZ Forest Owners Association, "and today con- straints on forestry are minimal". His concern about logging impacts on steep country led him to visit Europe a Ross Smith Macarthur number of times to study steepland log- ging systems and in 1984 he demonstrated a wyssen system which proved conclu- Ross Macarthur was born in Wellington sively its low impact on soils. After retire- in 1923, descended from Scottish grand- ment in 1985 he formed Skylogs parents who emigrated to Otago. He Equipment Co., which continues to pro- obtained a broad-based education at Scots mote protective logging systems. He is College (Wellington), Victoria University also now working on a Cork Oak project and Lincoln College, and he then volun- which he finds rewarding and a source of teered for war service. He gained the skills personal satisfaction. of pilot and navigator and served in Ross has been a member of the NZIF Canada, Africa and Europe, at one stage since 1949, and from 1970 to 1975 he with Malcolm Conway. He then went to served on the Editorial Committee of Oxford University where he graduated the NZ Journal of Forestry. He has also with an Honours degree in Forestry in presented a number of papers on soil 1948. erosion, management of steepland soils Returning to New Zealand, Ross and of forests upon them.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Phaedra Upton1, Rachel Skudder2 and the Mackenzie Basin Lakes
    Using coupled models to place constraints on fluvial input into Lake Ohau, New Zealand Phaedra Upton1, Rachel Skudder2 and the Mackenzie Basin Lakes Team3 [email protected], 1GNS Science, 2Victoria University of Wellington, 3GNS Science + Otago University + Victoria University of Wellington 2004: no large storms 0 2000 kg/sec 1/1/10 daily rainfall Godley River modelled suspended sediment load Tasman River LakeTekapo 1/1/00 0 200 mm Lake Pukaki 1995: large summer storm 0 2000 kg/sec Hopkins River Box core #1 1/1/90 daily rainfall modelled suspended Lake Ohau Box core #2 Raymond Film Services sediment load Ahuriri River Figure 2: Lake Tekapo following a large rainfall event in its catchment. A sediment laden inflow plunges into the lake and leaves the surface waters clear. We use HydroTrend (Kettner and Syvitski 2008, Computers and 6 m core Daily Rainfall (mm) 0 200 mm Geoscience, 34) to calculate the overall sediment influx into the lake and 1/1/80 couple it to a conceptual model of how this sediment might be distributed 1969: large winter storm through the lake basin depending on the season to produce model cores. 0 2000 kg/sec 0 3 6 12 18 24km Figure 1: Located east of the main divide in the central Southern Alps, the Mackenzie Lakes; Ohau, Pukaki and Tekapo, occupy fault Figure 3: Map of Lake Ohau showing the location of the three cores we controlled glacial valleys and contain high resolution sedimentary compare our models to. daily rainfall records of the last ~17 ka. These sediments potentially contain a 1/1/70 modelled suspended record of climatic events and transitions, earthquakes along the Alpine sediment load Fault to the northwest, landscape response during and following deglaciation and recent human-influenced land use changes.
    [Show full text]
  • General Distribution and Characteristics of Active Faults and Folds in the Mackenzie District, South Canterbury D.J.A
    General distribution and characteristics of active faults and folds in the Mackenzie District, South Canterbury D.J.A. Barrell D.T. Strong GNS Science Consultancy Report 2010/147 Environment Canterbury Report No. R10/44 June 2010 DISCLAIMER This report has been prepared by the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited (GNS Science) exclusively for and under contract to Environment Canterbury. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by GNS Science, GNS Science accepts no responsibility for any use of, or reliance on, any contents of this report by any person other than Environment Canterbury and shall not be liable to any person other than Environment Canterbury, on any ground, for any loss, damage or expense arising from such use or reliance. The data presented in this report are available to GNS Science for other use from June 2010 BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE Barrell, D.J.A., Strong, D.T. 2010. General distribution and characteristics of active faults and folds in the Mackenzie District, South Canterbury. GNS Science Consultancy Report 2010/147. 22 p. © Environment Canterbury Report No. R10/44 ISBN 978-1-877574-18-4 Project Number: 440W1435 2010 CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .........................................................................................................II 1. INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................1 2. INFORMATION SOURCES .........................................................................................2 3. GEOLOGICAL OVERVIEW
    [Show full text]
  • Aoraki Mt Cook
    Anna Thompson: Aoraki/Mt Cook – cultural icon or tourist “object” The natural areas of New Zealand, particularly national parks, are a key attraction for domestic and international visitors who venture there for a variety of recreation and leisure purposes. This paper discusses the complex cultural values and timeless quality of an iconic landmark - Aoraki/Mt Cook – which is located within the ever-changing Mackenzie Basin. It explores the various human values for the mountain and the surrounding regional landscape which has become iconic in its own right. The landscape has economic, environmental, scientific and social significance with intangible heritage values and connotations of sacred and sublime experiences of place. The paper considers Aoraki/Mt Cook as a ‘wilderness’ region that is also a focal point not only for local inhabitants but also for travellers sightseeing and recreating in the area. The paper also explores how cultural values for the mountain are interpreted to visitors in an attempt to convey a sense of ‘place’. Finally the Mackenzie Basin is discussed as a special ‘in-between’ place – that should be considered significant in its own right and not just as a ‘foreground’ or ‘frame’ for viewing the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook itself. The Mackenzie has aesthetic scenic qualities that need careful management of activities such as recent attempts to establish industrialised, dairy factory farming (which does not complement more sustainable economic and social development in the region). Sympathetic projects such as the Nga Haerenga (Ocean to the Alps) cycle way are also under development to encourage activity within the landscape – in conflict with the dairying and other activities that impact negatively on the natural resources of the region.1 Introduction – cultural values for landscape and ‘place’ Aotearoa New Zealand is regarded by many as a ‘young country’ – the last indigenous populated country to be colonised by European cultures.
    [Show full text]
  • TS2-V6.0 11-Aoraki
    Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand Margaret Austin, John Hearnshaw and Alison Loveridge 1. Identification of the property 1.a Country/State Party: New Zealand 1.b State/Province/Region: Canterbury Region, Te Manahuna / Mackenzie Basin 1.c Name: Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve 1.d Location The geographical co-ordinates for the two core sites are: • Mt John University Observatory near Tekapo: latitude 43° 59′ 08″ S, longitude 170° 27′ 54″ E, elevation 1030m above MSL. • Mt Cook Airport and including the White Horse Hill Camping Ground near Aoraki/Mt Cook village: latitude 43° 46′ 01″ S, longitude 170° 07′ 59″ E, elevation 650m above MSL. Fig. 11.1. Location of the property in New Zealand South Island. Satellite photograph showing the locations of Lake Tekapo (A) and the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park (B). Source: Google Earth 232 Heritage Sites of Astronomy and Archaeoastronomy 1.e Maps and Plans See Figs. 11.2, 11.3 and 11.4. Fig. 11.2. Topographic map showing the primary core boundary defined by the 800m contour line Fig. 11.3. Map showing the boundaries of the secondary core at Mt Cook Airport. The boun- daries are clearly defined by State Highway 80, Tasman Valley Rd, and Mt Cook National Park’s southern boundary Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve 233 Fig. 11.4. Map showing the boundaries of the secondary core at Mt Cook Airport. The boundaries are clearly defined by State Highway 80, Tasman Valley Rd, and Mt Cook National Park’s southern boundary 234 Heritage Sites of Astronomy and Archaeoastronomy 1.f Area of the property Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is located in the centre of the South Island of New Zealand, in the Canterbury Region, in the place known as Te Manahuna or the Mackenzie Basin (see Fig.
    [Show full text]
  • Nohoanga Site Information Sheet Whakarukumoana (Lake Mcgregor)
    Updated August 2020 NOHOANGA SITE INFORMATION SHEET WHAKARUKUMOANA (LAKE MCGREGOR), SOUTH CANTERBURY Getting there • The site is adjacent to an existing camping area, on the edge of Whakarukumoana (Lake McGregor). • From the Lake Tekapo township, travel towards Twizel on SH8 and turn off into the Godley Peaks Road. • Follow the gravel road for 8-9km and take the second turn on the left. • From the turnoff, the site is about 1km along at the south end of Lake McGregor, opposite the fence from the public camping site. • The site is not signposted or marked. Signage is expected to be installed in late 2020. For further information phone 0800 NOHOANGA or email [email protected] Page 1 of 5 Updated August 2020 Physical description • The nohoanga is quite flat and is bordered by the lake, road, and fence of the public camp site. • The site is large, mostly flat, and suitable for tenting and campervans and caravans. • There is no shade on site. Vehicle access and parking • The site has excellent vehicle access and is suitable for campervans and caravans. • Parking is plentiful on site. Facilities and services • The are no facilities at the Whakarukumoana (Lake McGregor) nohoanga site. Site users need to provide their own toilet (portaloo or chemical toilet) and shower facilities. • Nohoanga site users are required to provide their own water supplies. • The adjacent public camping site has some facilities – toilets (available from the end of September to the beginning of May) and a designated area for solar showers (water available in the creek). People must pay a daily fee per person for the use of these facilities to the Camping Committee.
    [Show full text]
  • The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
    The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and light pollution issues in New Zealand John Hearnshaw Emeritus professor of astronomy University of Canterbury, New Zealand IAU General Assembly, Honolulu, 12 August 2015 Professor John Hearnshaw University of Canterbury, IAU GA Honolulu, 12 August 2015 Honolulu, 12 IAU GA Professor John Hearnshaw University of Canterbury, The Mackenzie District Lighting Ordinance 1981 Lighting Ordinance drawn up in Mackenzie District Plan. Enacted through Town & Country Planning Act 1977. Controls outdoor lighting (types of light, full cut-off, limits emission below 440 nm, restricts times when outdoor recreational illumination is permitted). The objective of the ordinance is: ‘Maintenance of the ability to undertake effective research at the Mt John University Observatory and of the ability to view the quality of the night sky’. Professor John Hearnshaw University of Canterbury, IAU GA Honolulu, 12 August 2015 Honolulu, 12 IAU GA Professor John Hearnshaw University of Canterbury, Area of the lighting ordinance The lighting ordinance applies over a large area of the Mackenzie Basin, including all of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. Area ~ 60 km EW; ~ 100 km NS. 25 km Professor John Hearnshaw University of Canterbury, IAU GA Honolulu, 12 August 2015 Honolulu, 12 IAU GA Professor John Hearnshaw University of Canterbury, Where are we? Mt John and Tekapo from space MJUO Professor John Hearnshaw University of Canterbury, IAU GA Honolulu, 12 August 2015 Honolulu, 12 IAU GA Professor John Hearnshaw University of Canterbury, Light pollution as seen from space The light recorded in these satellite images represents light going up into space. It is wasted light and wasted energy.
    [Show full text]
  • Planning for Intensive Dairying in the Mackenzie Basin an Inquiry Into Social and Collaborative Planning
    Planning for Intensive Dairying in the Mackenzie Basin An inquiry into social and collaborative planning Tom McKnight A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Planning University of Otago Dunedin, New Zealand 1 November 2013 1 Abstract Intensive dairying is an essential part of the New Zealand economy and has become one of our most important exports. But what are the potential consequences of intensive dairying development into marginal farmland and rural communities? This research focuses on two planning issues within the context of the MacKenzie Basin. The first is to evaluate the potential social effects that intensive dairying will bring to the Mackenzie Basin, and the second is to evaluate the ‘Mackenzie Agreement,’ a collaborative planning strategy that has been developed to provide for both dairying and conservation efforts within the Mackenzie Basin. Specifically this research investigates what potential social changes dairying could bring to the Mackenzie Basin with an emphasis on community participation, community cohesion, and overseas migrant worker wellbeing. Researching into the Mackenzie Agreement investigates why there was a need for an alternative planning approach, and evaluates whether the Mackenzie Agreement will be effective in achieving its goals. Following 17 key informant interviews social impacts of intensive dairying highlighted effects on community participation in such areas as sporting teams and voluntary emergency services, and that the MacKenzie Basin is an isolated area with little current infrastructure or support to assist migrant workers. Developing such support tools were broadly identified as favourable by respondents. There was a joint consensus that the Mackenzie Agreement evolved out of the problems associated with the 2009 water consents hearing for the Upper-Waitaki Catchment.
    [Show full text]
  • Twizel Highlights
    FAIRLIE | LAKE TEKAPO | AORAKI / MOUNT COOK | TWIZEL HIGHLIGHTS FAIRLIE Explore local shops | Cafés KIMBELL Walking trails | Art gallery BURKES PASS Shopping & art | Heritage walk | Historic Church LAKE TEKAPO Iconic Church | Walks/trails LAKE PUKAKI Beautiful scenery | Lavender farm GLENTANNER Beautiful vistas | 18kms from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village AORAKI/MOUNT COOK Awe-inspiring mountain views | Adventure playground TWIZEL Quality shops | Eateries | Five lakes nearby | Cycling Welcome to the Mackenzie Region The Mackenzie Region spaces are surrounded by SUMMER provides many WINTER in the Mackenzie winter days are perfect is located at the heart snow-capped mountains, experiences interacting is unforgettable with for scenic flights and the p18 FAIRLIE of New Zealand’s South including New Zealand’s with the natural landscape uncrowded snow fields and nights crisp and clear for Island, 2.5 hour’s drive from tallest, Aoraki/Mount Cook, of our unique region, from unique outdoor experiences spectacular stargazing. Christchurch or 3 hours from with golden tussocks giving star gazing tours and scenic as well as plenty of ways p20 LAKE TEKAPO Be spoilt for choice Dunedin/Queenstown. way to turquoise-blue lakes, flights, to hot pools and to relax after a day on the with a wide variety of Explore one of the most fed by meltwater from cycle trails. Check out 4WD slopes. Ride the snow tube, accommodation styles, eat picturesque regions offering numerous glaciers. tours, farm tours and boating visit our family friendly snow local cuisine, and smile at p30 AORAKI/MOUNT COOK bright, sunny days and dark experiences or get your fields or relax in the hot pools.
    [Show full text]
  • Lake Tekapo – Aoraki – Mount Cook Starlight Reserve, New Zealand
    Case Study 16.1: Lake Tekapo – Aoraki – Mount Cook Starlight Reserve, New Zealand Margaret Austin and John Hearnshaw Presentation and analysis of the site Geographical position: Central South Island of New Zealand in an area bounded by the main range of the Southern Alps in the west and the Two Thumb Range in the east, including a large part of the Mackenzie Basin and also Mount Cook National Park in the province of Canterbury. Villages include Tekapo, Mount Cook and Twizel. Location: Latitude 44º 00.5´ S, longitude 170º 28.7´ E (Tekapo Village). Elevation from 710m above mean sea level (Lake Tekapo) to 3750m above mean sea level (Mount Cook). General description: The core area is Mount John University Observatory (elevation 1032m) on the south-western shore of Lake Tekapo. Tekapo Village (population about 400) is 3 km from the summit of Mount John in a direct line. Twizel and Mount Cook Village are 40 km and 50 km from the summit respectively, neither being visible from Mount John. Inventory of the remains : The Mount John University Observatory houses four research telescopes of apertures 1.8, 1.0, 0.6 and 0.6m respectively. History of the site: The Mount John site was surveyed in the early 1960s using NSF funds from the University of Pennsylvania. The observatory was founded in 1965 as a joint astronomical research station of the Universities of Canterbury and Pennsylvania. The partnership continued for a decade. Cultural and symbolic dimension: The Mount John site is the principal astronomical observatory in New Zealand and the world’s southernmost observatory (other than instruments in the Antarctic).
    [Show full text]
  • Public Notice of Proposed Change 13 (Rural Zone- Mackenzie Basin) to the Mackenzie District Plan
    Public Notice of Proposed Change 13 (Rural Zone- Mackenzie Basin) to the Mackenzie District Plan Clause 5 of the First Schedule of the Resource Management Act 1991 The Mackenzie District Council has prepared Proposed Plan Change 13 Rural Zone- Mackenzie Basin to the Mackenzie District Plan. The primary purpose of this Plan Change is to provide greater protection of the landscape values of the Mackenzie Basin from inappropriate subdivision, development and use. To achieve this greater acknowledgement of outstanding natural landscapes and features within the District is provided through objectives, policies and rules, particular as they apply to the Mackenzie Basin. A new rural residential zone is created for the Manuka Terrace area that lies between the Ohau Canal and Lake Ohau, which recognises recent subdivision of this area into large residential lots. The Plan Change also addresses a number of minor matters and errors and omissions in the subdivision and transportation rules including a limitation on the number of lots that can be served by private rights-of-way and the method of calculating reserve contribution credits. The main provisions of this Change are set out below: Rural Issues, Objectives and Policies Split existing Objective 3 Landscape Values into Objective 3A, which focuses on outstanding natural landscapes, and Objective 3B, which deals with general landscape values across the District. New policies to support Objective 3A with residential use and subdivision generally being limited to either existing towns or existing clusters of building usually associated with homesteads. Provision is also made for the establishment of new clusters where they meet stringent standards and have the ability to replicate existing clusters or nodes.
    [Show full text]
  • Alps to Ocean Trail EPIC Trip Notes
    Alps to Ocean Trail EPIC Trip Notes An epic 320km bike ride from the mountains of the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, through the Mackenzie Basin and down the Waitaki Valley all the way to the Pacific Ocean at Oamaru Harbour. Tour Highlights Tour Details + Cycle 320km of the Alps 2 Ocean Trail from the mountains to the sea + 6 days + Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Mackenzie Basin + Grade 3 + Admire the engineering of the Waitaki Valley hydro scheme + 300km cycling with full vehicle support + Explore the small communities of Omarama, Kurow and Duntroon [100% gravel cycle trail/ gravel roads] + Discover the Maori Rock art and limestone outcrops of North Otago + Starts/Ends in Christchurch or + Step back in time in Oamaru's splendid Victorian Precinct Queenstown + Stargaze in the ‘Aoraki Mackenzie international dark sky reserve’ Tour Cost Departure Dates Tour Price: from $2,250 Refer to our website for current departure Deposit: $400 dates and tour availability What's included? + 5 nights twin-share en-suite accommodation + 5 evening meals; 4 lunches; 4 continental breakfasts Grade 3 + fruit, snacks & morning teas on the trail + the services of a tour leader who provides vehicle support & information + cycle repair support + all transport from/to Christchurch + Goods & Services Tax of 15% Not included: + wine; beer; espresso coffees + lunch on Days 1 & 6; breakfast on Day 6 + bike hire (standard $200; e-bike $500) + single accommodation supplement ($400) + transfers from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo Day 1 ($50 approx) + transfers from Oamaru to Queenstown Day 6 ($70 approx) _________________________________________________________________________________ Questions? Call us Phone worldwide: +64 21 178 8287 www.puretrailsnewzealand.co.nz 1 Alps to Ocean Trail EPIC Trip Notes An epic 320km bike ride from the mountains of the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, through the Mackenzie Basin and down the Waitaki Valley all the way to the Pacific Ocean at Oamaru Harbour.
    [Show full text]
  • Irrigation of a High Country Mackenzie Soil P.B
    Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland Association 46: 25-30 (1985) IRRIGATION OF A HIGH COUNTRY MACKENZIE SOIL P.B. GREENWOOD and R.J. PATON Agricultural Research Division, MA F, Oamaru Abstract Pasture production and water use data are presented for a border strip irrigation trial in the Upper Waitaki Basin. Pasture development on the shallow, poorly structured Mackenzie soil was slow and irrigated pasture remained clover dominant for 6 years. With irrigation at 25% awe pasture herbage production over 3 years of this initial development stage averaged 7.2 t DM/ha/yr, 5 times more than improved dryland pasture. Grazing days (12 - 19 month old ewes) provided during the September to April growing season were 960 under dryland conditions and 5940 under irrigation at 25% awe. Of the 3 irrigation treatments (irrigation at 0%, 25%, 50% awe), irrigating at 25% awe was the most efficient giving near-maximum pasture production and the greatest herbage response per irrigation, Mean annual water use efficiency at 25% awe was high (63%) and irrigation water requirement low (470 mm) for such a naturally, highly permeable soil and was probably due to soil compaction by earth- moving machinery during border strip preparation. Keywords: Irrigation, high country, Mackenzie soil INTRODUCTION In the Upper Waitaki Basin (450 - 750 m asl), pasture growth is largely restricted to spring and autumn by cold winters and hot, dry summers. Improved, unirrigated pastures in much of this area are therefore of low productivity (1 - 3 t DMlhalyr) and persistency (3 - 5 years; M.H. Douglas pers. comm.). Irrigation substantially increases pasture herbage production and has been described as the key to maximising the effectiveness of dryland development (Willis 1980).
    [Show full text]