T H a M E S F O O Th Ills

Location Map LANDSCAPE VALUES Landscape Unit No. 67 Description: Thames Foothills

KEY LANDSCAPE FACTORS / VARIABLES

The Bio-physical Landscape Perceptual / Associative Values

Naturalness / Natural Science Aesthetic Values / 2D 3D Articulation Factors Composition

HIGH

• Land Forms • Perceived Naturalness • 3D Spatial Structure / Layers • Land Cover / Activities • 2D Definition / Patterns • Expressiveness / Legibility • Vegetation Types(s) • Vividness / Memorability • Land marks • Sea / Water Bodies • Coherence / Unity • Key Views • Natural Processes • Sense of Place • Enticement into Landscape

LOW

THE LANDSCAPE AS A WHOLE

Outstanding Natural Landscape Wild Nature / Cultured Nature / Feature Descriptors Rating: Thames Foothills

• derived from research into perception of landscapes as a whole using the Q Sort method by Prof. Simon Swaffield and John Fairweather of Lincoln University

Key Physical Elements Landscape Characteristics

LANDSCAPE UNIT 67 This landscape unit contains a small but prominent area A strong sense of naturalness is derived from the of foothills at the southwestern corner of the Coromandel combination of its indigenous forest cover and natural Range, framing the mouth of the Waihou and Kauaeranga landforms including both ridges and stream gullies. River. The foothills comprise the southwest slopes directly above Thames township and a section of the northwestern The foothills clearly express a cohesive sequence of natural slopes of the Kauaeranga River. The foothills comprise elements and features that interact with farmland and the steep well defined ridges and slopes running in a northeast Thames township to evoke a readily apparent structure orientation and rise dramatically from extensive alluvial and patterning in the landscape, which contrasts with the plains to the south. relatively flat, built up rural surrounds.

A broad swathe of regenerating to mature vegetation The prominence of the landform and it contiguous covers the foothills, interspersed by wilding pines and vegetation cover and appearance imbue the foothills with a other exotics. strong sense of cohesion and unity.

The foothills aspect and abrupt contrast with the alluvial The foothills are highly exposed to the Thames township. plains to the south maintains a direct and expressive Key views can be gained particularly near the coast when interaction with the Firth of Thames the viewed with a backdrop of the Coromandel Range.

LEGEND There are no built structures contained within the foothills, 0 1 2 4km although they directly abut the Thames township along it southwestern boundary. Rural residential development abuts the northwestern slopes of the Kauaeranga River, Outstanding Landscape APPROXIMATE SCALE ONLY and spread along it valley floor.

The dramatic contrast between the abrupt slopes of the Amenity Landscape foothills and the expansive alluvial plans is expressive of the landscapes formative processes. Vegetation cover also reinforces the topology and pronounced relief of the foothills.

ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 144 VIEWPOINT 67a. View of the Thames foothills from Danby Field, the hills directly abut and form the backdrop to Thames township Thames Foothills

VIEWPOINT 67b. The view east up Richmond Street towards the foothills, from its intersection with Queen Street LANDSCAPE UNIT 67

VIEWPOINT 67c. The view towards the foothills flanking the Kauaeranga River from Kauaeranga Valley Road.

ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 145 Location Map Location Map LANDSCAPE VALUES Landscape Unit No. 68 Description: Waihou River - Eastern Banks

KEY LANDSCAPE FACTORS / VARIABLES

The Bio-physical Landscape Perceptual / Associative Values

Naturalness / Natural Science Aesthetic Values / 2D 3D Articulation Factors Composition

HIGH

LOW

THE LANDSCAPE AS A WHOLE

Outstanding Natural Landscape Wild Nature / Cultured Nature / Feature Descriptors Rating:

• derived from research into perception of landscapes as a whole using the Q Sort method by Prof. Simon Swaffield and John Fairweather of Lincoln University

Key Physical Elements Natural Processes are expressed through the strong tidal influence of the river throughout its lower reaches, this is The Waihou River flows for c150km from its headwaters reinforced by the presence of mangroves. Waihou River - Eastern Banks in the Mamaku Ranges, joining the sea in the Firth of Thames, just south of Thames township. The Waihou River Landscape Characteristics meanders across the flat open expanse of the Hauraki Plains, formed from sediment deposited from the Waihou Flood protection works evident along the riverbanks, the and Piako Rivers. The plains have been extensively drained presence of man made drainage canals and farming with stop banks located along the River edges, and drainage activities running uninterrupted to the Rivers edge has channels running across the plains in a geometric fashion. somewhat diminished the Rivers sense of naturalness. The The River is wide, tidal and shallow, the rivers waters are presence of native planting and swamp birds lends the silt laden resulting in a murky brown colour. Small islands River a sense of naturalness. are also present along the length of the River.. The wide meandering form of the Waihou River running Mangroves line the banks of the River near the river mouth, across the wide, open plains to the sea provides a sense with areas of wetland and salt marsh planting within the of cohesion. estuaries at its confluence with the Firth of Thames. Further inland the farmland bordering the River runs right The flat open character of the landscape and presence of up to it banks in places, limiting riparian vegetation to a intervening shelterbelt planting means views to the river series of broken narrow strips comprising low lying shrubs are relatively limited. Landowners of properties adjacent to LANDSCAPE UNIT 68 LEGEND and grasses. the River would gain views, while public views are limited to 0 1 2 4km bridge crossings (ie Kopu Bridge) and glimpsed views from The River is fed by a number of tributaries along its roads located in the vicinity of the riverbanks. eastern banks. These include (from north to south); the Outstanding Landscape APPROXIMATE SCALE ONLY Kauaeranga River, Kirikiri Stream, Warahoe Stream, Pipi Stream, Matatoki Canal, Putiri River, the Omahu Canal and the Hikutaia River. Amenity Landscape The River is flanked by farmland (predominantly dairy farming) along its western and eastern banks. The most famous bridge crossing over the river is SH25’s Kopu Bridge.

ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 146 VIEWPOINT 68a. View looking southeast from the end of Old Ferry Road showing extensive mangrove colonies lining the east bank

VIEWPOINT 68b. View from Turua wharf looking across to the east bank framed by the Coromandel Range Waihou River - Eastern Banks

LANDSCAPE UNIT 68

VIEWPOINT 68c. Extensive mangrove colonies flank the muddy river margins near the Kauaeranga River mouth

ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 147 Location Map LANDSCAPE VALUES Landscape Unit No. 69 Description: Coromandel Range - Southeastern Foothills

KEY LANDSCAPE FACTORS / VARIABLES

The Bio-physical Landscape Perceptual / Associative Values

Naturalness / Natural Science Aesthetic Values / 2D 3D Articulation Factors Composition

HIGH

LOW

THE LANDSCAPE AS A WHOLE

Outstanding Natural Landscape Wild Nature / Cultured Nature / Feature Descriptors Rating:

• derived from research into perception of landscapes as a whole using the Q Sort method by Prof. Simon Swaffield and John Fairweather of Lincoln University

Key Physical Elements abutting the landscape, revealing the landscapes formative processes. This is further emphasised by the marked The southeastern foothills are a large series of generally change in vegetation. Erosion and exposure is evident north-south orientated lower elevation foothills located throughout the more steep and coastal sections of this between the steeper slopes of the Coromandel Range to sequence of foothills. the west and the broader river valleys (including the Tairua River), and the coastal terraces adjacent to the eastern Landscape Characteristics coastline. A combination of steep to rolling landform containing low to moderate relief characterise the foothills. Moderate relief and a broad cover of regenerating indigenous vegetation, combined with the imposing A continuous swathe of regenerating forest covers the Coromandel Range afford this landscape a high degree of foothills. This forest cover transitions to coastal scrub naturalness.

Coromandel Range - Southeastern Foothills on more exposed coastal slopes to the north of the unit.

Significant areas of exotic forestry and pastoral farmland Overall the foothills have a strong sense of unity due to the abut this unit. assemblage of predominantly north-south running ridges of similar altitudes, vegetation cover, type and appearance. Numerous rivers and streams drain the eastern slopes of the Coromandel Range via the foothills, the most significant Key views of this landscape can be gained by travellers on being Grahams Stream, Pepe Stream, Oturu Stream, Hikuai SH25A and SH25 (Tairua Whitianga Road), from sections Stream, and the numerous tributaries of the Tairua River of Tapu Coroglen Road, as well as from roads, farms, and LEGEND (including First, Second, Third and Fourth Branch). residences located within the river valleys and harbours 0 1 2 4km located to the east and north of the foothills (including Aside from Kopu-Hikuai Road (SH25A), Puketui Road and Tairua Harbour, Pauanui and Hikuai). APPROXIMATE SCALE ONLY sections of Puketui Valley Road, there is little in the way Outstanding Landscape of human structures and activities within the foothills. This unit does however abut farming located within the various river valleys and large areas of production forestry (also Amenity Landscape located on the foothills – but excluded from the landscape unit). Any buildings and structures located within this

LANDSCAPE UNIT 69 landscape generally appear subservient to the landscape.

The foothills expressive sequence of valley slopes and ridges contrast with the pastoral river/stream flats ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 148 VIEWPOINT 69a. A contiguous swathe of regenerating native forest covers the rolling foothills

VIEWPOINT 69b. Wilding pines penetrate the uniform coverage of regenerating native forest Coromandel Range - Southeastern Foothills

LANDSCAPE UNIT 69

VIEWPOINT 69c. Regenerating forest and scrub attenuate the relief of a steep craggy ridgeline

ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 149 Location Map LANDSCAPE VALUES Landscape Unit No. 70 Description: Tapuaetahi & Kohungahunga

KEY LANDSCAPE FACTORS / VARIABLES

The Bio-physical Landscape Perceptual / Associative Values

Naturalness / Natural Science Aesthetic Values / 2D 3D Articulation Factors Composition

HIGH

LOW

THE LANDSCAPE AS A WHOLE

Outstanding Natural Landscape Wild Nature / Cultured Nature / Feature Descriptors Rating:

HIGH • Naturalness / Endemicity AMENITY OUTSTANDING (Wild Nature) • Remarkable / Exceptional • Eminent OR • Exemplary • Perceived / Relative • Conspicuous Tapuaetahi & Kohungahunga

Naturalness (Cultured Nature) LOW

• derived from research into perception of landscapes as a whole using the Q Sort method by Prof. Simon Swaffield and John Fairweather of Lincoln University

Key Physical Elements between the rocky coastline and the Pacific Ocean. Windswept vegetation and coastal erosion on steeper This landscape includes the forested peaks, coastal slopes slopes and outcrops further reinforces the dynamic natural and ridges associated with Tapuaetahi (elevation 277m) process at play. and Kohungahunga (elevation 270), as well as the stretch of coastline located between Hot Water Beach (to the Landscape Characteristics north), and Tairua Beach (to the south). The coastline is rocky, exposed and contains a number of rocky outcrops The combination of raw landforms, remnant forest, points, islands and bluffs, as well as a several sandy prominent rocky coastal features and the landscapes beaches and rocky bays in the south (including from north relative isolation imbue this landscape with a strong sense LANDSCAPE UNIT 70 to south Tapuaetahi Bay (boat harbour), Neaves Bay, Otara of naturalness, remoteness and isolation. Bay and Te Karo Bay). The coastal outlook and orientation of the elevated The vegetation of Tapuaetahi and Kohungahunga is peaks, slopes and valleys falling to the sea, along with predominantly remnant and regenerating native forest the craggy weathered coastal edge complete with rocky with coastal scrub on more exposed coastal slopes. islands, outcrops and sandy bays, results in a dramatic The vegetation along the coastal edge takes on a more and cohesive coastal landscape abutting the Pacific Ocean. windswept character. Pohutukawa trees cling to steep cliffs and outcrops and line the rear beaches and bays along the Landmarks include the craggy coastline and the enclosed coast. rocky and sandy beaches and bays along this eastern coast. LEGEND 0 1 2 4km The rocky exposed eastern coastline has a strong Due to the landscapes relative remoteness and its coastal interaction with the Pacific Ocean. A number of streams orientation views into this landscape, especially along its and tributaries drain this hill landscape, running along the exposed coastal margins are limited to the local boating Outstanding Landscape APPROXIMATE SCALE ONLY base of the deep valleys and gullies to the coast. fraternity. The intervening peaks of Tapuaetahi and Kohunahunga block views to the coast for those travelling Human activities and structures are limited within this along SH25, however, those travelling down Boat Harbour Amenity Landscape landscape. A small number of residential properties are Road, Sailors Grave Road which leads to Te Karo Bay, and located off Boat Harbour Road to the north of this unit, Pumpkin Hill Road who would gain some views up and and off Sailors Grave Road and Pumpkin Hill Road at its down the coast as well as expansive panoramic views of southern end. the Pacific Ocean.

This rugged landscape is highly expressive of the interplay ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 150 VIEWPOINT 70a. Panoramic view from SH25 looking north east across a contiguous swathe of regenerating to mature indigenous forest towards Te Ororoa Point – revegetation has occurred on the ridge in immediate foreground Tapuaetahi & Kohungahunga

VIEWPOINT 70b. Te Ororoa Point juts out from the mainland LANDSCAPE UNIT 70

VIEWPOINT 70c. View looking east from Boat Harbour Road showing the contrast between the flat pastoral landscape in the foreground and the vegetated and elevated landform beyond. VIEWPOINT 70d. Coastal forest flanks a steep exposed cliff face

ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 151 ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT COROMANDEL PENINSULA Landscape Assessment STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 152 VIEWPOINT 70e. Looking south along the steep and exposed cliffs of Te Karo Bay Tapuaetahi & Kohungahunga

VIEWPOINT 70f. Looking toward the southern end of Otara Bay – mature coastal forest spills on to the sand shore line LANDSCAPE UNIT 70

VIEWPOINT 70g. A strong sense of wildness and remoteness is felt looking across Otara Bay towards Te Ororoa Point

ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 153 Location Map LANDSCAPE VALUES Landscape Unit No. 71 Description: Tairua Beach

KEY LANDSCAPE FACTORS / VARIABLES

The Bio-physical Landscape Perceptual / Associative Values

Naturalness / Natural Science Aesthetic Values / 2D 3D Articulation Factors Composition

HIGH

LOW

Tairua Beach THE LANDSCAPE AS A WHOLE

Outstanding Natural Landscape Wild Nature / Cultured Nature / Feature Descriptors Rating:

HIGH • Naturalness / Endemicity AMENITY OUTSTANDING (Wild Nature) • Remarkable / Exceptional • Eminent OR • Exemplary • Perceived / Relative • Conspicuous Naturalness (Cultured Nature) LOW LANDSCAPE UNIT 71 • derived from research into perception of landscapes as a whole using the Q Sort method by Prof. Simon Swaffield and John Fairweather of Lincoln University

Key Physical Elements Landscape Characteristics

Tairua Beach is a linear white sandy ocean beach backed The Beach manages to maintain a sense of naturalness by a narrow dune system. This consists of the intact fore due to its orientation towards the Pacific, the presence of dune and several back dunes, which varies in width along dune planting and the vegetated northern and southern the length of the beach, with the narrowest point occurring headland, despite the close proximity of the housing that at the southern end of the beach near Paku. The beach backs its entire length. The presence of this development is contained by elevated rocky headlands at its northern and the visible development on the Paku headland to the and southern ends.. At the southern end of the beach south, does however erode the sense of remoteness and only a very narrow strip of land separates the beach and isolation. the Pacific Ocean from the intertidal flats of the Tairua Harbour. Tairua Beach is a cohesive, continuous stretch of dune backed beach running between and connecting the Spinifex and pingao dune grasses cover the vast majority headlands located to its north and south. of the dunes while coastal scrub shelters towards the rear of the dune system. Key views can be gained up and down the beach from within the beach itself, from adjacent residential properties and The beach is defined by the Pacific Ocean along its eastern from local boat users. These are focused out to the Pacific edge. Ocean and towards the offshore islands (especially Shoe Island). LEGEND Residential properties line the rear of the dune system 0 1 2 4km along its entire length, accessed of both Ocean Beach Road and Paku Drive.

Outstanding Landscape APPROXIMATE SCALE ONLY This beach landscape is highly dynamic and expressive of the interplay between the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. Variations resulting from atmospheric conditions, time Amenity Landscape of day/year, tides and wildlife also express the natural processes at play.

ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 154 Tairua Beach

VIEWPOINT 71a. Windswept coastal scrub shelters along the rear of the dune system LANDSCAPE UNIT 71

VIEWPOINT 71b. Looking towards Paku at the southern end of the beach showing VIEWPOINT 71c. Pingao and Spinifex grasses hold the mobile fore dune intact Pingao and Spinifex grasses covering the gently sloping fore dune ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 155