The Natural Character of selected Marlborough Rivers and their margins

May 2014 C10003

Prepared for Marlborough District Council (MDC)

Updated Report May 2014

Boffa Miskell Limited: James Bentley, Sally Bishop, Alistair Marshall, Brian McAuslan, Marlborough District Council: Pere Hawes, Peter Hamill

This report draws on the findings of the following report: ‘Natural Character: Application of the River Significance Assessment Method to Marlborough District’, past of the River Values Assessment System: Volume 2: Application to cultural, production and environment values. LEaP Report No. 24B, Lincoln University, New Zealand: Neil Deans (Nelson - Marlborough Fish and Game) Val Wadsworth (Marlborough District Council) Brin Williman (Marlborough District Council) Allan Rackham (Boffa Miskell) James Bentley (Boffa Miskell)

The Natural Character of selected Marlborough Rivers and their margins The winding nature of the Wairau River channel and its The ox-bow lake of Grove Arm in the Wairau Plain broad semi-braided river bed. Much of the lower banks of the river are lined by willows and gorse. Contents

A Section A: INTRODUCTION AND STUDY PROCESS 5

Introduction 6

Study Process 7 B Section B: APPLICATION OF THE METHODOLOGY 9 Definition of Natural Character 10

Naturalness 10

Natural Character Values of Rivers and their margins 14

The River Environment Classification System (REC) 14

Assessment Criteria 16 C Section C SELECTED RIVERS & THEIR MARGINS IN THE MARLBOROUGH REGION 23 Marlborough’s Rivers 24

Wairau River 26

Awatere River 28

Rai and Pelorus Rivers 29

Clarence River 30

Other Rivers within Marlborough 30 D Section D: EVALUATION OF SELECTED RIVERS AND THEIR MARGINS 33 Inventory of Selected Marlborough Rivers 34

E Section E REFERENCES 47

References 48

Websites 48

Section A: INTRODUCTION AND STUDY PROCESS 6

Introduction Marlborough District Council (MDC) engaged Boffa and Mapping the Marlborough Coastal Environment, Miskell Ltd (BML) to assess selected rivers and their (2014), Boffa Miskell et al’. Furthermore, MDC have margins in the Marlborough Region under Section undertaken a further study in relation to wetlands 6(a) of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) as and lakes within the region. Therefore, the natural part of their review of the natural character aspects of character relating to the coastal environment, the Regional Policy Statement (RPS), the Marlborough wetlands and lakes within the Marlborough Region do Sounds Resource Management Plan (MSRMP) and the not form part of this study. Wairau Awatere Resource Management Plan (WARMP). There is no statutory requirement for territorial Section 6 under the RMA concerns ‘Matters of National authorities to determine the natural character of Importance’ and Section 6(a) states: ‘the preservation a region’s or district’s rivers (such as the 2010 New of the natural character of the coastal environment Zealand Coastal Policy Statement for the coastal (including the coastal marine area), wetlands, and lakes environment). However, MDC was involved in a study and rivers and their margins, and the protection of them in 2009 co-funded by the Foundation for Research from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development’. Science and Technology (FRST), headed by Ken Hughey Separate to this study, Boffa Miskell led a team of of Lincoln University. The FRST study is a nationwide experts from the Department of Conservation (DOC), research programme analysing different aspects of Landcare Research and Lucas Associates to define and river values. The river assessment and FRST study were map the Coastal Environment and to undertake a integrated into the Marlborough Landscape Study natural character study of that coastal environment. 2009, prepared by, BML. As part of this review process This separate, yet complementary report is entitled the rivers study is now a stand-alone document. The ‘Natural Character of the Marlborough Coast: Defining results of this study have not been updated since 2009.

The Emerald Pool, Pelorus River

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION A 7 Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural Castle River in the upper Awatere basin in River the upper Awatere Castle This study was undertaken by an expert was This study panel of They Rivers. with Marlborough’s people familiar and Game Nelson Neil Deans (Fish comprised Surface (MDC’s Wadsworth Val Region), Marlborough Engineer (MDC’s Williman Brin Hydrologist), Water Policy Hawes (Environmental Pere Hydrologist), James and at and Allan Rackham MDC) Leader Team Miskell Boffa from (Landscape Architects Bentley Hamill by Peter peer reviewed This study was Ltd). Michael Stevens and Dr. Ecologist) (MDC Freshwater (Landscape Architect). a case study of The purpose of the study is to provide significance assessment how to apply the method for in the values character using natural of rivers District.Marlborough Study Process Study

Section B: APPLICATION OF THE METHODOLOGY 10

Definition of Natural Character The environments with the greatest natural • the presence of vegetation (especially native character are those with comparatively low levels of vegetation) and other ecological patterns.’ human modification and are therefore composed of ‘The absence or compromised presence of one or more natural elements appearing in natural patterns and of these criteria does not mean that the landscape underpinned by natural processes. or coastal environment is non-natural, just that it is Natural character is not defined in the RMA or within less natural. There is a spectrum of naturalness from a other statutory documents, such as the New Zealand pristine natural landscape to a cityscape, and a ‘cultured Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) 2010. There are nature’ landscape may still be an outstanding natural various working definitions of the concept which landscape.’ are broadly similar and have been used in a number Since the development of the MfE definition, and the of Environment Court cases. Building on a previous ‘Long Bay’ decision, the NZCPS 2010 has come into definition from the Ministry for the Environment (MfE), effect which states (Policy 13) that natural character a workshop held by the Department of Conservation may include: confirmed acceptance of the following definition, which is both useful and workable: (a) natural elements, processes and patterns;

Natural Character is the term used to describe the (b) biophysical, ecological, geological and natural elements of all coastal environments. The degree geomorphological aspects; or level of natural character within an environment (c) natural landforms such as headlands, depends on: peninsulas, cliffs, dunes, wetlands, reefs, 1. The extent to which the natural elements, patterns freshwater springs and surf breaks; and processes occur; (d) the natural movement of water and sediment;

2. The nature and extent of modification to the (e) the natural darkness of the night sky; ecosystems and landscape/seascape; (f) places or areas that are wild or scenic; 3. The degree of natural character is highest where there (g) a range of natural character from pristine to is least modification; modified; and 4. The effect of different types of modification upon (h) experiential attributes, including the sounds natural character varies with context and may be and smell of the sea; and their context or perceived differently by different parts of the community’ setting.

Naturalness Ecologists often interpret natural character in terms of indigenous attributes, whereas landscape architects The term naturalness has been discussed in numerous take a broader view that can encompass both Environment Court decisions, including the Long Bay indigenous and exotic natural attributes. Accordingly, decision , which stated the following definition of the thresholds may differ and the definition of ‘natural’: ‘naturalness’ may also include: The list of criteria of naturalness under section 6(b) of ‘A measure of the degree of human modification of a the RMA inlcudes: landscape/ seascape or ecosystem expressed in terms of: • ‘relatively unmodified and legible physical i) Ecological naturalness (indigenous nature); landform and relief; and • the landscape being uncluttered by structures ii) Landscape naturalness (perceptions of nature).’ and/or obvious human influence;

• the presence of water (lake, river, sea);

Waihopai River (right)

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION B 11 12

The naturalness concept was recently discussed made in relation to a five-point scale used to assess within the Mackenzie District Plan Change 13 Appeal the indigenous naturalness of an area and broadly Decision , where the court restated the principle that supports the view that there is a difference between perceptions of naturalness under the RMA is a ‘cultural ecological [indigenous] naturalness and landscape construct’ and ‘vary with the beholder’. Whilst natural [perceived] naturalness. As stated above, the study science factors are important in the underpinning of team consider these to be related and complementary. the term, they should not be given undue weight at the Through the series of workshops, participants were expense of perceptual and other associative factors. able to develop a consistent assessment approach that A scale of very high to very low was also provisionally incorporates landscape and ecological expertise as adopted by the court for measuring naturalness. well as taking into consideration the ‘MfE definition’, This construct was also reiterated within the release relevant recent case law, and those definitions of the Port Gore mussel farm decision . Here the Judge developed in the NZILA Best Practice Note 2010 . considered that naturalness ‘is an anthropomorphic The assessment approach is based upon an agreed concept’. The court noted that ‘a scale of naturalness interpretation of key terminology, as well as an of habitats is not (their emphasis) the same as a scale assessment matrix and evaluation methodology for of naturalness of landscapes or natural character identifying a range of natural character. of the coastal environment’. This comment was Importantly, the methodology can be adapted to suit different types and scales of rivers and their margins.

Alluvial erosion of the river bank on the Awatere River

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION B 13

ver time. ver Rai Falls on River the Rai Falls Rai osystems; al) modifications to the landscape, al) modifications acter (greatest naturalness) occurs where occurs where naturalness) acter (greatest e is least modification/ uncluttered by e is least uncluttered modification/ vious human influence; and tterns and processes occur and are legible; occur and are tterns and processes The nature and extent of human (or and extent The nature The extent to which natural elements, elements, to which natural The extent The fact of natural that the highest degree character of natural The fact that the degree - pa - cultur seascape and ec - char ther ob - is fluid and can change o

tural character character tural Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural tion continuum and describes the tion continuum equire the views of terrestrial and of terrestrial the views equire e the degree of ‘naturalness’ depends on: of ‘naturalness’ e the degree tists, as well as the views of landscape as well as the views tists, t natural character occurs on a character t natural ocesses (or the ‘naturalness’) in a landscape ocesses (or the ‘naturalness’) chitects and planners; eshwater ecologists including other natural including other natural ecologists eshwater xpression of natural elements, patterns and patterns elements, of natural xpression e pr wher An understanding of na does r fr scien ar Tha modifica

• For the purposes of this project, the following key key the following the purposes of this project, For noted: are points •

14

Natural Character Values of Rivers and their margins

As with the coast, the natural character values of the funded by the Foundation for Research Science and many rivers, wetlands and lakes in the region formed Technology (FRST), headed by Ken Hughey of Lincoln part of the Study Team’s brief for this project. The study University. The FRST study is a nationwide research team addressed the following: programme analysing different aspects of river values. These studies (with natural character being 1) the identification of the regions rivers, wetlands attributed to the Marlborough District) has developed and lakes; significance threshold criteria for comprehensively 2) the degree of natural character present and assessing New Zealand’s river values.

3) the spatial extent of any river, wetland or lake Attributes which relate to the natural character of requiring specific preservation or protection. rivers were considered by the Study Team and were Not all rivers in the Marlborough Region have been broadly clustered around three components of a river’s assessed. To narrow down the scope of the exercise, morphology, namely the river channel, the riparian the study team assessed a representative amount of edge and the wider landscape context. All three streams and rivers. This included all of Marlborough’s contribute in determining a river’s degree of natural highest network order rivers, i.e. those falling within character. This ‘grouping’ into ‘attribute clusters’ Stream Order 5, 6 and 7 of the River Environment enabled the study team to focus on particular parts of Classification system (REC) as well as a representative a river: The following three attribute clusters make up cross section of a number of smaller streams and rivers the riverscape: (i.e. orders 2, 3 and 4). This broad cross section ensured River Channel: This includes the wetted surface and that the methodology employed was sound, and would exposed gravel bars within the active channel, which is pick up the potential diversity of smaller streams and regularly covered by freshes and floods. rivers, for example in the Marlborough Sounds and Riparian Edge: This includes the river banks and within the drier mountainous environments in the floodplains often containing riparian vegetation. south of the district. Attributes such as extent of exotic and native Due to the length and natural diversity of some rivers vegetation present will be considered, as will level of (for example the Wairau, Awatere and Pelorus Rivers) human modification. these were sub-divided into individual river segments. Wider Landscape Context: This considered the river A number of smaller rivers and streams were also in its wider landscape setting and looked at land use subdivided, to capture the different degrees of natural and broader geomorphic qualities that contribute to character from source to river mouth. This meant the river’s natural character. It is acknowledged that that the Study Team had a total of 39 rivers and river the wider landscape, particularly its land use may be segments to assess as part of this exercise. This study influential to a river’s degree of natural character. was undertaken in parallel to a separate study co-

The River Environment Classification System (REC)

The REC system essentially groups rivers into classes at a variety of classes and detail. Therefore, rivers of the same class have similar physical, biological and economic values. Specifically, the REC organises information about the physical characteristics of New Zealand’s rivers (for example the source of flow for the river water, the geology and climate of the catchment and catchment land cover, e.g. forest, pasture, urban) and maps this information by river segment for New Zealand’s river network – over 425 thousand kilometres of river [www.maf.govt.nz]. The consequence of using the REC system for higher order rivers (i.e. orders 5, 6 and 7) will mean that this will not include the rivers’ headwaters and upper reaches, with some high order rivers appearing very short on the accompanying map, such as the Spray River for example. SECTION B 15 Scores 1 Scores Very Low levels of Low levels Very character natural High due Very to of modification levels Scores 2 Scores Low levels of Low levels character natural due High levels to of modification The five-point scale ranks each primary attribute’s attribute’s each primary ranks scale The five-point (1) from on a continuum character of natural degree based natural, overwhelmingly modified to (5) heavily and natural patterns natural elements, on natural the The higher the rating described earlier. process attribute makes that specific the contribution greater is contained A detailed breakdown character. to natural within Section C of this report. within the of attributes weighting Due to the natural no further weighting cluster attributes, river three segment or each river up, Once ‘tallied’ required. was The highest a ‘total score’. would receive individual river would be 40, with the lowest receive could a river score 16 from extended the range Marlborough being 5. For degree This would outline a rivers to 40 and 17 through character. of natural = 35-40 Character of Natural High levels Very =29-34 Character of Natural High levels =23-28 Character of Natural levels Moderate =17-22 Character of Natural levels Low = up to 16 Character of Natural levels Low Very Scores 3 Scores Moderate levels of levels Moderate character natural due moderate to of modification levels Scores 4 Scores High levels of High levels character natural of due Low levels to modification Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural Primary attribute flow of modification of Degree regime Quality Water and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic human modifications and Structures human modifications and Structures modifications Landscape Character River attribute attribute River cluster ChannelRiver Channel Shape Riparian margin cover Vegetation Wider landscape character Scores 5 Scores Very High levels of High levels Very character natural Low or no due Very to of modification levels To assist the process, eight primary attributes from the from eight primary attributes assist the process, To These are: identified. were clusters attribute above Diagram illustrating the 3 river attribute clusters the 3 river attribute illustrating Diagram The study team agreed on a single five-point scale on a single five-point The study team agreed all primary attributes. system for ranking 16

Assessment Criteria The following outlines the natural character attributes and their thresholds developed and used for this study.

Pelorus River mouth at the estuary with Pelorus Sound

Attribute Attribute Description of Indicators Indicator Significance Thresholds Data Sources (and clusters (primary Primary Attributes reliability) attributes in bold)

River Channel Modification to Aerial Judgement made on a five-point scale: Regional Council, Channel shape cross section (e.g. photographs, river 1= Very Highly modified river, (i.e. NIWA or other water slope-banks) and cross sections, straightened and channelised, often quality data [i.e. GIS long section (e.g. cut changes in river with concrete or rock fill banks) often data]. Aerial photog- through meanders). width/ length and within an urban context; raphy. This also includes water allocation 2= A highly modified channel shape or changes to a river resource consents width but with semi natural reaches or bed width (e.g. (where available). channel shapes in some areas; narrowing of the Judgement from 3= A river displaying a patchwork with channel), which Expert Panel was moderate natural channel shape in is commonly also required due places together with many human undertaken in to limited available influences such as long stretches of modified rivers data for all rivers. with valuable land stopbanks, groynes; adjacent. 4= A highly natural river displaying Changes to the bed occasional pockets or individual minor sediment should also modifications to its channel shape (i.e. be taken account of small stopbanks or groynes); in this attribute. 5= A very highly natural river with no or very few modifications to its channel shape.

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION B 17 Table Table continues overleaf Data Sources (and (and Sources Data reliability) Regional Council, Council, Regional or other water NIWA quality data Indicator Indicator Thresholds Significance Judgement made on a five-point scale: Judgement made on a five-point highly modified or diverted 1=Very (e.g. large-scale water-take flow/ of 50% or more averaging dams; take median flow) diverted2=Highly modified or flow or (e.g. irrigation dams, small-scale flood channels); modified or diverted 3= Moderately taking takes irrigation flow (e.g. several proportion of MALF); a moderate of modified or low levels 4= Relatively takes diverted flow (e.g.few irrigation taking minor proportion (<5%) of low flow); regime with no flow 5= Highly natural pattern. to the flow modifications point scale: Judgement made on a five or highly contaminated Very 1= water discoloured permanently of human- high levels very displaying induced changes to the water supporting quality with limited life capacity (e.g. within polluted urban/ or intensive industrialised areas farming); high usually displaying 2=Water mainly from of contamination levels land use from sources adjacent diffuse leaching etc); activities (agricultural levels reasonable displaying 3=Water although contains of naturalness of levels occasional high-moderate human induced changes to part of the or at some times; waterway high relatively displaying 4=Water quality with small or of water levels of impurities caused amounts rare further (e.g. upstream by occasional harvesting); or forest stock crossing quality water 5= Highly natural no human induced changes displaying Indicators Change to natural regime. flow % Flow rate modification (would show low Would flows). need to know the for each flow data Expert Panel river. judgement based on quantitative available. data Information Information or council from other parties. Also judgement Expert Panel from taking account of visual and biological aspects apply, they where particularly clarity, water nutrient content, temperature, salinity and faecal coliforms. Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural Hydrological Hydrological on a information median low, rivers’ and mean flows assist in determining character. natural flow Substantial that appears to fit scale and the nature of the channel may suggest a higher of natural degree Dewatered character. flows bed or ‘misfit’ suggest upstream which diversions, natural reduce character. Description of Description Primary Attributes Perception of the Perception quality, water especially its clarity, etc.colour Degree of Degree modifi- cation of flow regime Attribute Attribute (primary attributes in bold) Water Water Quality Attribute Attribute clusters 18

Attribute Attribute Description of Primary Attributes Indicators Indicator Significance Thresholds Data clusters (primary Sources (and attributes reliability) in bold)

Exposed Extent of the exposed bed Not all river types riverbed appropriate for river type (and have exposed flows) would assume higher areas; depends natural character than one with on flow regime unexpected areas of exposed bed and nature of not relating to flows. the channel. Furthermore, difficult to judge for a braided river.

Bed Exposed bed material appropriate Visible geological material for river type (i.e. size, geology for make up of the substrate type of flow) river substrate/ bed. Expert Panel judgement.

Exotic Presence of aquatic flora and Expert Panel Judgement based on a five-point River Envi- ‘aquatic’ fauna within the river channel judgement, scale: ronment flora and (including waterweeds, pest fish looking at Classification 1=River system choked with exotic fauna (which include trout and salmon), volume, variety. system (REC), aquatic flora and fauna; within the eggs and fry of pest fish, and developed by the river the invasive alga e.g. didymo) can 2= Large areas of introduced flora NIWA, channel reduce the natural character of and fauna (including pest fish) the river. evident (in approximately 75% of river); This does not include vegetation on ‘islands’ within the river 3=Occasional stretches (some quite channel. This is contained under long) of introduced flora and fauna ‘riparian vegetation’. evident within waterway (approx. 50% of river); Algal bloom may be evident in some rivers due to seasonal low 4=Small, often isolated pockets flows. Expert ecological judge- of introduced flora and fauna ment will be required to assess evident(less than 20% of total river), extent and may have a bearing on however river displaying very high the degree of naturalness of this levels of naturalness; primary attribute. 5=No evidence of introduced flora or fauna within the water channel.

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION B 19 Data Data (and Sources reliability) Regional Regional and local River Council, Environment Classification system (REC), by developed NIWA. Indicator Indicator Thresholds Significance Judgement based on a five-point scale: channel completely 1= River modified or artificial (i.e. dam/ weir/ structure); flood defence 2=Significant parts of the river or affected been channel have upon by human encroached (i.e. a suburban/ intervention land, highly managed agricultural part- workings, including: gravel channelisation) of human 3=Occasional ‘reaches’ (i.e. a settled rural modifications landscape with bridge/ aqueduct footing) pylon supports, (i.e. 4= Limited human intervention power occasional bridge abutments/ channel); pole within the river with natural 5=Overwhelmingly of human limited evidence no/ very interference The boulder-strewn river channel of the Wairau rapids Wairau river channel of the The boulder-strewn Expert Panel Expert Panel judgement based on knowledge assisted of river, by aerial photos, REC GIS, Council Linear and LCDB. measurement/ % proportion of human modification Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural Including dams, groynes, groynes, Including dams, gravel diversions, stopbanks, the affect which may extractions of the character of natural level channel. river Description of PrimaryDescription Attributes Indicators Struc- and tures human modifi- cations within the river channel Attribute Attribute (primary attributes in bold) clusters Attribute Attribute 20

Attribute Attribute Description of Primary Indicators Indicator Significance Thresholds Data Sources clusters (primary Attributes (and reliability) attributes in bold)

Riparian Edge Vegetation Dominance of native Proportion of Judgement based on a five point River cover in the communities in natural native vegetation scale: Environment riparian edge patterns (the presence of against other Classification 1= Complete absence of exotic species in natural vegetation. system (REC), vegetation due to human- patterns will reduce Extent to which developed by induced changes (or limited natural character but is river processes NIWA. presence (in pockets) of exotic of higher naturalness have generated vegetation such as occasional than the absence of such natural willow, gorse or buddleia); vegetation (unless this is vegetation natural) or the presence patterns. Expert 2= Exotic vegetation with of planted vegetation). Panel judgement complete absence of native This includes all bankside based on REC species within a pastoral/ semi vegetation as well (LCDB) and aerial urban setting; as vegetation within photographs 3=Predominantly exotic ‘islands’, such as those to assist in vegetation in natural patterns within braided river determining (i.e. willows/ gorse) and/ or systems. vegetation cover. patches of remnant indigenous Vegetation comprises all vegetation; types, including grasses, 4= Fragmented areas of native remnant scrub, shrubs and exotic vegetation in natural and trees. patterns. Predominance of In some instances, the native vegetation; natural elements and 5= Overwhelmingly indigenous patterns indicate limited vegetation with no or few vegetation (i.e. high introduced species. country rivers), where native grasses or herbs are the only form of vegetation in the area.

Extent of Proliferation of exotic % of exotic exotic flora flora vegetation on REC (LCDB)

The riparian edge of the Waihopai River

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION B 21 District or wide regional Landscape Assessments Data Sources Sources Data reliability) (and River River Environment Classification system (REC), by developed Aerial NIWA; photos Judgement based on a five-point Judgement based on a five-point scale: modified landscape 1= Heavily (urban or highly intensive setting) with limited vegetation; 2=Suburban/ highly managed landscape agricultural landscape 3=Settled pastoral of commercial with areas of and pockets forestry indigenous vegetation; indigenous and 4=Fragmented landscape; rural indigenous 5= Overwhelmingly little landscape with no or very human modification Indicator Indicator Thresholds Significance Judgement based on a five-point Judgement based on a five-point scale: to the 1= Major modification riparian edge (i.e. dam/ weir/ structure); flood defence 2=Significant parts of the been affected riparian edge have (i.e. a by human intervention suburban/ highly managed land, including: agricultural part- workings, gravel marinas) channelisation, of human 3=Occasional ‘pockets’ (i.e. a settled modifications bridge/ landscape with rural aqueduct boathouses) supports, 4= Limited human intervention (i.e. occasional bridge/ powerpole/ jetty); with natural 5=Overwhelmingly of limited evidence no/ very human interference Expert Panel Expert Panel judgement based on intensification of land use adjacent to river (includes more distant views river the beyond Expert banks). to rank Panel indigenous from bush to urban scenarios. Use and of LCDB Landscape to Assessments decision. inform Indicators Expert Panel judgement with to potential base it on LCDP and REC GIS Linear layers. measurement/ of structures. No. Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural Broader scale landscape Broader beyond modification river the immediate leaching from margin, land, agricultural of land intensification use all impact on natural Protected character. such as areas natural and parks reserves, managed by DoC estates a higher natural indicate character. modifications Catchment or visually if ecologically to the waterway. linked Include bridges, roads. roads. Include bridges, impactAll potentially of on the naturalness An absence of a river. human modifications. minor, However particularlystructures if natural from constructed may or local materials not influence natural but will greatly, character a localised effect. have The scale and nature will of modifications on influence the effect character. natural Description of PrimaryDescription Attributes Character Character modifications Structures and human modifications in the riparian edge Attribute Attribute (primary in attributes bold) Wider Wider landscape character Attribute Attribute clusters

Section C: SELECTED RIVERS & THEIR MARGINS IN THE MARLBOROUGH REGION 24

Marlborough’s Rivers

The Marlborough Region contains many rivers and The Wairau, Awatere and parts of the Clarence are streams that have assisted to mould and shape the braided rivers and have shingle beds and flow bank landscape. The two principal rivers of the Region to bank in high flood. These rivers are the result of are the Wairau and Awatere rivers. Other rivers in glacial action, where the rivers carried sediment from the region include the Pelorus, Rai, Wakamarina the mountains towards the sea. Through tectonic and Kaituna rivers to the north of the Wairau. The activity, the rivers have continued to cut through Waihopai, Omaka and Leatham Rivers flow into the the gravels, creating broad flat-topped river terraces Wairau from the south. Within the southern high- flanking the river valleys. Braiding is a typical riverine country, the Acheron and part of the Clarence rivers feature for the eastern South Island and refers to wend their way through steep terrain, with their more or less permanent gravel islands (which are confluence north of Hanmer Springs. The Clarence usually covered and often modified in size and shape occasionally follows the Regions’s south-eastern during severe floods). boundary, before it crosses through the Kaikoura There are a number of spring-fed streams and creeks District to the sea. The vast majority of the rivers and located within Marlborough, such as Spring Creek streams in Marlborough have their headwaters within north of Blenheim in the Wairau plain. mountains, namely the Richmond Range and the series of glaciated ranges south of the Wairau. These rivers A number of the rivers mentioned above are described often have extensive river catchments with their flow in the remainder of this section. regime becoming affected during periods of heavy rain or drought.

The Pelorus/ Totara Flat

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION C 25 Cook Strait Cook Cloudy Bay Cloudy Scale 1:500,000 Scale Flaxbourne Waima RIVER ENVIRONMENTS MAP RIVER ENVIRONMENTS Kaituna Awatere Kaituna Waihopai Pelorus Rai Wakamarina Wairau Awatere Pelorus Wairau Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural Leatham Tasman Bay Tasman Branch Acheron Wairau Clarence 26

Wairau River

The Wairau, being the longest river within the Region, and the longest braided river in the north of the South Island, occupies for most of its length a broad valley centred along the Alpine Faultline. Several significant tributaries flow into the Wairau throughout its length towards its river mouth at Cloudy Bay, including the Branch and Waihopai Rivers. The Wairau traverses mainly terrace gravels up to within 2km of its mouth and the coast, where it becomes estuarine, with swamps, marshes and beach deposits evident.

Its source is immediately north of Lake Tennyson within the Spencer Mountains and the Molesworth high country, and wends it way northwards through steep and glaciated mountainous terrain, to connect with the Alpine Faultline, south of Tophouse. The vegetation cover in this area has been highly modified, although there are remnant stands of beech evident. From Tophouse, the river widens and turns in an easterly direction, becoming increasingly braided as it continues towards Cloudy Bay and the sea. From the Waihopai River confluence, the river valley broadens significantly into the Wairau plains, where the landscape and river margins have been highly modified. Close to its mouth, the Wairau becomes estuarine, where lagoons and a few isolated wetlands and unmodified watercourses are all that is left of the original mosaic of forest, wetland, shrub and tussockland. The Wairau enters the sea at the Wairau Bar.

Above: The braided nature of the Wairau River immediately west of the Branch River confluence.

Right: The upper Wairau catchment, close to the headwaters of the Wairau River. Numerous small, often ephemeral streams converge in this dry environment draining north, then eastwards towards Cloudy Bay.

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION C 27 Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural 28

Awatere River mouth at Clifford Bay

Awatere River

Like its sister the Wairau, the Awatere River rises within the high country. The river flows in a north-easterly direction for most of its length parallel to the Inland Kaikoura mountain Range along a filled fault line, a splinter of the Alpine Fault [Marlborough online, Awatere River]. From the ‘Jordon’, the valley gradually broadens into a series of wide flat alluvial terraces bounded by hills. At the confluence of the Medway River/ Black Birch Stream area with the Awatere, the valley again broadens and the river channel gradually becomes braided. The landscape becomes dominated by farmland and the river increasingly appears more modified than further upstream due to adjacent landuse practices. Within the Seddon area, the Awatere Valley is broad, with the river continuing in its braided form towards Cloudy Bay. The lower river terrace is colonised by exotic vegetation and is highly modified by adjacent vineyard and agricultural landuse activities. The river mouth is affected by coastal processes and alluvial deposits, with the river following a route northwards, behind the beach, before flowing into the sea

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION C 29 Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural The Pelorus and Rai Rivers both flow towards Havelock and the Marlborough Sounds. Extensive mudflats mudflats Extensive Sounds. and the Marlborough Havelock both flow towards Rivers and Rai The Pelorus for intertidal and subtidal significant in an area resulting River, the mouth of the Pelorus around evident are a northerly in flows the river where within the Richmond Ranges is high source River’s The Pelorus habitats. from southwards flows River The Rai indigenous bush. predominantly Sound through Pelorus towards direction Bridge. this At at Pelorus River with the Pelorus and converges Range south of the Bryant catchments the river Havelock. towards land eastwards agricultural predominantly through flows the river point, convergence Rai and Pelorus Rivers and Pelorus Rai The Rai River The Rai 30

Clarence River

The Clarence River occupies a relatively large catchment, although only a small portion of its 125km length is contained within the Region. The Clarence River, located within the mountainous south of the Region, rises on the eastern slopes of the Spencer Mountains in the neighbouring Canterbury region and as it flows seawards it acts, for a short distance, as the Districts south-eastern boundary, most notably along Molesworth. Although the Clarence River only occupies approximately 29 linear kilometres within the Marlborough District, its catchment extends a significant distance northwards into the Region, where it joins with the Wairau and Awatere river catchments.

Above: The Waima River mouth Right: The Clarence River close to the junction with Palmer Stream, on the Marlborough/ Canterbury border

Other Rivers within Marlborough

Due to their physical form, the Marlborough Sounds have limited drainage basins, with the majority being streams. The longest can be found radiating out from Mount Stokes with many containing very high levels of natural character due to the surrounding indigenous biodiversity values.

Of those rivers that flow into the Wairau, the Branch River has a peak flow of 1800 cumecs. Its lower reaches power Marlborough’s largest power generation plant, the Branch Hydro Scheme. The Goulter River, another river that flows into the Wairau is distinctly different to the Branch River, where its flows are moderated by the landslide filled Lake Challice within the Richmond Ranges.

Further south and located a few kilometres south of Ward, the Waima or Ure River traverses predominantly through limestone country, where the river has carved out dramatic and interesting cliffs, gorges and features. A small tributary to the Waima, Isolation Creek has formed Sawcut Gorge, a dramatic limestone narrow cleft in the mountainside, only a few metres wide [Marlborough Online, Waima/Ure River]

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION C 31 Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural 32

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION D 33 Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural MARGINS Section D: EVALUATION OF Section D: EVALUATION THEIR RIVERS ANDSELECTED 34

Inventory of Selected Marlborough Rivers

Each of the selected 39 river’s analysis and evaluation is presented over the next few pages:

No. 1: UPPER PELORUS No. 2: LOWER PELORUS Attribute Primary attribute Rating Attribute Primary attribute Rating cluster cluster River Channel Shape 5 River Channel Shape 4 Channel Channel Degree of modification of flow 5 Degree of modification of flow 4 regime regime

Water Quality 5 Water Quality 3

Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 5 Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 5

Structures and human 5 Structures and human 4 modifications modifications

Riparian Vegetation cover 5 Riparian Vegetation cover 3 margin margin Structures and human 4 Structures and human 3 modifications modifications

Wider Landscape Character 4 Wider Landscape Character 2 landscape modifications landscape modifications character character

TOTAL 38 TOTAL 28

Legend Natural Character Values Very High Moderate Very Low High Low

The upper Pelorus River

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 35

Omaka (gorge to Opawa (Omaka conf. Opawa conf.) to Roses overflow) SECTION D

Opawa loop

Opawa (lower below Blenheim)

Taylor River (below dam)

Enlargment of river segments around Blenheim

Kenepuru River

Rai River

Lower Pelorus River

Graham River (Sounds Stream) Kaituna River Waitohi River Upper Pelorus River

Tuamarina Wakamarina River River Waikakaho River

Onamalutu River

Wairau River (Waihopai to SH1) Top Valley Stream Opawa River Omaka (gorge to Taylor River Opawa conf.) (below dam) Goulter River Wairau River (Branch to Waihopai River ) Taylor River (above dam) Omaka River (above Tyntesfield Wye River Gorge) Branch River Blind River Wairau River (Bull Paddock (below weir) Avon River Stream to Branch River) Awatere River (Below Medway)

Waihopai River Branch River Leatham River (above weir)

Flaxbourne Awatere River River (Castle River to Medway)

Wairau River (Source to Bull Waima River Paddock Stream)

Awatere River (Source to Castle River)

NATURAL CHARACTER OF MARLBOROUGH'S RIVERS Acheron River

Legend Natural Character Values Very High High Moderate Low Very Low Scale 1:500,000

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 36

No. 3: RAI No. 5: KAITUNA Attribute Primary attribute Rating Attribute Primary attribute Rating cluster cluster

River Channel Shape 4 River Channel Shape 3 Channel Channel Degree of modification of flow 3 Degree of modification of flow 4 regime regime

Water Quality 2 Water Quality 2

Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 4 Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 3

Structures and human 3 Structures and human 3 modifications modifications

Riparian Vegetation cover 3 Riparian Vegetation cover 3 margin margin Structures and human 3 Structures and human 3 modifications modifications

Wider Landscape Character 2 Wider Landscape Character 2 landscape modifications landscape modifications character character

TOTAL 24 TOTAL 23

No. 4: WAKAMARINA No. 6: KENEPURU Attribute Primary attribute Rating Attribute Primary attribute Rating cluster cluster

River Channel Shape 4 River Channel Shape 4 Channel Channel Degree of modification of flow 5 Degree of modification of flow 5 regime regime

Water Quality 5 Water Quality 4

Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 5 Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 5

Structures and human 4 Structures and human 4 modifications modifications

Riparian Vegetation cover 5 Riparian Vegetation cover 4 margin margin Structures and human 4 Structures and human 4 modifications modifications

Wider Landscape Character 4 Wider Landscape Character 4 landscape modifications landscape modifications character character

TOTAL 36 TOTAL 34

Rai Falls on the Rai River

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION D 37 5 5 5 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 17 37 Rating Rating Channel Shape flow of modification of Degree regime Quality Water and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic and human Structures 5 modifications cover Vegetation and human Structures modifications Landscape Character modifications Primary attribute Primary attribute Channel Shape flow modification of of Degree regime Quality Water and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic and human Structures 2 modifications cover Vegetation human and Structures modifications Landscape Character modifications River River Channel Riparian margin Wider landscape character TOTAL Attribute Attribute cluster No. 9: TUAMARINA No. Attribute cluster River Channel Riparian margin Wider landscape character TOTAL 10: WAIRAU No. STREAM) BULL PADDOCK TO (SOURCE 5 5 5 5 5 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 35 33 Rating Rating Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural Landscape Character Landscape Character modifications Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic and human Structures 5 modifications and human Structures modifications Landscape Character Landscape Character modifications Quality Water cover Vegetation Structures and human and Structures modifications Channel Shape flow of modification of Degree regime Vegetation cover Vegetation Primary attribute Channel Shape flow modification of of Degree regime Quality Water and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic and human Structures 4 modifications Primary attribute Wider landscape character TOTAL Wider landscape character TOTAL Riparian margin River River Channel Riparian margin 8:WAITOHI No. URBAN PICTON) (EXCL Attribute cluster River River Channel Attribute Attribute cluster No. 7:STREAM) RIVER (SOUNDS GRAHAMS No. The upper Wairau River Wairau The upper 38

No. 11: WAIRAU No. 13: WAIRAU (BULL PADDOCK STREAM TO BRANCH RIVER) (WAIHOPAI TO SH1) Attribute Primary attribute Rating Attribute Primary attribute Rating cluster cluster

River Channel Shape 5 River Channel Shape 3 Channel Channel Degree of modification of flow 4 Degree of modification of flow 3 regime regime

Water Quality 5 Water Quality 4

Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 4 Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 4

Structures and human 4 Structures and human 2 modifications modifications

Riparian Vegetation cover 3 Riparian Vegetation cover 3 margin margin Structures and human 4 Structures and human 2 modifications modifications

Wider Landscape Character 3 Wider Landscape Character 2 landscape modifications landscape modifications character character

TOTAL 32 TOTAL 23

No. 12: WAIRAU (BRANCH TO WAIHOPAI) No. 14: WAIRAU (SH1 TO RIVER MOUTH) Attribute Primary attribute Rating Attribute Primary attribute Rating cluster cluster

River Channel Shape 3 River Channel Shape 3 Channel Channel Degree of modification of flow 3 Degree of modification of flow 1 regime regime

Water Quality 5 Water Quality 3

Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 4 Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 4

Structures and human 3 Structures and human 4 modifications modifications

Riparian Vegetation cover 3 Riparian Vegetation cover 3 margin margin Structures and human 4 Structures and human 2 modifications modifications

Wider Landscape Character 3 Wider Landscape Character 2 landscape modifications landscape modifications character character

TOTAL 28 TOTAL 22

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION D 39 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 3 4 4 4 4 4 39 34 Rating Rating Primary attribute Channel Shape flow modification of of Degree regime Quality Water and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic and human Structures 5 modifications cover Vegetation human and Structures modifications Landscape Character modifications Primary attribute Channel Shape flow of modification of Degree regime Quality Water and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic human and Structures 5 modifications cover Vegetation and human Structures modifications Landscape Character modifications No. 17: WYE No. Attribute cluster River Channel Riparian margin Wider landscape character TOTAL Attribute Attribute cluster River Channel Riparian margin Wider landscape character TOTAL No. 18: LEATHAM No. Below: The north bank of the Wairau River Wairau The north bank of the Below: 1 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 3 3 3 3 4 4 38 28 Rating Rating Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic human and Structures 5 modifications Degree of modification of flow of modification of Degree regime Quality Water cover Vegetation Landscape Character modifications Channel Shape and human Structures modifications Primary attribute Channel Shape flow modification of of Degree regime Quality Water and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic and human Structures 5 modifications cover Vegetation human and Structures modifications Primary attribute Landscape Character modifications Riparian margin Wider landscape character TOTAL River River Channel No. 16: BRANCH (BELOW WEIR) 16: BRANCH (BELOW No. Attribute cluster River River Channel Riparian margin Wider landscape character Attribute Attribute cluster No. 15: WEIR) No. BRANCH (ABOVE TOTAL 40

No. 19: WAIHOPAI No. 21: GOULTER Attribute Primary attribute Rating Attribute Primary attribute Rating cluster cluster

River Channel Shape 2 River Channel Shape 5 Channel Channel Degree of modification of flow 2 Degree of modification of flow 5 regime regime

Water Quality 4 Water Quality 5

Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 4 Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 5

Structures and human 3 Structures and human 5 modifications modifications

Riparian Vegetation cover 3 Riparian Vegetation cover 5 margin margin Structures and human 4 Structures and human 5 modifications modifications

Wider Landscape Character 3 Wider Landscape Character 5 landscape modifications landscape modifications character character

TOTAL 25 TOTAL 40

No. 20: AVON No. 22: TOP VALLEY Attribute Primary attribute Rating Attribute Primary attribute Rating cluster cluster

River Channel Shape 5 River Channel Shape 5 Channel Channel Degree of modification of flow 5 Degree of modification of flow 5 regime regime

Water Quality 4 Water Quality 5

Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 4 Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 4

Structures and human 4 Structures and human 4 modifications modifications

Riparian Vegetation cover 4 Riparian Vegetation cover 3 margin margin Structures and human 4 Structures and human 4 modifications modifications

Wider Landscape Character 4 Wider Landscape Character 3 landscape modifications landscape modifications character character

TOTAL 34 TOTAL 33

The Waihopai River

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION D 41 5 5 5 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 23 36 Rating Rating Primary attribute Channel Shape flow modification of of Degree regime Quality Water and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic and human Structures 5 modifications cover Vegetation human and Structures modifications Landscape Character modifications Primary attribute Channel Shape flow of modification of Degree regime Quality Water and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic human and Structures 3 modifications cover Vegetation and human Structures modifications Landscape Character modifications No. 25: TYNTESFIELDNo. GORGE) OMAKA (ABOVE Attribute cluster River Channel Riparian margin Wider landscape character TOTAL Attribute Attribute cluster River Channel Riparian margin Wider landscape character TOTAL No. 26: OMAKA (GORGE TO OPAWA CONF) OPAWA TO 26: OMAKA (GORGE No. 5 5 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 32 28 Rating Rating Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural Vegetation cover Vegetation and human Structures modifications Landscape Character modifications Channel Shape flow of modification of Degree regime Quality Water and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic human and Structures 4 modifications Vegetation cover Vegetation human and Structures modifications Landscape Character modifications Primary attribute Channel Shape flow modification of of Degree regime Quality Water and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic and human Structures 4 modifications Primary attribute Riparian margin Wider landscape character TOTAL River River Channel Riparian margin Wider landscape character TOTAL 24:No. WAIKAKAHO Attribute cluster River River Channel Attribute Attribute cluster No. 23:No. ONAMALUTU 42

No. 27: OPAWA (OMAKA CONFLUENCE TO No. 29: OPAWA LOOP ROSES OVERFLOW) Attribute Primary attribute Rating Attribute Primary attribute Rating cluster cluster

River Channel Shape 3 River Channel Shape 3 Channel Channel Degree of modification of flow 1 Degree of modification of flow 1 regime regime

Water Quality 4 Water Quality 3

Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 3 Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 1

Structures and human 4 Structures and human 2 modifications modifications

Riparian Vegetation cover 2 Riparian Vegetation cover 2 margin margin Structures and human 2 Structures and human 2 modifications modifications

Wider Landscape Character 2 Wider Landscape Character 2 landscape modifications landscape modifications character character

TOTAL 21 TOTAL 16

No. 28: OPAWA (LOWER, BELOW BLENHEIM) No. 30: SPRING CREEK Attribute Primary attribute Rating Attribute Primary attribute Rating cluster cluster

River Channel Shape 3 River Channel Shape 4 Channel Channel Degree of modification of flow 2 Degree of modification of flow 4 regime regime

Water Quality 2 Water Quality 4

Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 1 Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 2

Structures and human 4 Structures and human 3 modifications modifications

Riparian Vegetation cover 2 Riparian Vegetation cover 3 margin margin Structures and human 3 Structures and human 2 modifications modifications

Wider Landscape Character 3 Wider Landscape Character 3 landscape modifications landscape modifications character character

TOTAL 20 TOTAL 25

The Awatere River Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION D 43 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 37 36 Rating Rating Primary attribute Channel Shape flow modification of of Degree regime Quality Water and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic and human Structures 5 modifications cover Vegetation human and Structures modifications Landscape Character modifications Primary attribute Channel Shape flow of modification of Degree regime Quality Water and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic human and Structures 4 modifications cover Vegetation and human Structures modifications Landscape Character modifications No. 33: AWATERE (SOURCE TO CASTLE RIVER) CASTLE TO (SOURCE 33: AWATERE No. Attribute cluster River Channel Riparian margin Wider landscape character TOTAL Attribute Attribute cluster River Channel Riparian margin Wider landscape character TOTAL No. 34: AWATERE (CASTLE RIVER TO MEDWAY) (CASTLE RIVER TO 34: AWATERE No. 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 19 30 Rating Rating Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural Vegetation cover Vegetation Landscape Character Landscape Character modifications flow of modification of Degree regime and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic human and Structures 2 modifications and human Structures modifications Landscape Character modifications Channel Shape Quality Water Vegetation cover Vegetation human and Structures modifications Primary attribute Channel Shape flow modification of of Degree regime Quality Water and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic and human Structures 4 modifications Primary attribute Riparian margin Wider landscape character TOTAL Wider landscape character TOTAL River River Channel Riparian margin CONFL) OPAWA TO RIVER (DAM 32:No. TAYLOR Attribute cluster River River Channel Attribute Attribute cluster No. 31: TAYLOR RIVER (ABOVE DAM) RIVER (ABOVE 31: TAYLOR No. The Taylor River The Taylor 44

No. 35: AWATERE (BELOW MEDWAY) No. 37: BLIND RIVER Attribute Primary attribute Rating Attribute Primary attribute Rating cluster cluster

River Channel Shape 4 River Channel Shape 2 Channel Channel Degree of modification of flow 3 Degree of modification of flow 2 regime regime

Water Quality 4 Water Quality 3

Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 2 Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 3

Structures and human 3 Structures and human 3 modifications modifications

Riparian Vegetation cover 3 Riparian Vegetation cover 2 margin margin Structures and human 4 Structures and human 2 modifications modifications

Wider Landscape Character 3 Wider Landscape Character 2 landscape modifications landscape modifications character character

TOTAL 26 TOTAL 19

No. 36: FLAXBOURNE No. 38: WAIMA RIVER Attribute Primary attribute Rating Attribute Primary attribute Rating cluster cluster

River Channel Shape 4 River Channel Shape 4 Channel Channel Degree of modification of flow 3 Degree of modification of flow 4 regime regime

Water Quality 3 Water Quality 4

Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 4 Exotic ‘aquatic’ flora and fauna 4

Structures and human 3 Structures and human 4 modifications modifications

Riparian Vegetation cover 3 Riparian Vegetation cover 4 margin margin Structures and human 4 Structures and human 4 modifications modifications

Wider Landscape Character 3 Wider Landscape Character 4 landscape modifications landscape modifications character character

TOTAL 27 TOTAL 32

Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 SECTION D 45 Below: The Acheron River, Molesworth River, The Acheron Below: 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 34 Rating Natural Character of Marlborough’s Rivers | May 2014 | May Rivers of Marlborough’s Character Natural Landscape Character Landscape Character modifications Structures and human and Structures modifications Vegetation cover Vegetation Channel Shape flow modification of of Degree regime Quality Water and fauna flora ‘aquatic’ Exotic and human Structures 4 modifications Primary attribute Wider landscape character TOTAL Riparian margin River River Channel Attribute Attribute cluster No. 39: ACHERON RIVER ACHERON 39: No.

Section E REFERENCES 48

References

Hughey, K.F.D.; Baker, M-A (eds). (2010b). The Rivers Value Assessment System: Volume 2: Application to cultural, production and environmental values. LEaP Report No. 24B, Lincoln University.

Deans, N; Wadsworth, V; Williman, B; Rackham, A; Bentley, J (2009) Natural Character: Application of the River Significance Assessment Method to MArlborough District. Lincoln University.

Boffa Miskell (2009) Marlborough Landscape Study 2009.

Boffa Miskell (1994) Marlborough Rivers: Management and Ecology. Marlborough District Council

Websites

www.marlboroughonline.co.nz

www.wetlandtrust.org.nz

www.niwa.co.nz

www.mfe.govt.nz/environmental-reporting

Below: Rapids of the Wairau River.