Ben Ohau Station Irrigation Scheme ,

Landscape Assessment

Prepared by: Chris Glasson Landscape Architects Ltd PO Box 13162 Christchurch Ph: 03 365 4599 30 Jan 2014

1.0 Introduction This landscape assessment has been commissioned by Simon and Priscilla Cameron of Ben Ohau Station, Twizel, who is applying for resource consent to install and operate pivot irrigators on the land, 3km north of Twizel. Ben Ohau Station consists of 3793ha of varying terrain.

The report assesses the potential landscape and visual effects of pivot irrigation on the existing landscape character and highlights possible mitigation measures, which will assist to integrate the operation into the surrounding landscape.

2.0 The Proposal The proposal is for the implementation of three pivot irrigators on flat farmland on the south side of the Pukaki – Ohau canal and 1km west of SH8. The canal provides the water source for the irrigation. Pivot no.1 is located between the Fraser River and Dry Stream, and pivot no.2 and 3 between Dry Stream and the .

The pivots have been sited at some distance away from SH8, as this is the main public viewpoint throughout the Mackenzie Basin. The road on the southern and eastern side of the canal is sometimes used by travellers and recreationalists.

The intake structure will be located west of pivot no.1 at the canal. This will be a small concrete structure housing a pipe.

3.0 Landscape Context The Mackenzie Basin as a whole is an outstanding landscape, and contains many individual features within it, such as high mountains, lakes, rivers, vast open spaces, recreational parks and wildlife areas, all of which are surrounded by mountain ranges. This landscape caters for a range of tourist ventures and recreational activities from water sports (fishing, water skiing, rowing and boating) to four-wheel driving, mountain biking, hunting, tramping, horse riding and nature walks.

The contrasts of this landscape, from the basin’s vastness to the abruptness of the Southern Alps are a real highlight to tourists and local users of this area. The climatic conditions throughout the seasons also create a contrast that can send the area into Ben Ohau Irrigation Scheme 1 Landscape Assessment – CGLA # 1330 Jan 2014

extremely low temperatures in winter to hot and dry periods with minimal rainfall in summer.

Post glacial and other geological events that have shaped this area and provide a high degree of scientific and educational value. Notable landscape formations include moraines, terraced valley sides, flood plains, fans and wetlands, much of which is a result of the glacial period.

The vegetation of the floor consists of mainly short tussock grasslands and remnant native scrub such as tussock, matagouri and coprosma species. In dry areas wilding pines are among the more invasive tree species, along with heiracium being the dominant and invasive weed. Forested areas are found higher up into the valley systems with large stands of silver and mountain beech being the dominant tree species, especially in areas like the Ohau catchment and Ruataniwha Conservation Park.

Farming has modified much of the low-lying areas over time with dairy farms becoming prevalent in the between Oamarama and Twizel. Animal pests such as rabbits, causing vegetation depletion and subsequent soil erosion, have been a real problem in the past for farmers while ferrets and stoats have had a major impact on wildlife in the basin.

The most enduring landscape features of the basin are its vastness and openness contained by the grandeur of a mountain backdrop. In short, the basin’s main landscape elements include:  vastness of scale  sense of openness  a high degree of naturalness  large panoramic views of mountains  large turquoise colored water bodies  contrasting landforms and colours  defined limits of vision  tawny colouration of landscape  isolated coniferous shelterbelts and woodlots  small well-defined settlements  extensive low intensity grazing

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The Pukaki Landscape This is a vast area of glacial outwash bordered by , Simons Pass, the Grampians and Ohau River. In the northern part of this area, near to Lake Pukaki, the rocky and undulating moraine hills are a significant feature, giving topographical relief to an otherwise flat basin landscape of river terraces, wetlands and flats. Ruataniwha Conservation Park is to the west of the Ben Ohau Station property containing the large catchment area for . A large portion of the Ben Ohau Range is also managed by the Department of Conservation containing a defined Ben Ohau hunting block (see map in graphic supplement).

Panoramic views form part of the travel experience through this area with the focus not only on the expansive landscape but also Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. Two Scenic Viewing Areas (SVA) in the Plan are located at the southern end of Lake Pukaki along SH8, 3km from the site.

Lakeside Protection Areas (LPA) exist around Lake Pukaki, while Sites of Natural Significance (SNS) include the Tekapo and Pukaki Rivers and parts of the Ohau River, Lake Pukaki, and the flats between Lake Pukaki and the settlement of Twizel.

The landscape is most frequently appreciated from SH8 and the canal roads as they weave their way across this flat to a gently undulating landscape. Views can also be gained from the power stations of Ohau B and C, while an elevated observation point exists at the southern end of Lake Pukaki.

It is an area that is sensitive to change because of the visibility of its vastness and open landscape, and the consistency of land cover and colour. Albeit, there is an ever- increasing presence of wilding pines and other modifications that include irrigated areas of pastoral grassland, elements of the upper Waitaki hydro scheme, shelterbelts and woodlots, farm dwellings, milking sheds, pylons and the settlement of Twizel.

The Pukaki, Twizel and Ohau Rivers and Lake Pukaki contribute significantly to recreational pursuits (fishing, mountain biking and tramping) and the inherent scenic and amenity value of this area. As well, camping facilities are found in several locations,

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most notably at Twizel and . The Twizel River has recreational value for sightseeing and trout angling.1

4.0 The Site Ben Ohau Station consists of three different types of landscapes. We are only concerned with the moraine flats. On these flats an irrigated command area is proposed and within it is likely to contain three pivot structures, all adjacent to the Pukaki-Ohau canal road. The pivots range in distance from 1km to 3.5km from SH8.

The land is essentially flat but there are existing and old water courses traversing the site, as well as a low stopbank along the river, the elevated canal, willow trees along the rivers, stands of matagouri and coprosma throughout.

The flats are a thick layer of porous outwash gravels overlying tertiary sediments. The overlying soils are shallow and stony and have low fertility without additional water. The moraine debris and alluvial outwash have created low undulations between the canal and the Fraser River.

The vegetation consists of improved grasslands, short tussock and matagouri shrublands near to the streams. Willow trees line the Twizel River and Fraser Rivers, giving an element of containment to the proposed irrigated areas.

Exotic species are prevalent throughout this landscape especially in the dry, gravelly soils. These include sweet vernal, browntop, hawkweed, brier rose. The more fertile soils, such as between the Fraser and Dry Streams and near to the homestead site have been cultivated and have no limited species.

There are some few conifer shelter belts on the site as well as willows and isolated poplar trees. While parts of the site have been cleared a considerable amount of matagouri shrubs exist, giving the stock shelter and enriching the soil quality. As well, in the newly sown pastoral areas the land management regime displays an integrated approach with the retention of undulations and vegetation as well as allowing for grazing to occur.

1 Environment Canterbury (Adrian Daly). Inventory of Instream Values for Rivers and Lakes of Canterbury, . Report U 10/13, 2004 Ben Ohau Irrigation Scheme 4 Landscape Assessment – CGLA # 1330 Jan 2014

The main areas of exotic vegetation are the willow trees lining the Twizel and Fraser Rivers. When viewed from the canal road these rows form a distinctive edge and assist to define the site from this viewpoint. The site itself has no Recommended Areas of Protection (RAP) or has been assessed with an ecological value. Beyond the site, but still within Ben Ohau Station, are two RAP’s, one being east of SH8 near to the aerodrome and the other is west of the canal. This latter one is known as the Ben Ohau Swamp, a natural deep wetland where the vegetation is dominated by Carex species.

Ben Ohau is an interesting example from a cultural viewpoint. Major modifications have occurred within its land boundaries including. It is part of one of New Zealand’s largest hydroelectric power developments as well as Twizel airport and SH8.

In terms of recreation there are marginal strips along both sides of Fraser, Dry and Twizel Rivers for the entire lengths. The rivers are the main focal points on the property for fishing and passive recreational activities. Other fishing areas in wetlands, and tracks are beyond the site. The rivers and wetland areas are prime bird habitats.

5.0 Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes

Section 6b & c concerns the “…protection of outstanding natural features and landscapes from inappropriate subdivision, use and development:” and “protection of areas of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna.”

The Environment Court has defined the Mackenzie Basin as an Outstanding Natural Landscape (ONL) (Decision No. [2011] NZEnvC387). While the whole area is defined as an ONL it is important to note that this does not mean that change cannot occur within it, but that change can be appropriate, if well-designed, and able to be absorbed or integrated without adversely impacting on the landscape values.

The proposed sites for irrigation on Ben Ohau Station are not within any specific outstanding natural feature or Site of Natural Significance. The sites are currently modified due to farming and forestry practices that have occurred since 1856.

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From the Pukaki Canal Road, panoramic views of the highly natural Ben Ohau Range are prevalent. There will be no change to the foreground landscape for this view. The most dominant feature is that of the mountain range and this will remain intact. The view to the south and east is not a prime one, but the landscape is sensitive to change and this will be taken into account when making potential changes.

6.0 Assessment of Landscape Effects

Change in the Landscape Landscapes reflect a culture’s relationship with the land and are therefore integrally connected to societal well-being. However, landscapes are constantly changing and the true nature and rate of this change requires careful management if the values and integrity of the landscape are to be sustained.

A sustained landscape reflects the way people interact and experience the natural processes and systems of a place. Because landscapes are not static they can be in a state of change, but not all change represents an adverse threat.

The Mackenzie Basin has always been in a state of change, whether it be from loss of soil, weed and wilding pine infestations and invasion of rabbits, hydro development and urban growth etc. Irrigation development if designed and managed in a sensitive manner could bring benefits and reflect a positive side to change. However, the key element for this district is how well change can be integrated into the landscape. The nature of the proposed activity could be well integrated if mitigation measures are put in place or if the change is not adverse to the surrounding landscape.

Tourist Roads In the Mackenzie Basin a number of public roads have been identified as “tourist roads” with important visual or scenic values placed on them such as SH8. The Pukaki Canal road is not defined as a tourist road, although it does however provide public access to some notable features that are in the vicinity of the proposed site and frequented by various travellers and recreationists. SH8 does bisect Ben Ohau and views of the site can be gained from this road. Glen Lyon Road is on the edge of the site, although willows screen a view of the landscape to the north.

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Recreation Access A public road exists for recreationalists entering the southern section of the Conservation Park and Ben Ohau Range. The activities include tramping, horse trekking, hunting and mountain biking. This area is to the north of the canal and will remain unaffected with the proposed irrigation.

7.0 Pivot Irrigation Sites Three potential sites for pivot irrigation are proposed within the irrigation command area. All three are contained within a triangle consisting of the Pukaki-Ohau canal, Glen Lyon Road/Fraser River and SH8. All sites will be visible from the elevated canal roads.

In terms of location on the station this is the most integrated location. The most scenic views are north to the Ben Ohau Range and Lake Pukaki, and there will be no development in the foreground of these views. As well the pivots have been located at a reasonable distance from SH8 so as not to be impacting.

8.0 Viewpoint Assessment

8.1 Viewpoint 1: SH8 (Twizel to Lake Pukaki) This viewpoint is located on the road berm at a similar elevation to the site itself. From this location it is 1km to the eastern edge of pivot no.3, 1.6km to pivot no.2 and over 3km to pivot no.1. The view beyond the Twizel River to the west of the proposed pivots is generally screened by willows lining the river. As well, behind the willows on the true right of the river is a low bund which also assists to screen the land to the west.

When travelling in a northerly direction from Twizel the viewer will generally focus on the Ben Ohau Range and high mountains. There is no real focal point when travelling in a southerly direction other than a large, open and expansive plain.

The flats west of SH8 are part of the foreground and so the land between the road and Twizel River is very significant in the view. The site between the river and the elevated canal is barely visible. Where it may be visible is only through gaps in the willows and from a distance of over 1km it would be difficult to discern the pivots.

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The landscape and visual effects of the pivots would be very minimal, with the only possible effect being small portions of faintly visible pivots.

8.2 Viewpoint 2: Pukaki-Ohau Canal Road All three pivots are visible from the elevated canal road. The dominance of the impact of the pivots and the colour of the land cover will increase as one travels in a direction from the junction with SH8 to the junction with Glen Lyon Road. This is due to the proximity of the pivots to the canal road. Pivot 3 is 1km from the canal road.

Currently the site has green areas within so the change in colouration will not be significant. The pivots will be the elements that create the most impact from viewpoints along the canal for a distance of 4km. The dominance of these pivots will be interrupted by the retention of matagouri throughout the pivot areas and planting of copses of trees in areas between pivots. This will add to the landscape diversity and further attempt to integrate the pivots into the landscape.

The canal road is not a heavily used road although it does give recreationalists access to fishing and conservation areas. The landscape on the south side of the canal is currently a farmed landscape and will continue to be so. The canal itself, the two roads on either side of it, the old haul road, the small lakes adjacent to the canal and the modified landform of the hill behind the homestead have all occurred since the late 1960’s as part of the hydro-electric scheme and are all man-induced elements. The intrusion of three pivots are minor additional elements in comparison, and are well contained between the canal and two willow lined rivers.

8.3 Viewpoint 3: Glen Lyon Road An intermittent view of the proposed pivot no.1 can be gained from Glen Lyon Road, which is the main route between Twizel and the Conservation Park, but much of the view is screened by the mature willow trees along the Fraser River (north side of the road). The distance to the pivot would be 600m. For much of the operation time the pivot would be invisible. It is important that the exact location is integrated between the farm road (north of Fraser River) and Dry Stream.

The impact of the three pivots on any individual houses along Glen Lyon Road will be a minor one due to filtered views and distance from the pivots.

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9.0 Statutory Requirements One of the values concerning this landscape is that of the natural character of the three rivers. Natural character occurs in greater to lesser degrees in a continuum from the pristine to modified environments. This is a reflection of the modified nature of landform, water surface, and vegetative cover. The natural character of the landform is dependent on the natural elements, patterns and processes.

While the proposed sites for the irrigation operation are located near the Twizel and Fraser Rivers, and Dry Stream, they will not adversely affect the natural character of these watersheds, as the existing willows and shrublands that line these will help to contain the activity. A buffer zone between these rivers and the irrigation would further assist in integrating the activity. There will be no adverse effect to the quality of the natural character of these streams.

Mackenzie District Plan The following are relevant policies and objectives from the Mackenzie District Plan. Section 7 - Rural Zone “Rural Policy 1C - Natural Character And Ecosystem Functions To avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects on the natural character and indigenous land and water ecosystem functions of the District, including (i) land form, physical processes and hydrology; (ii) remaining areas of significant indigenous vegetation and habitat, and linkages between these areas; (iv) aquatic habitat and water quality and quantity.”

“Rural Objective 2 - Natural Character of Waterbodies and Their Margins The preservation of the natural character and functioning of the District's lakes, rivers, and wetlands and their margins, and the promotion of public access along these areas.”

“Rural Objective 3 - Landscape Values Protection of outstanding landscape values, the natural character of the margins of lakes, rivers and wetlands and of those natural processes and elements which contribute to the District's overall character and amenity.”

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“Rural Policy 3C - Scenic Viewing Areas To limit structures and tall vegetation within scenic viewing areas to enable views of the landscape to be obtained within and from these areas.”

“Rural Objective 4 - High Country Land To encourage land use activities which sustain or enhance the soil, water and ecosystem functions and natural values of the high country and which protect the outstanding landscape values of the high country, its indigenous plant cover and those natural processes which contribute to its overall character and amenity.”

“Rural Objective 6 - Rural Amenity and Environmental Quality A level of rural amenity which is consistent with the range of activities anticipated in rural areas, but which does not create unacceptably unpleasant living or working conditions for the District's residents or visitors, nor a significant deterioration of the quality of the general rural and physical environment.”

“Rural Policy 6D - General Amenity Controls To encourage and/or control activities to be undertaken in a way which avoids, remedies or mitigates adverse effects on the amenities and physical environment of rural areas.”

“Rural Policy 8B - Structures To ensure that the location, design and use of structures and facilities, within or near waterways are such that any adverse effects on visual qualities, safety and conflicts with recreational and other activities on the waterways are avoided or mitigated.”

“Rural Zone Rule 3.1.1.e - Sites of Natural Significance, Scenic Viewing and High Altitude Areas No building shall be erected on: Any area identified on the Planning Maps as a Site of Natural Significance. Scenic viewing areas as identified on the Planning Maps - Any land above 900m in altitude, other than mustering huts less than 50m2 in gross floor area.”

Comment: It is important that the proposed pivots, in conjunction with the mitigation measures, will not impinge on the policies and objectives of the District Plan. The pivots will be located at least 50m from the Fraser, Dry and Twizel Rivers, that the native shrubland will as much as possible remain, willows along the three rivers will remain to reduce visibility Ben Ohau Irrigation Scheme 10 Landscape Assessment – CGLA # 1330 Jan 2014

of the pivots from viewpoints, and that further planting of trees will be undertaken between the irrigated areas. Any structures such as pump sheds will be of a recessive material and colour.

10.0 Mitigation Measures Several mitigation measures are required in order that the three pivots become integrated with the surrounding landscape and to maintain the existing landscape quality: - Retain as much of the matagouri shrublands as possible within and between the pivot areas. - Retain willow trees and shrublands along the river margins. - Retain as much as possible of the undulating ground in the pivot areas. - Plant copses of trees in the areas between the pivots. Trees could include poplar, Italian alder, box elder and larch. - Provide a 50m buffer margin from any streams. - That any associated structures, such as pump sheds, be of recessive material and colours.

11.0 Conclusion The location of the command area containing the three pivots is in a contained space bounded by the elevated canal and the willow lined Twizel and Fraser Rivers. From two sides, at best, only intermittent views will be gained of the pivots. From the canal roads views of the pivots will be available for a distance of 4km. However, with the land management measures of retaining the minor undulations, matagouri shrublands and planting copses of trees, then the pivots will become less dominant and imposing structures.

12.0 Appendices (See separate graphic supplement for maps, plans and photos)

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Resource Consent Application for Irrigation

Ben Ohau Station, Twizel

Landscape Assessment Graphic Supplement

03 Feb 2014

Prepared By: Chris Glasson Landscape Architects Ltd Christchurch 8141, NEW ZEALAND P.O Box 13162 Ph. 03 3654599 www.chrisglasson.com H39 NZMS262 Nov-08 Scale 1:125000 [Copyright: images Forster Software, data Crown] Printed by Freshmap™ N

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5640000N 2250000E 600 700 800 900 000 CHRIS GLASSON Ben Ohau Station Irrigation Consent 1.0 Site Location Landscape Assessment Landscape Architects Ltd February 2014 1 N

intake canal

pivot 2 Twizel River proposed command area pivot 1 pivot 3 SH8

Dry Stream

Fraser River

Glen Lyon Rd

Twizel

CHRIS GLASSON Ben Ohau Station Irrigation Consent 2.0 Irrigation Sites Landscape Assessment Landscape Architects Ltd February 2014 2 Pukaki Canal intake pump station

pivot 2 (700m radius)

Dry Stream

pipe to pivots pivot 1 (500m radius)

pivot 3 (475m radius)

Fraser River

Twizel River

CHRIS GLASSON Ben Ohau Station Irrigation Consent 3.0 Aerial Photo Landscape Assessment Landscape Architects Ltd February 2014 3 2 3 pivot 2 1 pivot 1 pivot 3 4

CHRIS GLASSON Ben Ohau Station Irrigation Consent 4.0 Viewpoints Map Landscape Assessment Landscape Architects Ltd February 2014 4 pivot no.1 irrigation siteapprox. location of water Twizel farm building Fraser Stream Benmore Range Pukaki Canal out take from canal

5.1 View looking south east from Pukaki Canal Road towards pivot site no.1

pivot no.3 irrigation site buffer area between Pukaki Canal Road canal and pivot pivot no.1 irrigation site pivot no.2 irrigation site Benmore Range Ben Ohau farm buildings (approx. size and location)

5.2 View looking south from Pukaki Canal Road towards pivot site no.2

CHRIS GLASSON Ben Ohau Station Irrigation Consent 5.0 Viewpoints Landscape Assessment Landscape Architects Ltd February 2014 5 pivot no.2 irrigation site Twizel River pivot no.3 irrigation site Pukaki Canal Road approx. location and size

6.1 View looking south from Pukaki Canal Road towards pivot site no.2 and 3.

pivot no.3 irrigation site Pukaki Canal Road Twizel River Ben Ohau Range SH8 to Tekapo behind Twizel River

6.2 View looking north-west from State Highway 8 towards Twizel River and pivot site no.3.

CHRIS GLASSON Ben Ohau Station Irrigation Consent 6.0 Viewpoints Landscape Assessment Landscape Architects Ltd February 2014 6 7.1 Twizel River underpass structure at junction of canal. 7.2 Embankment and willows along Twizel River above pivot no. 3.

7.3 Location of proposed out-take at junction of canal, approx. 500m from Loch Cameron 7.4 Farmed land adjacent Dry Stream between pivot no.1 and no.2. Integrated farm land with existing stream contour and native vegetation. CHRIS GLASSON Ben Ohau Station Irrigation Consent 7.0 Site Character Landscape Assessment Landscape Architects Ltd February 2014 7