This page last modified 19 September 1998
Po 042
Central Dunstan Mountains
Otago Land District
Tenure review approved by Commissioner of Crown Lands <November
1996
Landcorp Property Limited
PROPOSAL:
LEASE LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Part Run 238K, situated within Tarras,
Wakefield and Lauder Survey Districts CT 338/53
RUN NAME: Ardgour
AREA: 4089.4369 ha
DETAILS: Tenure Pastoral Lease
Term; 33 Years from I July 1985
Expiry: 30 June 2018
Rent Review: I July 1996
Rental Value: $350,000
Annual Rent: $5,250
CROWN IMPROVEMENTS: Nil
BASE STOCK LIMITATION 2640 Sheep
PERSONAL STOCK LIMITATION: 12000 Sheep (7250 BE) plus 150 cattle
(120 BC)
LESSEE: B D S Jolly and Trust
LOCATION: West side Dunstan Range, between Shepherd and Dry Creeks.
Ardgour and Thomson Gorge Roads, 38 kms north of Cromwell.
OTHER LAND HELD: Section 22 Tarras S.D. 39.2697 ha DPL (adjoins
Pastoral Lease)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
(a) Aspect: Predominantly north and north west
(b) Altitude: 245 m - 1065 m
(e) Contour: 30% flat to gently undulating - balance moderately
steep
(d) Area Cultivable: 1330 ha
(e) Rainfall: 430 mm - 650 mm
(f) How Watered: Natural streams and storage for paddock reticulation/irrigation
(g) Subdivision: 6 Main hill blocks and 30+ paddocks
(h) Snow Risk: Very low - any snow clears quickly
(i) Summer/Winter Medium/high - property has ability to diversify
with irrigation
Balance: for both drought/winter adversities.
0) Shelter: Mainly strategic tree windbreaks (northwest boundary
high terraces and homestead paddocks) with smaller internal extensions
under recent establishment.
(k) Reversion: All hill blocks OSTD wherever practicable and regularly
maintained (but prone to frequent drought conditions). Sweet vernal
and browntop abundant.
Areas of natural mixed native shrubs, particularly olearia spp
on darker aspects.
(1) Erosion: Negligible to minimal, from occasional sheet wash
and minor rilling during summer thunder storms on sparsely vegetated
low altitude sunny facings, also windblow of fines.
Arable areas prone to potentially very severe wind erosion during
cultivation.
(m) Weeds & Pests: Briar and matagouri spread; some burdock
and increasingly hawkweed spp, particular in deeper soils of better
moisture. Rabbits are a major problem which is being treated under
the current Rabbit and Land Management Programme.
(n) Soils:
Dunstan steepland YBE, mid/high altitude 121 ha
Arrow steepland YGE, low/mid altitude 1572 ha
Alexandra and Letts steepland BGE, low altitude 842 ha
Conroy, Ardgour, Lochar and Clyde BGE 1489 ha
Linnburn low terrace 21 ha
Speargrass and Fraser flood plain soils 44 ha
Total 4089 ha
(o) Land Use Capability
LUC Class Area Ha % Property
III 337 8.2%
IV 1034 25.3%
VI 1109 27.1%
VII 1609 39.4%
4089 ha 100.0 %
(p) Cover ha
Dryland lucerne 335
Dryland Pasture 370
Irrigated Pasture 200
Winter greenfeed 20
Oversown and topdressed tussock 2290
Unimproved tussock/mixed shrubs 872
Buildings, yards 2
Total 4089 ha
(q) Production: Stock winter 1995
Merino sheep 4500 m.a. ewes Cattle 100
1500 2 T ewes
1500 c. hgts
2500 m.a. wethers
600 W. hgts
100 rams etc
Total 10700 (9800 SU, normally 9000 SU)
Lambing 90% Wool 4.0 - 4.5 kg/hd
Average winter/spring supplementary feed requirements:
1000 tonne of silage
35 tonnes barley grain
20 ha greenfeed
PREVIOUS HISTORY: The property was transferred to A S Jolly in
1954. Mr Bruce Jolly
has been actively managing Ardgour since 1984 and has owned a
twothirds share since 18 August 1989, in partnership with his
parents A S and M M Jolly, one-third share. Total ownership was
passed to Bruce and a family trust in 1994.
BOTANICAL: Ardgour lies within the Dunstan Ecological District
and is one of the lower altitude properties on the range. The
PNAP survey in 1984 found little of interest on the property.
The conservation interest lies within the top block of Shepherds
Creek, and although somewhat depleted, will, under a nil grazing
regime, recover. This area is low altitude silver tussock on the
spurs and slopes, along with the occasional Carmichaelia spp.,
Hymenanthera alpine and matagouri. The latter grows as extensive
shrublands spreading out from the gully floor. The principal conservation
value of this upper Shepherds Creek block is the silver tussock
(Poa cita) which is not well represented in any reserve system.
These short tussock grasslands were also virtually ignored in
early PNAP surveys. The shrublands extend through to Mt Kamaka
on the eastern boundary of the property. Here Olearia nummuleriafolia,
along with Helichrysum selago and Brachyglottis haastii occur
amongst the rocks. Elsewhere remnant Chionochloa rigida is scattered
along the boundary near Mt Kamaka. The lower slopes have a variety
of fescue tussock, blue tussock coral broom, a cushion Coprosma
and Aciphylla aurea. This proposed area has a variety of communities
growing at a relatively low altitude. This is probably because
of the area's aspect and the extensive wind tunnelling that occurs
through Thomsons Gorge. Extensive rocky bluffs extending into
Dry Creek are also a feature of interest and have a floristic
community worth protecting.
This area will complement a proposed adjoining silver tussock
area on Bendigo and form a contiguous system. Ardgour proposal
has the advantage in that it will be under a nil grazing regime,
whereas the Bendigo area will only be a covenant with continued
grazing and possible inputs.
FAUNA: The Dunstan Mountains have a distinctive alpine insect
fauna. While no special features are known in Ardgour, it is logical
to assume that some components of this invertebrate fauna exist
on the upper slopes of Ardgour. Protection of a percentage of
the Dunstan Tops will protect some of the flightless species and
the local endemic species.
The avi-fauna has no distinctive known features. Chukar and quail
occur in the area along with the occasional harrier and New Zealand
falcon.
Ardgour lies in the heart of the Rabbit and Land Management Programme
area, with a property plan covering all of the property. The rabbit
problem is largely confined to the lower portion of the property.
VISUAL AND SCENIC VALUES:
Landscape. Ardgour impinges on two landscape management units
that have been identified during an assessment of the Dunstan
Mountains.
This small valley on Bendigo links well with Shepherds creek, immediately north on Ardgour. Silver tussock and associated shrubland cover the headwaters of both catchments and it is desirable to see the upper headwaters of Shepherds Creek remain as part of a landscape unit, especially as a public road passes through the area, providing access to this distinctive craggy landscape. Mount Kamaka on the eastern corner of Ardgour stands out as a castle of rocks and is an interesting focal point.
Both these landscape units overlap and while a degree of degradation
is evident, recovery is possible in the longer term.
CULTURAL VALUES:
(a) Historic: Ardgour's history has been documented by Hamel in
her report "The Rich Field of Bendigo", February 1993.
Ardgour was part of the large Morven Hills Station and has some
historic sites located on this property. The old Morven Hills
woolshed site is located on Ardgour. This was burned down in 1885
- associated stone buildings still survive these. These are on
the adjoining Bendigo property. Some 4 km up the Thomson Gorge
Road a stone hut and yards are found near the mouth of Shepherds
creek. The yards are on Bendigo Station and the stone hut is on
Ardgour. Within the mouth of Shepherds Creek two live water races
are found and a simple earth dam. Also, part of a formed roadway
is located in Shepherds Creek itself.
Ardgour appears to have been on the periphery of the Bendigo goldfield
and some field evidence exists on the southern border of the property.
However, it appears that there is little gold mining evidence
worthy of separate protection on the property - the Historic Places
Act adequately covers these sites.
Near the site of the old Morven Hills woolshed an old concrete
woolshed survives. This building may have historical significance
and further research is required. Today this building is used
as a storage shed.
(b) Tourism/Recreation: Mason in his "Outdoor
Recreation in Otago" volume 1 has zoned this area as
an open space zone. This recognises the features and modification
of the area, and argues that public access rights need to be retained.
On Ardgour some game-bird shooting occurs, but recreational use
elsewhere is limited. Thomsons Gorge Road provides the link from
Tarras through to the Manuherikia Valley and is becoming a popular
route. This proposed area on Ardgour is alongside the road and
will enhance the landscape corridor. Mount Kamaka could provide
a focal point for short walks from Thomsons Road and may become
an access corridor to the northern Dunstans in time.
DETAILED PROPOSAL:
The tenure change proposed on Ardgour involves only one area.
It is considered that the remaining flats and hill country should
be available for freeholding. The area of DOC interest is part
of upper Shepherds Block and Upper Dry Creek Block Approximately
550 ha). This area is fenced on three sides, a new fence will
be required along the northwest boundary which will effectively
subdivide existing blocks. This area adjoins Bendigo Station in
the southwest and Matakanui Station in the southeast. Thomsons
Gorge Road will provide good public access into and through the
area.
Grazing would be discontinued upon completion of this tenure proposal.
Should the proposal proceed, approximately 13% of the Pastoral
Lease would be surrendered to conservation interests with little
impact on the overall lease management. The balance of the property
particularly the flats and better hill blocks would remain as
a strong economic unit,
With conservation and public interest satisfied under such a proposal,
the landholder would have some flexibility under freehold tenure
to diversify and thus provide a stronger financial base to fund
ongoing rabbit control.
DESCRIPTION OF AREA TO BE FREEHOLDED:
(a) Area: 3539 ha approximately (subject to survey)
(b) Aspect: Predominantly north and north west.
(e) Altitude: 245 m - 1065 m
(d) Contour: 30% Flat to gently undulating - balance moderately
steep
(e) Area Cultivable: 1330 ha
(f) Rainfall: 430 mm - 650 mm
(g) Water Supply: Natural streams and storage for paddock reticulation/irrigation.
(h) Shelter: Mainly strategic tree windbreaks (northwest boundary
high terraces and homestead paddocks) with smaller internal extensions
under recent establishment.
(i) Reversion: All hill blocks OSTD wherever practicable and regularly
maintained (but prone to frequent drought conditions).
Sweet vernal and browntop abundant.
Areas of natural mixed native shrubs, particularly olearia spp
on darker aspects.
Erosion: Negligible to minimal, from occasional sheet wash and
minor rilling during summer thunderstorms on sparsely vegetated
low altitude sunny facings, also windblow of fines.
Arable areas prone to potentially very severe wind erosion during
cultivation.
(k) Weeds & Pests: Briar and matagouri spread; some burdock
and increasingly hawkweed spp, particularly in deeper soils of
better moisture. Rabbits are a major problem which is being treated
under the current Rabbit and Land Management Programme.
(1) Soils: As detailed previously, except for approximately 470
ha less Arrow
and 80 ha less Dunstan soils. New total 1102 ha Arrow and 41
Dunstan soils.
(m) Land Use Capability:
LUC Class Area Ha % Property
III 337 9.5%
IV 1034 9.2%
VI 949 26.9%
VII 1219 34.4%
3789 Ha 100.0 %
(n) Cover:
Dryland lucerne 335 ha
Dryland pasture 360 ha
Irrigated pasture 200 ha
Winter greenfeed 30 ha
OSTD tussock 1900 ha
Unimproved tussock/mixed shrubs 714 ha
Total 3539 ha
DoC Conservation Resources Report
ARDGOUR STATION
Ardgour Station lessee, Bruce Jolly, has applied to Landcorp for tenure change. This application has been driven by the review of the RLMP and the lessee's requirement to diversify his operation. This will involve utilisation of the lower flats for orchards, etc.
The file indicates that there is probably little of conservation interest on the property. A field inspection has largely reinforced this, with the exception of one area near the Thomsons Saddle which is of conservation interest. This area will also fit in with adjoining conservation aims on Bendigo Station.
General
Ardgour is a low altitude property, it has approximately 1400
ha of flats which have been highly developed.
The hill country runs from 450-1150 m and the vegetation is predominantly short tussock, pasture grasses, matagouri and briar. Levels of vegetation cover vary, low altitude Class VII lands are generally severely depleted and eroded,shady faces also show signs of depletion with moderate erosion. Some scabweed occurs on the ridge tops and sunny faces. The majority of the land has been OSTD in places. The conservation interest on these lower slopes is minimal, especially when looked at in association with the high rabbit numbers.
It appears desirable from the field inspection to acquire an area near Thornsons Saddle for conservation purposes.
Botanical Values
Ardgour lies within the Dunstan Ecological District and is one
of the lower altitude properties on the range. The PNAP survey
in 1984 found little of interest on the property.
The conservation interest lies within the back blocks of Shepherds and Dry Creeks and although somewhat depleted, will, under a nil grazing regime, recover. This area is low altitude silver tussock on the spurs and slopes, along with the occasional Carmichaelia petrel and C monroi, Hymenthras alpina and matagouri. The latter grows as extensive shrublands spreading out from the gully floor. The principal conservation value of this upper Shepherds Creek block is the silver tussock (Poa cita) which is not well represented in any reserve system. These short tussock grasslands were also virtually ignored in early PNAP surveys. The shrublands extend through to Mount Kamaka on the eastern boundary of the property. Here Olearia nummuleriefolia, along with Helickrysum selago and Brachyglottis haastii occur in amongst the rocks. Elsewhere remnant Chionochloa rigida is scattered along theboundary, near Mount Kamaka. The lower slopes have a variety of fescue tussock, blue tussock, coral broom, a cushionCoprosma and Aciphylla aurea.
This proposed area has a variety of alpine communities growing at a relatively low altitude. This is probably because of the area's aspect and the extensive wind funnelling that occurs through Thomsons Gorge.
Extensive rocky bluffs extending into Dry Creek are also a feature of interest and have a floristic community worth protecting this area will complement a proposed adjoining silver tussock area on Bendigo and form a contiguous system. Ardgour proposal has the advantage in that it will be under a nil grazing regime, whereas the Bendigo will only be a covenant with continued grazing and possible inputs.
Fauna
The Dunstan Mountains have a distinctive alpine insect fauna.
While no specia1 features are known in Ardgour it is logical to
assume that some components of this invertebrate fauna exist on
the upper slopes of Ardgour. Protection of a percentage of the
Dunstan Tops will protect some of the flightless species and the
local endemic species.
The avi-fauna has no distinctive known features. Chukar and quail occur in the area along with the occasional harrier and New Zealand falcon.
Ardgour lies in the heart of the rabbit and land management area, with a property plan covering all of the property. The rabbit problem is largely confined to the lower portion of the property.
Landscape
Ardgour impinges on two landscape management units that have been
identified during an assessment of the Dunstan Mountains.
1 Central Dunstan Mountains
This area includes a narrow strip along the top of Ardgour and links the south Dunstans with the northern Dunstan Mountains. A steep craggy landscape unit that is in complete contrast to the high rolling tops and tors that are dominant in the north and south.
2 Upper Rise and Shine Creek
This small valley on Bendigo links well with Shepherds Creek, immediately north on Ardgour. Silver tussock and associated shrubland cover the headwaters of both catchments and it is desirable to see the upper headwaters of Shepherds Creek remain as part of a landscape unit, especially as a public road passes through the area, providing access to this distinctive craggy landscape. Mount Karnaka on the eastern corner of Ardgour stands out as a castle of rocks and is an interesting focal point.
Both these landscape units overlap and while a degree of degradation is evident, recovery is possible in the longer term.
Recreation
Mason in his 'Outdoor Recreation in Otago' volume 1 has zoned
this area as an open space zone. This recognises the features
and modification of the area, and argues that public access rights
need to be retained. On Ardgour some game-bird shooting occurs,
but recreational use elsewhere is limited. Thomsons Gorge Road
provides the link from Tarras through to the Manuherikia Valley
and is becoming a popular route. This proposed area on Ardgour
as alongside the road and will enhance the landscape corridor.
Mount Kamaka could provide a focal point for short walks from
Thomsons Road and may become an access corridor to the northem
Dunstans in time.
Historic
Ardgour's history has been documented by Hamel in her report "The
Rich Field of Bendigo, February 1993. Ardgour was part of the
large Morven Hills Station and has some historic sites located
on this property.
The old Morven Hills woolshed site is located on Ardgour. This was burned down in 1885 - associatd stone buildings still survive these. These are on the adjoining Bendigo property. Some 4 km up the Thomson Gorge Road a stone hut and yards are found near the mouth of Shepherds Creek. The are on Bendigo Station and the stone hut is on Ardgour. Within the mouth of Shepherds Creek live water races are found and a large earth dam. Also, part of a formed roadway is located in Shepherds Creek itself
Ardgour appears to have been on the periphery of the Bendigo goldfield and some field evidence exists on the southern border of the property. However, it appears that there is little gold mining evidence worthy of separate protection on the property - the Historic Places Act adequately covers these sites.
Near the site of the old Morven Hills woolshed an old concrete woolshed survives.. This building was built in the 1920s and may be of some historic" interest. Today this building is used as a storage shed.
Detailed Proposal
Tenure change on Ardgour involves only one area. The remaining flats and hill country we believe should be available for freeholding. The area of DOC interest is part of upper Shepherds Block and upper Dry Creek (approximately 370 ha). These areas are fenced on three sides, a new fence will be required along the north-west boundary which will effectively subdivide existing blocks. This area adjoins Bendigo Station in the south-west and Matakanui in the south-east Thomsons Gorge Road will provide good public access into and through the area.
Grazing will be discontinued upon completion of this tenure deal.
Management Considerations
1 Fencing
Fencing will be required to completely enclose the block - some 4.5 km of his will be discounted from the freeholding price.
2 Feral Animals
Rabbits do occur within the proposed conservation area, but not in large numbers to cause concern. The main rabbit prone country on Ardgour is at a lower altitude.
3 Grazing
Will not occur in the area.
4 Weeds
Briar is present within the area, but it is considered to be part of the shrub cormnunity and is not a problem. This shrubland will thicken up over time in the absence of grazing. However, the silver tussock should continue to be dominant on the ridges.
Access
Public access will be freely available from Thomsons Gorge Road. Signs, etc, will be required to identify the area.
Historic Sites
The adjoining Bendigo Station will have a conservation covenant placed over many of the gold mining farming historic sites. It appears appropriate to include the Shepherds Creek site on Ardgour within these covenants, as the stone yards, hut and water races are all part of a complex and property boundaries ignore these divisions.
Recommendations
1 That 370 ha (approximately) in upper Shepherds and upper Dry Creeks be surrendered from P 42 as a scenic reserve under section 19(1)(a) of the Reserves Act 1977 to be controlled by the Department of Conservation.
2 Conservation covenants over Shepherds Creek historic sites be implemented as part of the Bendigo Station conservation covenant.
Mike Clare
Senior Conservation Officer (PNA/Pastoral)
Ardgour Public Comment (official analysis)
| Nature of submission * | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Forest & Bird (Southern Office) | X | ||||||
| Otago Goldfields Heritage trust | X | X | |||||
| Cromwell Riding Club | X | ||||||
| Botany Dept, University of Otago | X | X | |||||
| Public Access NZ | X | X | X | ||||
| Federated Mountain Clubs | X | ||||||
| Central Otago Tramping Club | X | ||||||
| Otago Miners Association | X | ||||||
| Chris Pearson | X | ||||||
| Otago Tramping & Mountaineering Club | X | ||||||
| TOTALS | 7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
*1. Supported proposal
2. Request for horse riding access to tops
3. Request for horse riding access on gold trails
4. Request lgalisation of Thomsons Gorge Road
5. Requests covenant for Game Bird Hunter access
6. Concern for lack of recognition of mining interest
7. Provided other useful information
Public Access New Zealand
Monday, August 5, 1996
The Manager
Landcorp Property Limited
P O Box 27
ALEXANDRA
Dear Sir,
Summary
(1) We support reservation of the top block.
(2) We ask that Thomsons Gorge Road be legalised where it deviates
off the surveyed alignment.
(3) We ask that game bird hunter access be provided by way of
registered covenant, with the Otago Fish & Game Council as
covenantor.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft proposal.
PANZ supports the proposed tenure change subject to two points
being accommodated.
Thomsons Gorge Road
From over-laying cadastral and topographic maps it appears that
part of the road formation is not on the legal alignment. This
is at, and south of, the farm buildings approximately 500m up
the road from the homestead. See attached plan.
It is essential that the road formation be legalised as part of
the raising of freehold title. We believe that tenure review should
not proceed unless public road access is assured. This is essential
for public access not only to the proposed public lands at Thomson
Saddle but also for the Bendigo Tops conservation area.
Marginal strips
There are no streams qualifying for marginal strip establishment
and no fishery values requiring formal protection.
Upland Game Bird Hunting
We have been informed that there are a lot of California Quail,
generally distributed over Ardgour, and that this attracts attention
from hunters. There are numerous, large coveys which utilise matagouri
and briar cover. There are also residual populations of Chukar
on open ground.
This is an important recreational hunting resource which should
continue to be available to licensed hunters irrespective of changes
in land tenure.
We request that a covenant be registered against any freehold
titles requiring the owner(s) to permit authorised licensed hunters
access onto the land for the purposes of game bird hunting. The
Minister of Conservation has approved Fish and Game Councils to
enter into such agreements under section 77 Reserves Act. In this
case the Otago Fish & Game Council, being a statutory body
under the Conservation Act, would be the covenanting authority.
The Council would be required to negotiate the exact terms of
the covenant with the landholder, and to seek further approvals
from the NZ Fish and Game Council.
Yours faithfully,
Bruce Mason
Trustee
20 November 1996
Bruce Mason
Public Access NZ
RD 1
OMAKAU
Dear Bruce
TENURE REVIEW: ARDGOUR STATION, TARRAS
Thank you for your submission on the tenure review proposal for Ardgour Station. Your submission was discussed with the lessee and considered by myself and Department of Conservation staff in preparing the final proposal to the Commissioner of Crown Lands. A copy of the submission was also forwarded to the Commissioner.
The Commissioner has approved the following actions resulting from this review:
1. Surrender of PoO42, Ardgour.
2. Reclassification of approximately 3539 hectares as farmland.
3. Preferential allocation of the reclassified area to the current lessees.
4. Allocation of approximately 550 hectares to the Department of Conservation subject to access easements over existing tracks in favour of the proposed freehold.
5. The Crown to meet the cost of legalisation survey to formalise the road deviations on the Thomsons Gorge Road within the property.
These proposals are set out on the attached map.
I apologise for the delay in advising you of this outcome.
Thank you for your continued involvement with the tenure review process.
Yours faithfully
K R Taylor
Manager, Alexandra
KNIGHT FRANK (NZ) LIMITED
