This page last modified 19 September 1998

South Island high country

Otago leases

Wentworth pastoral lease

Po 49
The Remarkables
Otago Land District
Tenure review approved by Commissioner of Crown Lands October 1996


Back to ... Po 049 Wentworth

Knight Frank (NZ) Ltd
Land Resources Division

DRAFT TENURE REVIEW PROPOSAL

Application for Exchange of Property Rights
WENTWORTH


LCP REF: Po49
Date of Application: 14 November 1994


PROPOSAL:

1. To accept the surrender of Wentworth Pastoral (Po49) being 7820 ha.

2. To agree to the allocation of approximately 4000 ha as Conservation Estate.

3. To dispose of approximately 3820 ha on freehold title.

4. To register an easement on the title allowing public foot and mountain bike access from the legal road to the proposed conservation area.

5. To grant a Special Lease under Section 67 (2) of the Land Act 1948 over an area of approximately 400 ha to accommodate ongoing grazing on land retained by the Crown for conservation purposes. The lease to be administered by the Department of Conservation.


LEASE:

Legal Description: Sections 16, 19, 20 and 26 Kawarau Survey District and Run 330C Kawarau and Nevis Survey Districts, Part 1 331 Nevis Survey District, Sections 20, 21, 22 and 46 Block V Kawarau Survey District (CT 338/69).

Run Name: Wentworth

Area: 7820 hectares

Lease Details:

Tenure: Pastoral lease
Term: 33 years from I July 1985
Expiry: 30 June 2018
Rent Review: 30 June 1996
Rental Value $380,000
Annual Rent: $5,700


Crown Improvements: Nil

Stock Limitation in Lease: 3630 sheep

Personal Stock Limitation: 6600 sheep (including no greater than 2200 wethers) subject to block limit on the high country of 1800 wethers for 10 weeks between January and early April.



LESSEE:
Lake District Trust Limited


LOCATION:
30 kms east of Queenstown.


OTHER LAND HELD:
Property is run with 24 ha of renewable lease containing flat land mainly in lucerne. Property run in conjunction with adjoining Mount Difficulty (Po353).


GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
This property is comprised of two parts, being 60 ha of flat land adjacent to State Highway 6 at Gibbston, with the balance being approximately 6 kms further east and south on the Horn and Hector ranges. The property ranges in altitude from 280 metres at State Highway 6 to 2136 metres at the crest of the Hector Mountains. Rainfall averages 614 mm per annum at Gibbston estimated to rise to around 1000 mm at the back of the property. The climate here is characterised by a high level of variability between seasons with periodic droughts at lower altitude. The property is well balanced with respect to aspect with predominantly northwest/sou'east aspect.

This property is known as a difficult property to manage due to its poor access from the main farm buildings at Gibbston and from Highway 6. Traditionally stock and vehicle access has been achieved via Coal Pit Saddle Road. Reasonable vehicle track access and stock access has been recently constructed to link the main body of the lease with the flat land adjacent to State Highway 6 at Victoria Bridge.

The property contains approximately 750 ha of moderately rabbit prone country which requires ongoing rabbit control and periodic poisoning.

There are no major weed problems on Wentworth. Sweet briar is increasing on the flats and along the sunny faces of the Doolans. Hawkweeds are widespread on the property and dominant on parts of the Horn Range.

The property is run as a traditional fine wool property breeding own replacements for ewe and wether flock. The majority of grazing is carried out on improved and semi-improved country below 1000 metres with wethers being released onto the back country in late January for approximately 10 weeks.


LAND USE CAPABILITY

Proposed Freehold:

Class III. Shotover and Luggate soils adjacent to Highway 6 at Gibbston and Victoria Bridge. 46 ha

Class IV. Shotover and Luggate soils at Gibbston and Victoria Bridge. 29 ha

Class VI. Arrow and Tirioti soil on moderate lower slopes comprising the better over-sown country. 1665 ha

Class VII. Comprising droughty sunny facing Arrow soils on the Horn Range and Dunstan and Carrick soils above 800 metres with limited potential for development requiring careful management. 2080 ha

Total 3820 ha


Proposed Conservation Estate:

Class VI. Lower portion of proposed Special Lease comprising Arrow soils capable of sustaining pasture improvement. 10 ha

Class VII. Carrick and Dunstan soils generally above 1000 metres comprising snow tussock on sunny aspects, dracaphylum, alpine cushion plants on colder aspects. 1910 ha

Class VIII. Dunstan and Carrick soils above 1400 metres predominantly covered with alpine cushion plant association, high proportion rock fields and scree. 2080 ha

Total 4000 ha



COVER:
Area Proposed for Freehold:

42 ha. Good cultivated pasture
90 ha. Fair cultivated pasture
48 ha. Fair direct drilled flats
700 ha. Good aerial oversown pasture on hill
1200 ha. Fair to poor oversown hill
1000 ha. Unimproved fescue tussock in poor to good condition
460 ha. Steep bluffy hill slope above river with matagouri, sweet briar
280 ha. Snow tussock and blue tussock in poor to good condition

3820 ha. Total Area


Area Proposed for Conservation Estate:

10 ha. Induced short tussock, browntop, sweet vernal pasture.
250 ha. Drachaphylum scrubland.
1660 ha. Snow and blue tussock grassland.
2080 ha. Alpine cushion plant association, rock fields and scree.

4000 ha. Total Area



PRODUCTION:
Stock Carried Winter 1995:

2000 Ewes
600 Dry 2 tooth ewes
1200 MS hoggets
Wethers

6250 Total Sheep which equates to 4975 SU'S

Wool:
3.3 kg/head

72% Lambing



PREVIOUS HISTORY:
The pastoral lease was first issued in 1952 with a base stock limit of 3630 sheep (approximately 2900 su's). The property was run with 24 ha of adjacent renewable lease. Carrying capacity rose slowly from lease issue to 5870 su's in 1972, then rose dramatically from 1981 to a peak of approximately 8700 su's in 1984 (7700 su's on pastoral lease). This was associated with Government Subsidy Schemes of LDEL and LSIS.

Following 1984 and the removal of Government Subsidies from development and fertiliser, stock numbers gradually declined to their present level.

Prior to 1983 the high country was stocked with 2500 wethers from 1 December to 12 April of each year with 1000 additional wethers being introduced for the month of March. A Run Plan was entered into in 1984 which included a fencing and offsite subsidy programme that's object was to destock the high country. In 1992 the lessee renegotiated the terms of the Run Plan to allow grazing of 260 su's/year between January and April. This effectively allowed grazing of this area for up to 1800 wethers for 10 weeks.

Other historical matters concerning conservation and recreation values are dealt with in the DOC report.


CONSERVATION VALUES:
The report describing the conservation values on the property prepared by the Department of Conservation is appended to this report.


PUBLIC COMMENT:
An "early warning" meeting was held with the principal interest groups on 16 March 1995. The particular interests noted were:


The property was visited by Mr Howse representing the Ngai Tabu Trust Board on 23 March 1995. He will make a formal comment when requested by the Commissioner, but raised no matters of particular interest to the Ngai Tahu on the day.


DETAILED PROPOSAL:

The proposal has been developed by Knight Frank (NZ) Limited as agent for the Commissioner of Crown Lands, in consultation with the lessee and the Department of Conservation. The aims of this proposal are:

Land Proposed for Freehold:
Total estimated area: 3820 ha

The physical attributes of this area are described [earlier in] (on Pages 3 and 4 of) this report. The attached map outlines the proposed boundaries between land proposed for freeholding and that to be retained by the Crown.

Access Easement:
On the existing four wheel drive track up ridge to the proposed conservation area from the legal road from Coal Pit Saddle to Ben Nevis. Vehicle access is not included and would be at the discretion of the landowner.

Legal Road:
The present formed road appears to be on the same line as the legal road shown on the cadastral. It is proposed for the legal road to be aligned with the formed road if and where there is a divergence. This would, however require the consent of the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Justification for freeholding:
The 3820 ha proposed for freeholding does not contain any significant conservation values. The large majority of this area is capable of sustained pastoral farming. A small proportion, approximately 300 ha may not be capable of economically sustaining pasture improvement and therefore may have some question about its ability to sustain pastoral production. However, this area cannot practically be separated from that country clearly capable of sustained pastoral production.

Area Proposed for Retention by the Crown (to be administered by DOC):
Refer [earlier in this report] (to Pages 3 and 4) for a physical description of this area.

Area to be destocked and managed solely for nature conservation, recreation and landscape purposes. 3600 ha

Special Lease area to allow public access and management for conservation purposes but also to allow low level of ongoing seasonal grazing, particularly in dry seasons. 400 ha

Total Estimated Area to Remain in Crown Ownership 4000 ha

Justification for Retention in Crown Ownership:
The case for retention of this area in Crown ownership is included in the DOC report on conservation values.
In addition to the case made by conservation, there are serious doubts as to the long term suitability of this landscape for ongoing pastoral production purposes. Continued grazing will inhibit recovery from an earlier period of heavy grazing which has tended to result in a reduction in plant status and a reduced resilience to exotic invasive weeds. This contention is somewhat supported by the aims of the earlier Run Plan for the property.

POISON CREEK SPECIAL LEASE:


Summary of Conditions:

Lease purpose: To provide for the maintenance enhancement of nature conservation, landscape, soil and water and public recreation whilst allowing for continued grazing of the land.

Rent: Set fee for first 5 years, thereafter market rate per head x average number grazed over previous 4 years. Reviewable every 5 years.

Term: 30 years

Other Conditions:

Justification:
The Department of Conservation considers that this block has important nature conservation and landscape values which are integral to the proposed conservation area. Whilst containing a portion of highly modified grassland at its lower comer, it does not justify the expense of fencing out. On the other hand the freehold area is characterised by a highly variable rainfall and periodic droughts. To avoid damage to lower altitude country through over grazing in periods of unusual dry there is a case for releasing stocking pressure on this country by grazing high altitude country at a low level. There is no clear evidence that light summer grazing is having a detrimental affect on existing conservation values on this block, however to confirm this, vegetation monitoring will be required.



Back to ... Po 049 Wentworth

WENTWORTH PASTORAL LEASE
DOC CONSERVATION RESOURCES REPORT



BACKGROUND

There are currently five pastoral leases on the Hectors/Remarkables Ranges within the Remarkables Ecological District, which are being investigated by the Crown for tenure review. This report describes the conservation resources identified on Wentworth Pastoral Lease and outlines the basis for discussion between the Crown agencies and the lessee for tenure review.

Wentworth is a medium sized property of 7761 ha located on the eastern side of the Hector/Remarkables Ranges. It extends from the main ridge system along the Horn Range to the Kawarau River at Victoria Bridge. The property is confined between the left and right branches of Doolans Creek.

In 1976, the Department of Lands and Survey undertook a comprehensive land use study of the Remarkables and Hector Mountains which gathered together a considerable amount of base resource information.

The conservation resources report draws on this information which is supplemented by additional resource material gathered from knowledge acquired by various agencies and individuals since then, plus a recent assessment of the area completed in February 1995 by DOC staff.


1 ECOLOGICAL FEATURES

a Physical Description

i Historical

The "Remarkables" were named by Alexander Garvie, surveyor, in 1857. The "Hector Mountains" were named by James McKerrow after James Hector, provincial geologist of Otago.

Professor James Park described the area in 1908:

"The Remarkables are a chain of high, broken mountain peaks, rising over 2000 feet above the general level of the table-topped block ranges of Pisa, Carrick and Dunstan. They form the western boundaries of the old base level plain of Central Otago - the crest of the ran-e throughout the greater part of its length is an excessively narrow saw-backed ridge, a feature that presents a marked contrast to the broad table-topped block mountains of Central Otago. The Remarkables with a crest from 7000 feet to 7600 feet high, rise steeply from the shores of Lake Wakatipu by a series of stupendous declivities', forming a spectacle that for absorbing grandeur is unrivalled in New Zealand, the country justly famed for the beauty of its alpine scenery ... The primitive Maori in myth and legendary story peopled the unknown land beyond this weird sky-cleaving rampart with malicious turihou, ill doing fairy and dread monster ... Notwithstanding their great height, the Remarkables carry not permanent snowfields of any great moment, but the marks of ice erosion are to be seen everywhere up to 6000 feet contour. The wide saucer shaped basins lying at the sources of Doolans Creek, Cone Burn (Wye) and Boundary Creek (Rastus Burn) are dotted with tarns and ... afford the clearest evidence of ... glaciation."


The scenery remains as impressive as ever.

ii Geology

The Remarkables Range is composed of metamorphic rocks of chlorite schist sub-zones 2, 3 and 4. These vary from semi-schistose greywacke and non-foliated schist through coarsely foliated to finely foliated schist. At higher altitudes, moraine deposits, isolated cirque moraines and late glacial lake formations are a feature. Cirque basins contain numerous tarns.

iii Soils

Classified generally as Dunstan steepland soils up to about 1800 m asl, above which alpine steepland soils are found. The Dunstan soils are derived from schist and loess with silt or stony loams that are very vulnerable to erosion if the vegetation cover is disturbed. The alpine steepland soils are predominantly bare rock and fellfield with a high quartz content.

iv Altitude

The lease extends from 275 m to 2307 m asl at the highest point of the Hector Mountains.

v Climate
Annual rainfall ranges from 535 mm at lower altitude to 1525 mm at higher alpine country. Summers are hot and dry and winters are long and cold, with frequent snowfalls. Snow lies during winter on land above 1200 m. Hard frosts are common and the climate can generally be described as severe.



b Vegetation

The following description covers vegetation on the main ridge system between the two branches of the Doolans Creek. The lower Horn Range part of the property has low botanical values and is not further considered.

Above about 1200 m on Wentworth the native vegetation is in very good condition. The cover is good and exotic species form only a minor component of the vegetation at lower levels and decreasing with altitude. Above about 1600 m the low, cushion communities give way to bare rockfields with just occasional plants in sheltered hollows.

The following communities occur on Wentworth:

Lower shrublands - occur on the lower slopes above Doolans Creek. Matagouri Discaria toumatou is the dominant shrub with Coprosma propinqua, Olearia odorata, 0. bullata, Carmichaelia arborea var., Melicytus alpinus and the climbers Rubus schmidelioides and Muehlenbeckia complexa. Briar Rosa rubiginosa, is not common here. The native grasses Poa cita (silver tussock) and hard tussock Festuca novae zelandiae, grow here also together with the exotic grasses, browntop Agrostis capillaris, sweet vernal Anthoxanthum odoratum, and various herbs. Past burning has created a patchy distribution of this lower shrubland.

Grasslands - within the shrubland belt and above them to about 1000 m, the grasslands are generally degraded, particularly on north faces. Rabbits are numerous at present. Browntop and sweet vernal predominate with scattered hard tussock. Hieracium pilosella is common. Native species such as Leucopogon fraseri, Raoulia subsericea and Luzula sp. are present in small numbers.

Short tussock grasslands - above 1000 m the hard tussock cover increases with the native plant species and cover increasing also. As well as the above species, Poa colensoi, Pimelea oreophylla, Gentiana sp., Acaena caesiiglauca, Aciphylla aurea appear. Sweet vernal and sorrel Rumex acetosella, are the main exotic species. Occasional narrow-leaved snow tussock Chionochloa rigida appear.

Tall tussock grassland - by 1200 m the grassland is dominated by the tall narrow-leaved snow tussock. On north slopes these are spaced forming about 40%-50% cover, while in sheltered hollows and south slopes, cover varies from 60% to almost 100%. A wider variety of native herbs and small shrubs are also found here in the inter-tussock spaces. This community extends to about 1500 m. Other species here are blue tussock Poa colensoi, hard tussock, Rytidosperma pumila, Gaultheria novae zelandiae, Anisotome flexuosa, Geum leiospermum, Carex wakatipu, Viola cunninghamii, Wahlenbergia albomarginata, Brachyglottis bellidioides, Geranium microphyllum and others.

Wetland communities - these are scattered throughout the tall tussock grassland, in hollows and small gullies particularly on the undulating ground between 1200 m and 1350 m. They are all in good condition with typical alpine wetland communities.

Subalpine shrublands - plants of Cassinia vauvilliersii are scattered through the tall tussock grassland above about 1250 m, but above 1350 m it forms extensive communities both in the tussock and on some south-facing rockfields up to 1450 m. Many ridge tops at lower levels, where rock is near the surface and on rocky ridges at higher altitudes to about 1550 m, Dracophyllum pronum forms almost pure communities with occasional cushion plants. These dark, reddish patches stand out from the golden tussock communities.

Cushionfields - the most exposed summits, higher ridge tops and knobs above about 1300 m are dominated by cushion plants, particularly Dracophyllum muscoides. Other prominent species include Poa colensoi, Abrotanella inconspicua, Chionohebe thompsonii, Raoulia hectori, Hectorella caespitosa, Agrostis muelleriana, Raoulia grandiflora, Brachyscome montana, Colobanthus buchananii and small Carex species. Patches of slim-leaved snow tussock Chionochloa macra can be seen in more sheltered areas where soils are deeper. Lichens and mosses are prominent.

Fellfield - above about 1650 m plants are sparse with rock forming the greatest cover. Some cushion plants are still found as are mosses and lichens.

The subalpine shrublands, particularly the Cassinia shrublands are well represented on this block and are not common or as well developed in many other parts of the Remarkables Ecological District. They are quite a feature.

The full extent of the intact native plant communities above 1200 metres warrant retention in Crown ownership because of their diversity and condition. Below this altitude, considerable alteration to their naturalness has occurred due to the influences of pastoral farming activities and conservation interest, accordingly, is reduced. This feature is accentuated on sunny faces and is less apparent on shady faces. The demarcation between areas of high conservation interest and essentially farmland correspond partly to the location of existing fencelines, but elsewhere new fencing will be required.

The flora of the Hectors/Remarkables Ranges contains several unusual and distinctive alpine species. Notable species include Ranunculus buchananii, Anisotome capillifolia, Celmisia verbascifolia, Aciphylla le comtei, Leptinella albida and Brachyscome 'montana'. Most of these species occur in high rocky cirques on alpine lands within the Wentworth Pastoral Lease.



c Fauna

i Vertebrates

In summer, southern black-backed gullls are the most abundant bird species at higher altitudes, nesting at the numerous small tarns, along with smaller numbers of paradise shelduck and South Island pied oystercatchers. Skylarks and pipits are widespread in the tussocklands. Kea and New Zealand falcon have been recorded in low numbers. Quail and chukar are present in low numbers also.

ii Invertebrates

All land above 1500 m has extremely high value for native invertebrate conservation. the range of ecosystems present including wetlands, fellfield, scree, snowbanks and high alpine grassland/herbfield and cushionfield will contain, from studies on adjacent parts of the mountain, a rich insect fauna (Patrick et al., 1992). That study found 186 moth species above 1640 m which included several species confined to the Remarkables/Hector Mountains area in addition to many rare and local species. Other insect orders were found to have a rich fauna also including stoneflies - the large flightless Holcoperla magna will be living in high alpine seepages, caddis - the newly names shortwinged Hydrobiosis torrentis and mayflies. Because the fauna of this area is a mixture of western (Eyre Mountain-Humboldt Mountain) and Central Otago species, in addition to its own endemics it is of great significance and warrants appropriate recognition and protection.

Endemic Invertebrates (5 species)

Scythris n.sp. (moth)
Eurythecta n.sp. (moth)
Tortricidae new genus and species (1,2) (moth) (2 species here)
Allodiscus n.sp. (snail)

Localised and Rare Invertebrates (11 species)

Xanthorhoe frigida (moth)
Lyperobius spedenii (giant weevil)
Eudonia oreas (moth)
Asaphodes periphaea (moth)

Sigaus obelisci (grasshopper)
Holcoperla magna (stonefly)
Tiphobiosis montana (caddis)
Costachorema hebdomon (caddis)
Hydrobiosis torrentis (caddis)
Scoparia contexta (moth)
Zelandobius unicolor (stonefly)

iii Aquatic Fauna

The NIWA database contains only one record for this locality - from the true right branch of Doolans Creek, grid reference F42, 2192900 E 5559000 N. This record dates from 13 March 1991 and approximately 100 m of the creek was sampled. No fish species of any sort were recorded. Bottom fauna was prolific with a large number of the large green stonefly (Stenoperla sp.) present.

Trout have been recorded in the lower reaches of the creek but seem to be prevented from migrating upstream by a blockage.

Streams without fish are important to protect both for their own values and as potential future liberation sites for threatened galaxiid species. High quality riparian zone vegetation will be an essential prerequisite for such action.



d Landscape Assessment: Cone Peak, Glenroy, Mount Rosa and Wentworth

A field inspection of the above pastoral leases was undertaken late February 1995. The backcountry on Wentworth was assessed of the property from surrounding points to the north. The study area is confined mainly to the impressive upland massif of the Remarkables/Hector Mountain ranges.

To help the department to gain a rapid overall impression of the inherent landscape values contained on these properties, the leases were assessed within three broad landscape types - these being:

i mountainlands above about 1500 m;
ii mid-altitude slopes between about 1500 and 1000 m, and
iii lower slopes and colluvial fans below 1000 m.


To help analyse which way management of the three landscape types should be orientated in the future, the following four attributes were assessed:

Intactness: The condition of the native vegetation and the degree of modification of natural processes.

Coherence: The level of harmony visually evident between natural elements.

Distinctiveness: The special qualities which make it visually striking.

Visibility: This attribute determines how easily and regularly a landscape unit is seen.

i Mountainlands
This landscape type could be broadly described as a natural landscape where all the inherent ecosystems and processes are still intact. There is very little noticeable change in the ground cover from one property to another which in aggregate creates a visually cohesive landscape. A feature in many places is the abrupt change from snow tussock to the barren fellfields, this rapid change from a tawny yellow ground cover to large depleted areas is one of the mountainlands distinctive characteristics. Much of these mountainlands are highly visible from many parts of the Wakatipu/ Arrowtown Basin and form a major physical component to the setting of one of New Zealand's most important tourist destinations.

The high country on Wentworth is not visible from State Highway 6 or other parts of the local roading network (perhaps from the Crown Range) but this rangeland's landscape values are contained in its remoteness qualities, being surrounded by extensive mid-altitudinal tussockland. The serrated skyline, patches of permanent snow, and blue-grey scree on Wentworth link up with other ridgelines to form the Remarkables/Hector chain of mountains. The spectacular features of this alpine area have frequently been recorded by visitors.

The landscape type's future management should be orientated towards conservation with emphasis placed on high country recreation such as tramping, climbing, cross-country skiing. Although robust in nature, the mountainlands are sensitive to man-made intrusions, particularly in the form of tracking and installations such as communication towers.

ii Mid-Altitude Slopes
This landscape type takes in the band of snow tussock contained within all the pastoral leases. A characteristic of the snow tussock is that vigour and density of the grass is more noticeable towards the west. This could be due to the fact that the rainfall lessens further east, the result being the landscape taking on semi-arid characteristics. This is particularly noticeable between Mount Rosa and the lower part of Wentworth where the tussocks are sparse and look like they are in ecological decline due to a combination of both natural and human induced factors.

The long prominent slopes are frequently bisected by incised streams with some of these watercourses changing into wide valley systems at a low altitude, probably the most impressive being the Rastus Bum, which forms the main catchment on the eastern flanks of the Remarkables.

In some places the lower "clean" tussock changes quite rapidly into short tussock with both sweet briar and matagouri becoming quite prevalent. In the Gibbston area the lower edge to this landscape type has taken on an overall weedy appearance, which in turn reduces its landscape quality.

Similar to mountainlands landscape type, this continuous band of tussocklands is visible from most parts of the Wakatipu/Arrowtown Basin which makes them visually vulnerable to any major changes in land use or man-made impacts such as tracking and bulldozed fencelines. An insidious change is already occurring with the rapid spread of wilding trees.

Traditionally these sunny tussock slopes have been used for summer grazing, and during the negotiation phase of the review process, the split between freehold and land retained in public ownership is likely to occur in this visually sensitive area. Therefore the tenure split should follow natural lines.
iii Lower Slopes and Colluvial Fans
This landscape type contains all the low country on the eastern faces of the pastoral leases. It forms the interface between the extensive blocks and the more productive farmland which in many places is cultivated, irrigated and surrounded by shelter planting.

Frequently Lombardy poplars and willows indicate the siting of early settlement. On the dry eastern faces the lower slopes take on a semi-arid grey appearance which is in contrast with the improved pasture land. The combination of all these elements gives this landscape type an overall appearance of a cultural landscape which contrasts strongly with the more intact natural landscapes found at a higher altitude.

The department's future involvement with this lower country will mainly be through advocacy, commenting on inappropriate land uses and activities, as DOC has an overall mandate to respond to resource applications that will have a detrimental effect on landscape values, particularly along major tourist routes.



2 CULTURAL FEATURES

To the people of Kai Tahu, Kati Mamoe and Waitaha, the peaks and valleys of the region were places of Atua (gods) and where it is traditionally said that supernatural people like the Maeroero lived and roamed over vast areas. The Maeroero were in fact hapu belonging to the Rapuwai tribe who lived very early in the human history of Te Wai Pounamu but who became absorbed into Waitaha and their deeds attaining supernatural attributes.

In traditional terms it was thought inappropriate to climb to the summits of the highest peaks as that would be akin to placing yourself higher than the Atua whose domain it was. The tikanga associated with these mountains and valleys were established by Waitaha, who explored the landscape and resources available from it.

Tapuaenuku and Kawarau are the traditional Maori names of the Hector Range and Remarkables Range respectively. Tapuaenuku is a contraction of Tapuae Uenuku referring to the footsteps of the rainbow god and is placed on several mountains or mountain ranges throughout the Otago region and elsewhere in Te Wai Pounamu. At the northern end of the Kawarau River on the south bank of the Kawarau, at a place called 0 te rotu (Kawarau Falls) was a Kati Mamoe pa named Tititea. In the valley below the Tapuaenuku Range was situated the ancient kaika Takerehaka near Kingston.

a Archaeological and Historic Features

There are no known Maori sites located on the property. Four historic sites dating from gold mining activities are recorded and are described as follows:

Site I (GR 963 649) - Kawarau High Level Gold Mining Co Tunnel
A tunnel has been driven through the narrow ridge dividing Doolans Creek from the Victoria Bridge Flats to carry water from creek on to the flats. The race as it leaves the tunnel is approximately 1.51.8 m wide. Several piles of spoil surround the mouth of the race. Several lengths of rail and an ore cart from the construction of the tunnel are also present near the tunnel mouth.

While it is now used for irrigation purposes, this tunnel was originally constructed to supply water for gold sluicing. The 1280 foot long tunnel was dug in 1926 (Appendices to the Journals of the House of Representatives (AJHR) 1927 C2:28). Two thousand feet of pipe were laid from the tunnel to the claim and a 30 feet deep tail race dug to give sufficient fall to discharge the tailings (AJHR 1928 C2:26). The initial claim was worked until it was 300 feet wide at the top and 75 feet wide at the bottom, for a return of 44 oz 2 dwt of gold (or £169.4s). The claim was worked until May 1929 when work ceased due to the difficulty in removing the large rocks in the claim (AJHR 1930 C2:28). The company was reformed as Central Mines Ltd in 1930 (AJHR 1931 Cl-:35) and prospecting and sluicing was carried out for two years for very poor returns - work finally ceased in 1932.

Site 2 (GR 971 648) - Gold Sluicing
A large sluiced area on the true right bank of the Kawarau River. The sluicing is approximately 150 m long by 100 m wide, with a maximum depth of 15-20 m. The upper part of the workings are in fine alluvium, but lower down there are many piles of very large rocks. ' metres south of the sluice pit is a stone chimney under a large pine. The chimney is approximately 1.3 m wide and 1.5 m high, several pieces of white china and brown glass were found about its base.

The size and nature of this site make it likely that this is the site of the Kawarau High Level Gold Mining Co's original claim. The two following sites are probably subsequent attempts to find richer ground.

Site 3 (GR 970 652) - Gold Sluicing,
A large sluicing on the true right of the Kawarau River. Overall the sluicings are approximately 100120 m wide by 150 m long, with a maximum depth of about 20 m. The alluvium being sluiced was of a fine nature and only a few isolated piles of tailings are present, on the northern side of the sluicing a small terrace (3 m x 2.5 m) has been cut into the slope of the hill and the crankshaft from a four cylinder engine lying upon it.

Site 4 (GR 973 643) - Gold Sluicings
Approximately 100 m long by 40-40 m wide and a maximum depth of 10-15 m. There are a few piles of tailings - the site is essentially similar to the previous site.

All of these sites date to the late 1920s and early 1930s and therefore are not protected by the 1993 Historic Places Act. None warrant specific formal protection. The gold workings themselves are typical examples of the larger workings present in the Kawarau Gorge. Given their location there seems little likelihood of their being damaged by future farming activities. The tunnel is a good example of the lengths that miners went to enable mining to be carried out. It has however been significantly modified in the 60 years that it has been used for irrigation, to the extent that it probably bears little resemblance to the original mining tunnel. While no special measures need be taken for the tunnel, something should be done with the ore cart to protect it from deterioration. For example,
the owners may be sympathetic to a suggestion of donating it to the local museum at Arrowtown.


b Recreational Use

i Tramping and Climbing
There is a long history of recreational use, especially of the more accessible parts of the Remarkables and northern Hector Ranges. The first recorded ascent of Double Cone occurred in October 1864 by government geologist T N Hackett and party. In the 1890s many climbs to Lake Alta and the summit occurred from the northern Kawarau face. The Lake Alta area was the focus of attention for many trampers and climbers with over 100 ascents made in a 10 week period in the 1979/80 summer. Climbers have numerous direct routes to all the main peaks above Lake Alta to choose from.

The orographic influence on the weather of this high, isolated mountain mars can cause snow and ice conditions, strong winds and cloud obscurity at any time of the year. Weather changes can be sudden and severe. The availability of road access to the Remarkables skifield from 1985 has made the area increasingly accessible.

Elsewhere in the Hector Mountains use is sporadic with a trend toward increasing tramping activity, mostly using western approaches. The physical effort of approaches from the east has been selflimiting.

ii Heliskiing
During pre-skifield years, there was steady use of the area for heliskiing and ski-touring. The three basins of the Rastus, Doolans (right branch) and Wye were regularly skied. The extensive Doolans Basin provides an attractive variety of runs, usually with good snow cover. Doolans and Wye Basins were preferred to the Rastus Burn. The heliskiing activity is operating under a recreation permit issued by the Commissioner of Crown Lands. This permit is subject to change if any proposed expansion of the Remarkables skifield into the Doolans Basin is pursued. Heliskiing is currently at a high level of use, being close to the take-off point at the skifield.

iii Ski-touring
Parties of ski mountaineers regularly visit the Remarkables and northern Hectors, with occasional traverses of both ranges. Ski-touring is at a high level of use in the Doolans Basin and there is the potential for a substantial conflict of interest between this use, heliskiing and possible skifield expansion.
The controversy over skifield development in the Remarkables was a classic battle between conflicting interests spanning years of legal and public participation procedures.

One outcome of note from the skifield debate was recognition of the area's national significance. The Planning Tribunal concluded "that the whole of what we describe as the appeal area (the Remarkables) has national significance, particularly from the point of view of its physical attributes as a place of importance for those wishing to use it for outdoor pursuits of the unstructured kind, particularly tramping and climbing".


d Recreation Access
There are currently no marginal strips along any watercourses on the property. Both the right and left branches of Doolans Creek would warrant marginal strips for the distance that their width exceeds 3 m. A strip of Crown land has been laid off along the Horn Range frontage with the Nevis River downstream to the confluence with the Doolans Creek. Further downstream and along the frontage of the property with the Kawarau River is an unformed legal road.

Both the Crown land strip and the unformed legal road technically constitute recreational access, although the Crown land may require setting aside as a conservation area or reserve.

A legal road exists from Gibbston to Nevis Crossing, called the Coal Pit Road. It provides 2WD vehicle access to Coal Pit Saddle and good 4WD access to the left and right branches of Doolans Creek and to the 4WD track which leads up the main ridge between the two branches. The Wentworth section of the formed Coal Pit Road would become legalised as a consequence of completion of the tenure review of the pastoral lease.

This legal road combined with negotiated public access along the main ridge would provide strategic and secure legal access from the east to the high basins of the Remarkables/Hector Mountains.


4 MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS

a Wild Animals
The property has a population of goats, escaped from domestic stock about 1940s, that have colonised the lower Horn block and the mid areas of the Nevis Burn and Doolans Creek. They mainly occupy the scrub belts.

A recent helicopter search and destroy shot 140 goats from this area in two hours. Goats move up on to the alpine areas in summer. The helicopter shooting operating was to achieve a buffer zone between the main population areas and the alpine zone.

Goats also occupy the lower true left of the Nevis River. These goats also will utilise the alpine meadows during summer and without control will continue to infiltrate into this area.

The occasional red deer and chamois use this area with the deer preferring the scrub and tussocklands and the chamois occurring in the higher regions. Chamois could become a problem if allowed to increase, and some monitoring will be needed. A search and destroy helicopter operation would cost approximately $2000 every two to three years. Eradication is a possibility.

b Animal Pests
At lower altitudes the most prominent pest is the rabbit. This country has suffered from periodic build-ups and the population presently is on the increase with rabbits being noticed up to 1100 m. They are a significant problem in the mid part and the Horn block of the property.

Possums are in low to medium numbers throughout the property and possum sign has been seen at 1500 m. The periodic rabbit control poisonings have helped control possums at lower altitudes. The most effective control method is to target possums along with rabbit control by boosting the 1080 poison mix to counter the higher poison tolerance of the possum.

Hares are prevalent throughout the entire area and will live in the alpine zone all year round. There is a lack of knowledge and research on the effects of hares on high alpine vegetation. Their numbers have been basically controlled by environmental factors, eg, cold wet springs and long hard winters.

There are the usual predators related to the rabbit population, ie, cats, stoats, ferrets. These species are being researched for confirmation as possible Th carriers. Their demise would influence the local bird population (quail, chukar, etc) and they could become a targeted animal if their role in the spread is established.

c Plant Pests
The property has briar over most of the lower part and is especially thick in areas on the Horn block. Aside from localised areas of Hieracium, this middle part of the property is relatively weed free. The possibility of broom spread by vehicle or from Coal Pit Saddle is a threat. Some woody stem weeds are prevalent, eg, thistles, in developed pastureland.

d Wilding Trees
The spread of pine and fir species from Gibbston is potentially the most devastating long term threat for this area. Some species are already present on the true left of Doolans Creek and some of these are at seeding stage. It can be assumed that in another 10 years Wentworth will have wilding trees colonising the open tussocklands. The few trees in Doolans Creek are the harbinger of a more serious problem in the future. A special report has been compiled and forwarded to conservancy office on the wilding tree threat for the whole of the Remarkables.

This report proposes removal of isolated and localised infestations of problem tree species as a priority.

e Fire
The property has a high fire risk in summer. Any burning of vegetation for farming purposes needs to be undertaken with care. DOC is the rural fire authority for the high alpine portion of the property, within I km of the Rastusburn Recreation Reserve and adjoining DOC Stewardship land. The balance of the property is covered by the Central Otago District Council.

f Stock Movement
Wentworth sheep have regularly been mustered off DOC land in the Wye Basin. Whilst numbers have not been high, there has been significant localised damage to alpine vegetation. The boundary between DOC land and Wentworth is a natural boundary, which is not stockproof.



Tony Perrett
Manager PNA/Pastoral
For Regional Conservator
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION


Back to ... Po 049 Wentworth

Public Access New Zealand
Friday, 16 February 1996

Submission on Draft Proposal for Tenure Exchange
Wentworth Station


The Manager
Knight Frank (NZ) Limited
P O Box 27
ALEXANDRA


Dear Sir,

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposal and for granting an extension in time for submissions.

The property has been inspected twice and we have consulted widely. We believe that tenure review will bring about important gains for conservation and public recreation and we wish to thank those responsible for the proposals, especially the lessee, whose representatives were helpful at all times.

In the interests of getting a response back quickly we have refrained from further documentation of conservation and recreation values. With the exceptions discussed below, we believe these are adequately described by DOC.


Summary
(1) We support reservation of a high country conservation area as proposed but request a downslope extension of the reserve to include the 'Top Doolans' block.

(2) We agree with a special lease over the Poison Creek Block, with a shorter term from that proposed, and request that the lease include the 'Top Doolans' block.

(3) We support the proposed public foot and mountain bike access.

(4) We request that if doubt exists as to the legal status of the formed CoalPit Saddle to Nevis Road that this be removed and the full road be 'legalised'.

(5) Marginal strips: we note that strips will be required the full length of both branches of Doolans Creek.

(6) We request the reservation of an additional strip of land parallel to the unformed road beside the Kawarau River to allow practical public foot access from the Victoria Bridge to the mouth of the Nevis River.
Discussion

The Top Doolans block is similar in character to Poison Creek. Its upper slopes are steep, partly eroded, with numerous rock outcrops. Altitude, aspect and soils mitigate against sustainable pastoral management, the attainment of which is an object of the tenure review. The arguments advanced for retention of the Poison Creek block in Crown ownership equally apply for the Top Doolans block.
The block could be further subdivided by fencing at mid-slope if necessary or alternatively the whole block be subject to the same lease as proposed for Poison Creek.

We believe that the 30 year term for the special lease is excessive. This should be reduced to 5 years with rights of renewal dependent on the results of vegetation monitoring and compliance with the conditions of the lease.

The foot and mountain bike access easement should be registered in favour of the public, rather than to DOC alone. We are alarmed to hear that, contrary to the proposals approved for Fiery Creek, that the intended public foot access easement has been confined to DOC. Such a move cheats the public of their entitlement to access. A landowner could legally confine use to DOC employees. We seek assurance that this situation will be rectified and not repeated on Wentworth or anywhere else. If there are legal complications/reasons for such please discuss these with us; in any even there are alternative mechanisms available which we would like to raise with you.

The access must allow public foot and bicycle passage at all times, with a requirement that the public notification and objection procedures of the Conservation Act must apply for any proposed modification or extinguishment of the easement.

Marginal strips: we note the existence of an unformed legal road along the banks of the Kawarau and lower Nevis to the confluence with Doolans creek, and a Crown land strip along the Nevis River. If these were ever to be disposed, marginal strips or esplanade reserves would be required in their place. There are however no marginal strips along both banks of Doolans Creek. We differ with the DOC interpretation of the Conservation Act that both branches "warrant marginal strips for the distance that their width exceeds 3m". That is not what s24 of the Act requires. Marginal strips are required along streams of an average width, bank to bank, of 3m or more.

We are concerned that if DOC's misinterpretation is applied that marginal strips may not be laid off in the upper reaches and so deny public access to the proposed conservation area via the creeks. We anticipate that public access up both branches from the Coalpit-Nevis Road will be important for providing alternatives to the proposed ridge access and to allow round-trips. We are certain that the average width of each branch exceeds 3m below the proposed conservation area. The average should be calculated along the full reach of the stream that is subject to disposition, and not include the headwaters that will be retained by the Crown. This area is not subject to the 'disposition' trigger for establishing marginal strips.

We believe that the most important variation we seek to the proposals is the provision of practical public access from the Victoria Bridge to the Nevis River. The provision of public access would open up an area with outstanding river scenery and provide fishing and tramping access to the Nevis Gorge, which is currently 'hidden' from view and to use by the general public. It would provide an interesting destination for walks from the state highway and the starting point for adventurous gorge tramping in low-water conditions.

The existing unformed legal road along the true right bank of the Kawarau mainly consists of a steep bank immediately above the river. It is too steep to utilise for access, although parts of it, especially at the mouths of side creeks, are attractive for recreational use.

The best route for access is along the brow of the first terrace above the river and along natural benches through the bluffs nearer the Nevis confluence. Part of the route has already been formed but is overgrown with briar. With clearing and marking (relatively easy) it would provide safe interesting walking, with no objective dangers. If a track was signposted from the Victoria Bridge carpark it should prove popular. It would be a significant addition to short walking opportunities in the Wakatipu district. The proposed route is between approximately 30 to 80 metres from the river. As the terrain is immediately adjacent to road reserve and unsuited for farming, we recommend that the route be determined on the ground and the extra land required be reserved for recreational purposes. This would secure public rights of use and allow leasing for grazing if this is desired.

The proposed route would be visually and physically separate from the farming operations on the terrace above. This would avoid the inevitable problems for stock movement and management that public use of the existing 4WD track would cause.

We note in DOC's Conservation Management Strategy that an area of land at the Victoria Bridge is intended for disposal. If this is on our proposed route or is the carpark area this must not occur.


Yours faithfully



Bruce Mason
Spokesman



Back to ... Po 049 Wentworth



Back to ... Po 049 Wentworth

Knight Frank Land Resources Division
Our Ref: Po49

5 November 1996

Bruce Mason
Public Access New Zealand
RD 1
OMAKAU 9182

Dear Submitter

RE: WENTWORTH TENURE REVIEW

I am pleased to advise that the Commissioner of Crown Lands has approved the proposal to exchange property rights on Wentworth Pastoral Lease. A summary of the Commissioner's decision is as follows:

(1) The surrender of the Pastoral Lease over Po49 Wentworth under Section 145 of the Land Act 1948, being 7820 ha.

(2) The classification of an area of approximately 3820 ha as "farmland" (on lines in accordance with those shown on the attached map) under Section 51 of the Land Act 1948.

(3) The preferential allocation in freehold title of approximately 3820 ha classified as farmland to Lake District Trust Limited under Section 54 of the Land Act 1948 subject to:

(i) The fixing of the legal road from Highway 6 to the boundary with Ben Nevis Pastoral Lease on the existing road formation.

(ii) The laying off of marginal strips subject to Section 24 of the Conservation Act on rivers and streams wider than 3 metres.


(4) The issue of a Special Lease under Section 67 (2) of the Land Act 1948 over an area of approximately 400 ha known as the Poison Creek Block under the following terms and conditions. The lease is to be administered by the Department of Conservation.

Lease purpose:

To provide for the maintenance and enhancement of nature conservation, landscape, soil and water and public recreation whilst allowing for continued grazing of the land.

Rent:

Market rate per head times the average number grazed over previous 4 years. Reviewable every 5 years.

Term:

10 years with two rights of renewal conditional on conservation values being maintained.

Other Conditions:


(5) The allocation to the Department of Conservation to manage for conservation purposes an area of approximately 4000 ha on boundaries as shown on the attached map and subject to the Special Lease proposed above.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands acknowledges that the following matters have been negotiated as part of the tenure review proposal to be approved by the Minister of Conservation under the Conservation Act 1990:

(i) An access easement under Section 7(2) Conservation Act allowing free unrestricted public foot and mountain bike access from the legal road beyond Doolans Creek to the proposed Conservation area on the formed track (as shown on the attached map).

(ii) An access casement under Section 7(2) Conservation Act allowing free unrestricted public foot access on a practical route along the margin of the Kawarau River from Highway 6 to the mouth of the Nevis River (as shown on the attached map).

(iii) The lessee agrees to construct a boundary fence on a line as shown as "proposed new fencing" on attached plan within 12 months of signing the Heads of Agreement .

(iv) The lessees acknowledge that DOC shall receive the land at the time of transfer to their department free of encumbrances such as recreation permits, after which time existing commercial activities shall be considered under the Conservation Act and the Otago Conservation Management Strategy.


The lessee of Wentworth has agreed to the above proposal.

Thank you for your submission.

Yours faithfully


Philip Murray
for Manager, Alexandra
KNIGHT FRANK (NZ) LIMITED

Public Access New Zealand, P.O.Box 17, Dunedin, New Zealand