This page last modified 19 September 1998
Po 239
The Remarkables
Otago Land District
Tenure review approved by Commissioner of Crown Lands (September)
1997
Knight Frank
Land Resources Division
Draft Tenure Review Proposal
CONE PEAK
KF Ref: Po239
1 SUMMARY PROPOSAL:
(1) Surrender of Pastoral Lease Po 239 being 3463.0116 ha.
(2) The reclassification and preferential allocation on freehold title an area of approximately 2108 ha.
(3) The transfer to the Department of Conservation an area of approximately 1355 ha to be managed for conservation purposes.
(4) The laying off of marginal strips on streams greater than 3 metres in width.
(5) The replacement of legal road along the margin of the Kawarau River with Historic Reserve and Section 24 Conservation Act marginal strip.
2 LEASE DETAILS:
Legal Description: Run 345C Cone Burn and Kawarau SDs.
Area: 3463.0116 hectares
Lessee: S V L Investments Limited
Lease: Pastoral lease under Section 66 Land Act 194X
Term: 33 years from 1 July 1992
Expiry: June 2025
Annual Rent: $3,960 plus GST
Local Body: Queenstown-Lakes District Council
3 RESOURCE REPORTS:
3.1 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:
The property is located at the northern end of the Remarkables Range approximately 10 kms east of Queenstown, bounded to the north by the Kawarau River. Access by road is off Highway 6 opposite the historic Kawarau Bridge approximately 30 kms east of Queenstown.
The property ranges in altitude from 300 m.a.s.1. on the Kawarau River flats to 1880 metres at the top of the Remarkables Range.
The climate here is characterised by hot dry summers and cold winters with frequent frosts and snow lying for 4 to 6 months down to 1500 metres. Rainfall averages around 650 mm at the homestead with a high level of variability between parts of the property and between seasons. Spring and summer droughts are common, with the northerly aspect of the property exaggerating the effects of low spring and summer rainfall.
The property has been run as a traditional fine wool producing enterprise running Merino sheep. Past carrying capacity has been between 3500 to 4000 su meaning this is a relatively small property. The lease contains a good balance of flats and terraces (242 ha), Mid Altitude Hill capable of oversowing and topdressing (1463 ha) and higher altitude unimproved land (1780 ha). Carrying capacity has been limited by a tendency to droughty summers. Traditionally around 1400 wethers were grazed on the highcountry for 3 summer months with a further 1100 ewes following after weaning. This equated to .48 sheep/ha/year grazing rate. More recently these numbers have been reduced to 900 wethers and 900 ewes for the same period (.28 sheep/halyear).
Rabbits are a severe problem on this property between the Kawarau River and 750 metres altitude. Approximately 1200 ha of the property is considered highly rabbit prone with a further 160 ha moderately rabbit prone.
Small patches of gorse and broom are present along the Kawarau River margin and isolated locations on the hilJ.
Soils/land Use Capability:
| Class II | 66 ha |
| Class III | 8 ha |
| Class IV | 168 ha |
| Class VI | 1400 ha |
| Class VII | 1191 ha |
| Class VIII | 630 ha |
| Total | 3463 ha |
Production:
Stock numbers carried on the property peaked in 1986 at 4690 su declining to present numbers of around 3600 su. Per head production has been moderate to low in the past with wool being 3.5 - 4 kg/head and lambing 75% to 85%.
Previous History:
In 1978 1140 ha of high altitude country on the property was surrendered from the lease to become the Rastis Burn Recreation Reserve. At that time the then lessee consented to the surrender of the Remarkables ski field road from the lease. This surrender has now been registered on the title. Mount Cook Company have responsibility for carrying out revegetation of the skifield road.
The road corridor was fenced from approximately 750 metres altitude to exclude stock to facilitate vegetation of the road batters. The agreement with the lessee to destock covered only a four year period which has expired.
In 1985 a Run Plan was drawn up for the property involving subsidised fencing separating Class VI land from Class VII on the western slopes of the property and in Owen Creek catchment. This plan was never taken up.
3.2 CONSERVATION RESOURCES:
Summary of conservation resources:
3.2.1 ECOLOGICAL FEATURES:
(a) Geology
The lease encompasses part of the alpine country of the Remarkables Range and includes important examples of moraine deposits, isolated cirque moraines and late glacial lake formations.
(b) Vegetation:
(i) Communities
The property is located within the Remarkables Ecological District. On Cone Peak the following plant communities of high conservation value are found:
Above 1100 metres the native plant communities are intact, in good condition and species rich.
(ii) Flora
The alpine areas of the property contain several notable species which are unusual and distinctive on the Remarkables Range, eg, Ranunculus buchananii, Anisotome capillifolia, Celmisia verbascifolia, Aciphylla le comtei, Leptinella albida and Brachyscome "montana"
(c) Fauna
(ii) Invertebrates
All land above 1500 metres has extremely high value for native invertebrate conservation. This alpine environment, with its diverse ecosystems, contains up to 186 different moth species including five species endemic to the Hectors/Remarkables, and four species of moths and seven species of other orders which are rare or of localised distribution.
(ii) Vertebrates
The surrounds of the numerous small tarns at higher altitudes are used for breeding by southern black-backed gulls, paradise shelduck and South Island pied oystercatchers. Threatened species such as kea and New Zealand falcon occur in low numbers.
(d) Landscape Assessment
Several adjoining pastoral leases in the Hectors/Remarkables Ranges have been assessed together. Three broad 1andscape types were identified, these being:
These landscape types were ranked on the criteria of intactness, coherence, distinctiveness and visibility to determine their conservation value.
All three landscape types are found on Cone Peak. The ranking system used confirms the high conservation value of the mountain lands and mid altitude slopes, especially when considered in the context of their contribution to the Wakatipu Basin and the Remarkables Range landscapes, and the importance of these landscapes to tourism.
3.2.2 CULTURAL FEATURES
The region is steeped in the mythology of Kai Tahu, Kati Mamoe and Waitaha and is referred to as the home of supernatural people like the Maeroero. Kawarau is the traditional name for the Remarkables. The region is important for tikanga.
(a) Archaeological and Historic Features
There is one known Maori site located on the property, a moa hunter site on the bank of the Kawarau River. Occupation dates back 700 years. Moa hunter sites are a rare resource in Central Otago and it comprises scoop earths, a midden and butchery area.
Five historic sites relating to gold mining activity are recorded including the important Owens Ferry Hotel site. Less important sites include small mining areas, and a stone cottage.
The moa hunter site and the Owens Ferry Hotel site are sufficiently important to warrant specific protection.
(b) Recreation:
(i) Use
There is a long history of tramping and climbing activity on the more accessible parts of the Remarkables, dating back to last century. The development of the Remarkables skifield and its road access has made the area increasingly accessible.
Heliskiing use has also increased in the Doolans Basin as a result of skifield development and is now at a high use level. Ski touring frequently occurs in the Doolans Basin also with potential for conflict of interest between this and other winter recreation uses in this location.
The Remarkables Range is considered to be of national significance for recreation use.
Commercial parapenting and hang gliding has recently become established at a site near the skifield road.
(ii) Access
Road access to the farmstead currently is not legal and adoption of the existing paper road along the south bank of the Kawarau River is advocated to rectify this matter and this being replaced with either reserve or marginal strip. Lower sections of the Rastus Burn and Owen Creek warrant marginal strips. This would provide access from the formed road at Owen Creek to the Kawarau River. If a marginal strip in this location is not applicable then a foot only public access easement would be required.
3.3 OTHER RESOURCES:
Minerals · Mining was carried out on the banks of the Kawarau and within the Rastus Burn in the 1860's. No prospecting has occurred here in recent years.
Tourism - The property is within close proximity to Queenstown and borders the Kawarau River. Consequently it has obvious potential for development for tourist enterprises. It does however have constraints to such development in the form of the District Plan and the need for improved access.
Forestry - Distance from markets and low rainfall make
this a less desirable site for forestry, however there may be
potential for plantation forestry on shady faces and terraces.
Viticulture - There may be potential for establishing vineyards on the warmer terraces of the property. Confirming this potential would require a detailed investigation of temperature at various sites.
4 PUBLIC CONSULTATION:
4.1 NGO CONSULTATION:
A meeting was held with the NGO's on 16 March 1995. The main points raised were:
General agreement on the split between freehold and conservation land in Owen Creek and Rastus Burn Catchments.
Chard Road should be extended to Cone Peak homestead as legal road to provide public access to the Kawarau River and Owen Creek.
Expressed concern that surrender of ski field road occur prior to tenure review.
4.2 NGAI TAHU CONSULTATION:
The property was visited by Mr Trevor Howse of the Ngai Tahu Trust Board on 23 March 1995. Discussion occurred on early Maori occupation sites along the banks of the Kawarau River. Formal comment wiI1 be made by the Board when requested by the Commissioner.
DETAILS OF PROPOSAL:
The proposal has been developed in consultation with the lessee and the Department of Conservation by Knight Frank (NZ) Limited as Agent for the Commissioner of Crown Lands. The aims of the proposal are:
5.1 DISCUSSION
The property is presently being run as a pastoral enterprise producing mainly fine wool. The large majority of grazing is occurring on improved pasture below 1000 metres. The country above this level comprises mainly native plant communities in varying states of modification and condition resulting from a history of over 100 years of grazing.
The Department of Conservation has identified a number of plant communities on the property which have high conservation value. They have also assessed zones within the property which they consider to have national landscape significance and have identified areas which are important for recreation. These areas are principally above 1000 metres.
Successful revegetation of the Remarkables Skifield road batters will require long term destocking of the road corridor from the existing cattle stop at approximately 750 metres. To effect this will require repairs and ongoing maintenance of the fence below the road.
Induced unimproved short tussock grasslands are proving to be unstable and susceptible to invasion by Hawkweeds. Tall tussock grasslands are proving more stable and less susceptible to weed invasion, particularly Hawkweeds. It is therefore considered important to halt the trend of conversion of tall short tussock to short tussock grasslands and to encourage the opposite trend where possible where pasture improvement is not an option.
There are serious concerns such as those expressed in the Martin Report about the long term sustainability of continuing to graze unimproved grasslands. There are significant areas above 1000 metres on the property which have 20% plus bare ground. It is our opinion that these areas should be given every opportunity to recover and that grazing is inhibiting this recovery.
Class VII land below 1000 metres generally exists as a mosaic surrounded by Class VI land. It is not practical to separate these areas from surrounding land. Resource protection of these areas will depend on ongoing rabbit control paid for by viable surrounding land uses. Grazing will tend to be confined to adjoining improved pastures.
5.2 LAND PROPOSED FOR FREEHOLD:
Estimated area 2108 hectares.
The attached map outlines the proposed boundaries of the freehold.
Soils/land Use Capability:
Class II Matukituki soils on alluvial flats in permanent pasture, prone to flooding from Kawarau River. 66 ha
Class III Matukituki sandy loams on lower terraces, high fertility with cover of permanent pasture. 8ha
Class IV Matukituki and Gladbrook soils on terraces and fans, moderate to high fertility with cover of lucerne and improved pasture. 168 ha
Class VI Wanaka, Blackstone Hill and Arrow steepland soils on Mid Altitude slopes to 900 metres, medium fertility with cover of mainly improved silver tussock grassland with matagouri and briar interspersed. 1400 ha
Class VII Mainly Arrow steepland soils on very dry sunny slopes below 750 metres at eastern end of property comprising depleted silver tussock and thyme covered country previously severely affected by rabbits and summer drought. Also massive landslide areas found along the front faces below 900 metres and small areas of Arrow Dunstan intergrade soils along the upper boundary margin with predominantly induced fescue tussock cover. 466 ha
Total Estimated Area 2108 ha
Justification:
It is the Crown's position that land containing principally productive values is most effectively managed under freehold tenure subject to the Resource Management Act 1991.
The Department of Consenation has identified no significant consenation values within the area proposed for freehold. They have however noted that the property contains moderate to high landscape values due to its high level of visibility from the Wakatipu Basin and the general coherence of the landscape, particularly the northwestern shoulder of the Remarkables. The possibility of a landscape covenant was raised with the lessee but was opposed on the grounds that adequate protection was achieved through the District Plan. The entire area of Cone Peak lease is within the area zoned as "area of landscape significance" within the Queenstown-Lakes District Plan. Within this zone subdivision is a Non-Complying Activity while buildings, forestry exceeding 4 ha and earth disturbance are Discretionary Activities.
An area of approximately 240 ha within Owen Creek, being mainly Class VI country, is proposed to be separated from proposed conservation land by the construction of a new boundary fence of approximately 4 kms. The land below the proposed fence is highly modified and is capable of economic pasture improvement.
Freeholding of this area better accommodates the development of alternative commercial enterprised on the property from the traditional pastoral operation envisaged under the pastoral lease.
All land within the lease considered capable of sustaining pasture improvement has been included within the proposed freehold area apart from a small area of road corridor. Land not considered capable of pasture improvement included in this area cannot practically be excluded due to its mosaic distribution.
5.2 LAND PROPOSED FOR INCLUSION IN CONSERVATION ESTATE:
Estimated total area 1355 ha
Soils/land Use Capability:
Class VII Carrick and Dunstan steepland soils of low natural fertility with cover of fescue tussock grading into snow tussock between 1050 - 1590 metres. 725 ha
Class VIII Mainly Dunstan steepland soils between 1350 - 1800 metres on very steep and bluffy sunny slopes with cover of snow tussock grading into high altitude circ moraines and high alpine basins with cover of felfield, alpine cushion plants and herb fieIds. Also significant area in massive land slides, bluffs and rock fields. 630 ha
Total Estimated Area to Conservation Estate 1355 ha
Justification:
This area contains relatively intact native plant communities of tussock and alpine plant communities which in totaI are considered to be of high botanical value. This area also contains several unusual and distinctive alpine species.
Due to its location and scenic quality this area contains very significant landscape and recreation values. Its location adjacent to Rastis Burn recreation area and Remarkable Scenic Reserve makes it a natural addition to the existing conservation estate.
The destocking of the high altitude summer country will facilitate the revegetation of the ski field road, previously severely inhibited by sheep grazing on the revegetated batters.
The removal of grazing within this area will have a relatively minor impact on the pastoral enterprise (estimated reduction of 500 su). It will also facilitate the gradual restoration of cover, particularly in preferred grazing areas. Alternative dry season strategies to that of releasing greater numbers of sheep onto the highcountry will be required.
Marginal Strips:
Marginal strips under Section 24 of the Conservation Act are proposed to be laid off all streams exceeding 3 metres in width. Legal road presently exists along the margin with the Kawarau River. This is not considered to give adequate protection to the moa hunter sites known to exist along the river margin or to the early European sites. It is proposed to resume legal road between the nor-eastern boundary of the property and Owens Creek and transfer this to the Department of Conservation to gazette as Historic Reserve. The balance of legal road along the Kawarau River is proposed to be stopped and replaced by marginal strip under Section 24 Conservation Act.
6 DRAFT PROPOSAL:
(a) The surrender of Pastoral Lease Po358 Glenroy under Section 145 of the Land Act 1948 being a total are of 3463.0116 ha.
(b) The classification of an area of approximately 2108 ha as "farmland" on the lines depicted as "proposed freehold" on the attached map, under Section 51 of the Land 1948.
(c) The preferential allocation on freehold title of approximately 2108 ha of land classified as "farmland" to S V L Investments Limited under Section 54 of the Land Act 1948.
(d) The laying off of marginal strips along the banks of all water courses exceeding 3 metres in width within the areas proposed for disposal on freehold title under Section 24 of the Conservation Act.
(e) The resumption of legal road along the margin of the Kawarau River between the nor-eastern boundary of the property and Owens Creek and the transfer to the Department of Conservation for gazettal as Historic Reserve under the Reserves Act 1977.
(f) The replacement of legal road along the margin of the Kawarau River between Owens Creek and the nor-west boundary of the property with a marginal strip under Section 24 of the Conservation Act.
(g) The transfer to the Department of Conservation to manage for conservation purposes a total area of approximately 1355 ha on lines shown as proposed conservation area on attached map.
Appended:
Topographical Map of Proposal
Cadastral map of lease
CONE PEAK PASTORAL LEASE
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 Cone Peak Pastoral Lease and outlines the basis for discussion between the Crown agencies and the lessee for tenure review.
Cone Peak is a small sized property of 3489 ha located on the northern end of the Remarkables Range. It extends in the east from the head basin of the right branch of Doolans Creek to Ben Cruachan then to the Kawarau River at Chard Road. The entire catchment of Owen Creek and part of the Rastus Burn comprise the bulk of the property along with a low to mid-altitude extension westwards around the end of the Remarkables Range.
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.
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 range 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.
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 300 m to 2324 m asl at its highest point on the Remarkables Range.
v Climate
Annual rainfall ranges from 700 mm at lower altitude to 1200 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
Much of the pastoral lease is north facing with very dry, especially lower slopes, and much steeply eroding land, particularly upper faces. A large boulder field lies above and below the Remarkables skifield road on which matagouri shrubland exists. Much burning has occurred in the past on these faces and around the west faces where patches of bracken fern and matagouri hang on. The lower country below about 1000 m now has few botanical values except perhaps for some of the thick shrubland contained in the Rastus Burn and Owen Creeks. Here grows matagouri, Coprosma species, lawyer and the exotic species, elderberry, briar and other herbs and grasses. A small clump of mountain beech exists at about 850 m in Owen Creek.
A deep gully on the west face has a small remnant of mountain beech at between 800 m to 900 m. This area is important with some regeneration taking place. The next shallow gully north, near the Remarkables road at about 1000 m, contains a small area of shrubland with an old totara log. This area is important also. Higher up these faces are extensive Dracophyllum aniflorum shrublands.
Plant Communities
The northern, dry lower slopes up to about 900 m are clothed in exotic grasses, thyme, brier and matagouri. Native species are low in number. Some Buddleia davidii is present on the Rastus Burn fan. On the steep, often bouldery or eroding slopes above and up to about 1100 m there is a patchy vegetation of exotic grassland with hard tussock and some silver tussock, bracken fern patches and matagouri/coprosma shrublands with speargrass Aciphylla aurea. Botanical values are low.
Above 1100 m, snow tussock Chionockloa ngida increases in importance to provide the main cover up to the ridgeline. This is generally in good condition.
Small areas of cushion plant communities and screes are found on exposed ridge tops and extending down slope from these areas and a few minor wetland areas occur.
Overall above about 1100 m on the north faces and 1000 m on west faces, the botanical values are high and complement and add to those found in the adjacent reserve.
The full extent of intact native plant communities above 1100 m warrant retention in Crown ownership because of their diversity and condition. The small beech remnant in Owen Creek also warrants protection. Below this altitude, considerable alteration to native plant communities has occurred through pastoral farming activities and conservation interest correspondingly is reduced. The demarcation between areas of high conservation interest and essentially farmland correspond partly to the location of existing fences but elsewhere new fencing will be required.
The flora of the Remarkables Range contains several unusual and distinctive alpine species. Notable species include Ranunculus buchonanii, Anisotome capillifolia, Celmisia verbascifolia, Aciphylla le comtei, Lepanella albida and Brachyscome ~montana.. Some of these species occur in high rocky cirques on alpine lands within the pastoral lease.
c Fauna
i Vertebrates
In summer, southern black-backed gulls 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 range, 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 mogna will be living in high alpine seepages, caddie -the newly name]` shortwinged Hydrohiosis 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)
Tphobiosis montana (caddis)
Costachorema hebdomon (caddis)
Hydrobiosis torrentis (caddis)
Scoparia contexta (moth)
Zelandobius unicolor (stonefly)
Aquatic Fauna
There are no NIWA database records for the section of the Kawarau River which fronts the property.
The river above the Shotover confluence is a popular and productive trout fishery. Below the confluence, productivity and popularity decrease markedly due to the high sediment input from the Shotover River.
d Landscape Assessment Cone Peak, Glenroy, Mount Rosa and Wentworth
A field inspection of the above pastoral leases was undertaken late February 1995. 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
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 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.
| High | Mod-High | Moderate | Mod-High | Low | |
| Intactness | X | ||||
| Coherence | X | ||||
| Distinctiveness | X | ||||
| Visibility | X |
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.
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 Burn, 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.
| High | Mod-High | Moderate | Mod-High | Low | |
| Intactness | X | ||||
| Coherence | X | ||||
| Distinctiveness | X | ||||
| Visibility | X |
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.
| High | Mod-High | Moderate | Mod-High | Low | |
| Intactness | X | ||||
| Coherence | X | ||||
| Distinctiveness | X | ||||
| Visibility | X |
There is however one part of this landscape type which warrants particular attention, ie, the western strip of pastoral lease along the toe of the Remarkables face. This strip extends from the ridge end containing Trig G No. 2 southward, along the uphill side of the skifield road then along the 540 m contour to the southern lease boundary. These lower hill slopes contribute to the scenic quality of the Remarkables face. Constraints on earth disturbance, especially tracking, the siting of facilities and tree planting would be appropriate, whilst allowing continued pastoral farming use, if necessary. The eastern boundary of this strip of lease adjoining the Remarkables Conservation Area is unfenced. Any fencing contemplated should be constructed with no or minimal earth disturbance.
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. Tapuacnuku 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 O 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 is one known Maori site located on the property. Five historic sites dating from gold mining activities are recorded and are described as follows:
Site 1 (GR 793 691) - Gold Sluicing
Located at the western end of the Rastus Burn shingle fan. The site is approximately 100 m x 50 m in area and consists of a sluiced face 6 m high and isolated small unsluiced islands. Because the sluiced material is fne alluvium there are only a few areas of heavier tailings. Also because of the lack of heavier tailings the tailraces are poorly defined. There was no visible main head race due to the cultivation of most of the shingle fan.
Site 2 (GR 795 696) - Gold Sluicing
Located in the middle of the Rastus Burn shingle fan immediately to the west of the Rastus Burn. It is essentially similar to the previous site, although somewhat larger in area (100 m x 75 m) and with more piles of tailings.
No historical references to these specific sites could be found. Park's (1908) geological map of the area shows old alluvial workings along the banks of the Kawarau, so both sites may date to the 19th century.
Site 3 (GR 800 690) - Stone House
(New Zealand Archaeological Association Site No. S132/25)
Located on the top end of the Rastus Burn fan immediately to the east of where the creek emerges from the hill face. This is a fairly well preserved example of a cottage constructed from dressed schist. The cottage is approximately 6 m long by 4.5 m wide. The west and east walls are approximately 3.5 m high with very little deterioration in original height. There is an interior fireplace in the east wall. There is an obvious doorway and two windows in the north facing wall. A third window may have been present in the south wall. An additional structure, possibly a lean-to shed was originally built against the south-west end of the cottage.
While no definite information about this cottage was available it is possible that it dates to the late 19th century. Up until the 1890s Cone Peak was part of Kawarau Falls Station, then it was briefly part of Kawarau Station. In 1910 Kawarau Station was broken up and several runs, including Cone Peak, were formed from it (Cooke, 1985:8). Because the Cone Peak homestead is only 2.5 km to the east of the cottage it seems likely that the cottage dates from the previous tenures.
Site 4 (GR 838 695) - Owens Ferry
(NZAA Site Nos S132/118 Hotel Site and S132/4 Moa Hunter Site)
Located on the true right bank of the Kawarau River opposite the end of the Morven Ferry Road. This area is heavily overgrown with willow, elderberry and periwinkle creeper. During the survey no definite sign of either the hotel or the moa hunter site was found due to this heavy growth. The area has also been subject to flooding, which may have altered much of the site. When both sites were originally reported in the 1970s, midden (domestic rubbish) from the hotel mixed with stone tools and moa bones from the moa hunter site was eroding out of the river bank. The remains of a small stone out-building were still visible at the same time. At this time the area was extensively excavated and scoop hearths (shallow cooking fires), a midden and butchery area were found. Analysis of the moa bones indicated that nine individual moa from seven different species had been processed at the site (Anderson, 1989: 143-144). The site was carbon dated to about 700 years before present (approximately 1250 AD).
The hotel site dates from the late 1860s when Richard Owens ran the Morven Ferry and kept the hotel. The ferry operated from 1867 to 1881 when the bridge over the Kawarau River at the western end of the Gibbston Flat was opened. As the hotel was no longer economic with the diversion of the road traffic over the new bridge, Owens ran hotels in Arrowtown, Cromwell and at Gibbston before being declared bankrupt in June 1887 (Cooke, 1985: 7-8).
Site 5 (GR 852 694)- Gold Sluicing (S142/8)
Located on the edge of a narrow terrace overlooking the Kawarau River, immediately west of the Chard Farm winery. The site consists of three adjacent sluice pits. The pits vary between 20 m and 60 m in width with sluice faces up to 8 m high. As the alluvium being worked is fairly fine there are only a few piles of tailings. A large water race 1.5 m wide, presumably from Chard Creek, runs along the slope above all three sluice pits. A single wooden survey or claim peg was found above the eastern-most sluice pit.
These workings probably date from the 20th century. The size and preservation of the water race and the presence of a claim peg all point to this site being worked in the more recent past - perhaps during the depression of the 1930s when subsidies were available to men who went mining.
Discussion
The most significant sites on Cone Peak are the Owens Ferry sites. Moa hunter sites are a rare resource, especially in the interior, and the hotel site is an example of the large number of accommodation houses that previously existed in Central Otago during the days of horse and foot travel. Both sites are protected by the 1993 Historic Places Act, but they are sufficiently important to consider for further protection.
The two mining sites on the Rastus Burn fan are typical of many similar sites that dot the banks of rivers throughout Central Otago. The sites probably date from the 19th century and are therefore protected by the 1993 Act. Normal farming practices have had little impact on the sites to date. The most frequent abuses of similar sites have been their use as rubbish pits or as a source of easily obtainable gravel, both practices should be actively discouraged. Site 5 is not old enough to be protected under the 1993 Act but given its location of the edge of a steep drop into the river there is little likelihood of damage occurring to the site.
The stone house on the Rastus Burn fan (site 3) is of probable 19th century date and therefore protected by the 1993 Act. The cottage currently is in a good state of preservation and it is important that, to maintain its present condition' cattle are prevented from rubbing against the stone walls. To this end, a fence should be constructed around the site which would exclude cattle but admit sheep so they can keep down the vegetation.
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 mass 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.
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".
iv Parapenting
A commercial operator provides a popular and currency unlicensed activity from a take-off site at Trig G No. 2; the activity utilises both an area of pastoral lease and the skifield access road.
c Recreation Access (Refer to Map A)
There are currency no marginal strips along any watercourses on the property. The riparian strip along the south bank of the Kawarau River frontage of the lease is an unformed legal road. The access road to the farmstead should be legalised by adopting the existing paper road along the south bank of the Kawarau River and this being replaced with either reserve land or marginal strip. It is possible that the lower sections of the Rastus Burn and Owen Creek would warrant marginal strips for the distance that their width exceeds 3 m. This would provide access from the formed road at Owen Creek to the Kawarau River. If a marginal strip is not applicable in this situation, then a foot only access easement for public use would be required.
3 MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
a Wild Animals
This property has very few wild animals and the past problem of escapee goats has been eliminated.
The occasional chamois and red deer use this area but as the previous runholder was an avid hunter these animals were actively hunted. The same happened to goats and follow up work by DOC in co-operation with the runholder has seen most of the goats shot. If there are any goats left, they are extremely few in number and isolated. They would mainly be confined to the large scrub belts in the lower Rastus Burn.
b Animal Pests
The dominant pest is the rabbit, and extremely high populations of rabbits in past years have occurred. However, recent poisoning programmes have been successful and follow-up work has seen the rabbit population kept at its lowest level for many years. Rabbits have moved up the skifield access road following new grass and they now utilise country up to 1200 m on the sunny faces. It can be expected that another cyclical increase of rabbits will occur and a further poisoning programme will be required on this property.
Possum numbers have fluctuated in line with the rabbit populations, although possums will live up to 1500 m. Some commercial trapping has been carried out plus monitoring of the possum population for Tb. Possums also assist in the spread of briar rose. They could become a problem if allowed to increase as the extensive dry sunny faces and large shrub areas would provide ideal habitat. Dry nest sites, not food source, tends to dictate possum numbers.
Predators
On the property predator numbers (cats, ferrets, stoats) have been in high numbers in line with the rabbit population. Present research by MAF indicates that cats and stoats, and especially ferrets, are implicated in the spread of Tb.
Hares
Hares are probably not in as higher numbers as some of the other areas in Remarkables (eg, Wye Creek), but do use the high alpine areas all year long. Lack of hare research is hindering quantifying the effect of hares on alpine fields.
c Plant Pests
Weeds
The property has extensive areas of briar with broom, gorse and lupine along the Kawarau River. Weeds could also be introduced through the gravelling of the skiffeld road (de, broom, gorse). The higher regions are generally weed-free, although Hieracium is throughout the station. The usual woody stem weeds are present (de, thistles, burdock, thyme) but are mainly confined to the lower parts of the lease.
Wilding Trees
Wilding trees are slowly becoming established throughout the property and it has only been grazing, high rabbit populations, periodic dry spells and burning that have slowed down the progress of colonisation. Wilding trees are growing up to 1200 m in the Rastus Burn and some trees are mature and seeding. Pine, Douglas fir, larch and some deciduous (eg, poplar) species are present. If grazing pressure is reduced these species will invade faster.
There are a number of seeding trees in the lower areas of the property and these would need to be felled to stop continual seeding into the upper tussocklands. Wilding trees also add to the fire risk.
d Fire
This area has a very high fire risk in summer due to its natural dryness, extensive sloping tussock grasslands and the public access via the skifield road. (A vehicle accident three years also caused a tussock fire.) DOC is the rural fire authority within the 1 km fire safety zone around the Rastus Burn reserve and other conservation land. Outside of this zone the Queenstown Lakes District Council is the rural fire authority. Any burning activity should be strictly controlled as this property carries one of the highest fire risks in the Wakatipu Basin.
In summary, the main problem animal facing land managers of this property will remain the rabbit.
Wilding trees represent the most serious plant threat with a lesser threat involving weed invasion spreading into weed-free areas from the skifield access road from weed seeds in gravel sources being washed off road and down steep slopes.
e Stock TrespasslRemarkables Skifield Road
It is an objective of DOC to assist Mt Cook Company, the skifield operators, with its obligation to stabilise and revegetate the skifield road batters and areas of instability, and thereby ameliorate the landscape scar of the road.
Stock regularly drift around the end of the fence on the northern extremity of the Remarkables face. These stock have concentrated on grazing of newly established revegetation on the skifield road batters, severely reducing the effectiveness of this revegetation work.
To avoid this stock trespass problem continuing, the existing boundary of the pastoral lease across the lower slope of the Remarkables faces requires fencing if grazing is to continue. The upper section of the existing fence around the northern extremity of the Remarkables face would then become redundant and should be removed. Grazing should cease of the entire road corridor uphill from the point where the road emerges on to the Kawarau face and this corridor should be managed for conservation purposes.
f Mt Cook Company Quarry
The company operates a quarry located below the skifield road where it traverses the lower slopes of the western lobe of the pastoral lease. It has applied for and been granted a mining licence to extract roading material from an area of 98.3 ha. Quarried material is used to maintain the skifield road.
The related access agreement has been signed by the Commissioner
of Crown Lands but not as yet been signed by the lessee. The company
holds resource consents for this quarrying activity. It is considered
essential that DOC gain ownership of this quarry to ensure landscape
controls on mining activity are enffirceable and the company continues
to have secure access to quarry materials.
Public Access New Zealand
June 26, 1996
The Manager
Knight Frank (NZ) Ltd
P O Box 27
ALEXANDRA
Dear Sir,
PANZ supports the proposed tenure change with the following variations/
comments:
Freeholding (2108 ha)
We agree that it is impracticable to exclude areas unsuited for
pasture improvement due to the mosaic pattern of land-use capabilities.
We believe that the proposed upper boundary of the freehold with
the public land is probably the most practical line for fencing.
We do not see the need for public reserves within the area to
be freeholded.
Transfer of 1355 ha to DOC
We strongly support this. This will provide a welcome addition
to the public estate, with enhanced opportunities for public recreation.
It is most important that this area is destocked so as to allow
the slow process of recovery to commence. We therefore agree that
no grazing be permitted, for the sake of this area and adjacent
reserves in the Remarkables.
We are concerned however that commercial recreation is becoming
too well established at the expense of public recreational opportunities.
The Doolans basin used to be a popular ski touring area, away
from the noise and raz-ma-taz of the skifield. No longer! It is
over-run with helicopters and heli-skiers to the extent that many
former visitors, including myself, have been displaced. As a readily
accessible basin on foot or ski, there is no necessity for helicopter
access. Helicopters would be better employed for access to less
accessible areas where there is minimal conflict with other users.
Now there are plans for 'cat-skiing' with 'snow roads', possibly
involving benching across prominent faces. We strongly believe
that the management of lands destined to become 'public' should
not be foreclosed by the granting of recreation permits. Issues
such as the allocation of lands to different users should be handled
as DOC concessions subject to relevant management plans and policies.
The use/allocation of these areas should not be dictated by narrow
commercial objectives. We request that no new or extended recreation
permits be issued until after the tenure review is complete.
Laying off of marginal strips
We believe that the report misrepresents the requirements of the
Conservation Act for the laying off of marginal strips. It is
not confined to "streams greater than 3 metres in width"
as stated in the report. Strips are required along the stream
banks of an average width of 3 metres or more. This means that
streams less than 3 metres in width can have strips established
in conjunction with wider reaches of the same stream. 'Width'
means the bed between the tops of the banks, not the width of
the water. Having inspected the lower reaches of Owen Creek and
the Rastus Burn I have no doubt that strips are required on disposition
of the adjoining land, as the former stream has a bed-width of
15-30m and the latter is much wider.
The Owen Creek/Kawarau River confluence is very attractive for
recreational use. 20m marginal strips down both banks from the
(legalised) road are necessary to ensure practical access and
sufficient area for public use. When the road is legalised, sufficient
width should be laid off to ensure adequate parking near the Owen
Creek bridge.
Resumption of legal roads
There is a proposal to resume unformed legal road along the true
right bank of the Kawarau, to create an historic reserve and marginal
strip in its place.
Except for reserving the immediate environs of the historic Owens
Ferry and moa hunter sites, we are strongly opposed to these proposals.
There is insufficient justification for resuming or stopping the
road away from the above sites. There are no particular sites
or physical values on the greater extent of the road that warrants
'reserve' status. Now that the Conservation Act has been amended
to allow exclusive private occupation of marginal strips, they
no longer afford any certainty of continued public access and
use. Whereas, under common law, everyone has a right of unhindered
passage along public roads, whether they be formed or unformed.
That remains the primary value of this portion of the 'Queen's
Chain'. In view of major waterfront development pressures in the
Queenstown district, with a temptation for exclusive developments
on the newly freeholded area, the road along the banks of the
Kawarau should be left alone. As the road is not part of the pastoral
lease, it is beyond the brief of a 'pastoral lease' tenure. Legalising
the existing road formation is a separate issue that should proceed--this
will be of benefit to the new freehold owner and for public access
to Owen Creek.
Landscape protection
We are sceptical that the Queenstown/Lakes District Plan provides
sufficient protection of landscape values on the Kawarau face
despite it being an "area of landscape significance."
As the planning tribunal has confirmed, the Remarkables Range,
inclusive of this face, is of national importance. Unless the
District Plan provisions are tighten up to prohibit afforestation,
shelter belts, and earth disturbance, there is need for Crown
oversight of land use to ensure permanent protection of landscape
values. However because there are no particular natural or physical
resources or sites of value for public recreation within the area
proposed for freeholding, we do not believe that retention of
Crown ownership is necessary in this case.
We are also sceptical about the 'political' enforceability, and
security, of covenants, even if registered against the title to
the land. We believe that the Crown retaining an interest in the
land under section 7(2) Conservation Act should be investigated,
possibly with additional protections through section 18. Such
arrangements provide for long-term security, unlike covenants.
Yours faithfully
Bruce Mason
Researcher & Spokesman
Knight Frank
Land Resources Division
Our Ref: Po239/1
17 September 1997
Public Access New Zealand
RD l
OMAKAU 9182
Dear Sir/Madam
RE: CONE PEAK TENURE REVIEW
I wish to advise that the Commissioner of Crown Lands has approved the proposal to exchange property rights on Cone Peak Pastoral Lease and that the lessee has accepted this proposal. The details of the approved proposal are as follows:
(1) The surrender of Pastoral Lease Po239 Cone Peak pursuant to Section 145 of the Land Act 1948, being a total are of 3463.0116 ha.
(2) The classification of an area of approximately 1983 ha as "farmland" on the lines depicted as "proposed freehold" on the attached map, pursuant to Section 51(3) of the Land 1948.
(3) The preferential allocation on freehold title of approximately 1983 ha of land classified as "farmland" to the present lessee, S V L investments Limited, pursuant to Section 54(1)(f) of the Land Act 1948.
(4) The retention in Crown ownership and the transfer to the Department of Conservation to manage for conservation purposes a total area of approximately1480 ha on lines shown as proposed conservation area on attached map.
(5) The retention in Crown ownership for public access purposes a strip 5 metres wide from Chard Road to the Kawarau River on a line shown on the attached map to be transferred to the Department of Conservation.
(6) 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) The registration on the freehold title a ROW easement pursuant to Section 7(2) Conservation Act 1987 in favour of Her Majesty the Queen providing for free unrestricted public foot access down the eastern boundary of the property within the proposed area of freehold as shown on the attached map.
(ii) The registration on the proposed freehold title a conservation covenant pursuant to Section 77 Reserves Act 1977 over the upper western slopes of the Remarkables as shown on attached map with the objective of maintaining the landscape character.
(iii) The granting of an easement by the Crown in favour of the adjacent title holder providing free unrestricted right of access by vehicle or foot over the Crown portion of the Remarkables area road.
(iv) An agreement pursuant to the Property Law Act which requires that the holder of the proposed freehold title shall construct a fence on the line of the boundary within Owen Creek catchment at its own expense should it wish to stock the block shown as Owen Creek on the attached map.
You will note that the proposal to replace the road along the Kawarau River with a Historic Reserve has been dropped from the proposal. Legalising the existing road formation from Chard Farm Road to Cone Peak homestead was not supported by Queenstown-Lakes District Council and was strongly opposed by the lessee.
Thank you for your submission.
Yours faithfully
P H Murray
for Manager, Alexandra
KNIGHT FRANK (NZ) LIMITED