This page last modified 19 September 1998
Po 288
'Cardrona' Range
Otago Land District
Tenure review approved by Commissioner of Crown Lands <July
1998
Knight Frank
Land Resources Division
DRAFT PROPOSAL FOR TENURE REVIEW
HILLEND STATION
Application Date: 1 December 1995
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The main feature of Hillend Station is its location and visibility in relation to the township of Wanaka. When investigating the tenure change proposal consideration was given to the conservation of natural areas, landscape values and the enhancement of public recreation, in a high demand area.
The proposal is to retain high altitude areas totalling approximately 1000 ha as DOC land. This will adjoin a larger conservation area of high altitude land on Spotts Creek Station, along with a proposed area on the north-western corner where land negotiations have started on Alphaburn Station.
Access to the proposed conservation land and alpine areas is important particularly due to its proximity to the very popular Roys Peak walk. Extending this walk to create a round trip is desirable and this proposal would also link it into an access proposed on Spotts Creek Station.
In addition, a further access through the Hillend property itself has been negotiated. This will start at Waterfall Creek on the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road which is within easy walking distance £rom the town of Wanaka, and will link with Roys Peak. This access will provide a further round trip opportunity and good walking access to the area of DOC land. This access point will undoubtedly prove popular and a car park and formed track (mostly existing farm track) will be provided.
Within the area to go to DOC there is a stand of remnant beech forest, tall snow tussock as well as some less stable steep broken country and alpine areas.
Landscape protection is a high priority. A DOC covenant was proposed, however it is now identiffed as an area of landscape importance by the proposed QLDC District Scheme. This would protect the majority of the values assessed. Should the scheme change in its final form the requirement for a DOC covenant will need reassessment.
The merits of this proposal are:
(1) A significant area of natural land added to the public conservation land.
(2) Significant increase in public walking opportunities.
(3) Freeholding for lessee.
LEASE DETAIL:
Pastoral lease: 33 years from 1 July 1995
Annual rent: $4, 875
Area: 3558.0547 hectares (current title area 3563.6864 ha)*
Lessee: Michael John Scurr and Clare Margaret Scurr (1/2 share), Kevin John Scurr and Mary Diana Scurr (1/2 share)
Legal Description: Part Runs 334 and 334D Lower Wanaka and Cardrona Survey Districts.
* Note: On the 19 July 1993 the Commissioner of Crown Lands gave consent to the partial surrender and freeholding of an area of 5.6317 ha from the pastoral lease. This area contains the house and adjoining land associated with Mr Kevin Scurr's small holding at Waterfall Creek. This area does not form part of the land involved in the tenure change proposal.
RESOURCE REPORTS:
PROPERTY SUMMARY.
Situation:
Hillend is located on the Cardrona Road (SH 89) 5 kms to the south
of Wanaka. This is a well balanced pastoral property farmed in
association with 116 ha of adjoining freehold land. The property
is well developed and has over the years shown a large increase
in stock numbers, improvement in cover and increased stability
of the hill country. Management is considered to be above average.
Soil Types:
86 ha
Dublin soils, sandy loams; upland YBE; parent material alluvium
from greywacke, schist and some igneous rock with a thin layer
of loess. Native vegetation fescue/blue tussock grassland, medium
natural fertility, prone to windblow when cultivated or bare ground.
85 ha
Naseby and Wanaka soils. YBE on gently/steeply rolling hill. Derived
from greywacke gravels, native vegetation fescue tussock grassland,
medium natural fertility, prone to windblow where surface exposed
or under cultivation.
89 ha
Eweburn soils; recent soil; on river flats and low terraces, derived
from greywacke alluviun; fescue/silver tussock grassland, high
natural fertility, prone to windblow when cultivated.
1417 ha
Arrow steepland soil, YGE; easy to steep hiIl, on more sunny aspects,
derived from schist and colluvium, native vegetation, fescue tussock
grassland and some matagouri scrub and kanuka in gullies and on
shady faces, snow tussock on higher shady faces; medium/high natural
fertility, prone to sheet and gully erosion.
1197 ha
Arrow steepland and Blackstone Hill soils. Blackstone; YGE; easy
to steep hill, derived from schist, native vegetation fescue tussock
grassland; high natural fertility.
690 ha
Dunstan steepland soil, HC YBE, moderately to steep high country,
derived from schist, native vegetation snow tussock grassland,
low/very low natural fertility, prone to wind and sheet erosion
with some severe frost heave.
TOTAL AREA = 3564 ha
Land [Use] Capability:
| LUC Class | Hectares | % | |
| Class III | Suited to moderate cultivation | 86 | 2.0 |
| Class IV | Suited to limited cultivation | 126 | 4.0 |
| Class V | Suited to intensive grazing | 19 | 0.5 |
| Class VI | Suited to moderate grazing | 1873 | 53.0 |
| Class VII | Suited to limited grazing [ie. severe limitations ; PANZ] |
1435 | 40.0 |
| Class VIII | Suited to little agriculture use ['unsuitable' is official definition; PANZ] |
25 | 0.5 |
| 3564 | 100.0 |
Aspect:
North- northeast on Lake Faces, south-southeast above Cardrona
River, gives good balance.
Rainfall & Climate:
650 - 800 mm; hot summers, cool winters; severe frosts and some
permanent snow on higher darker country. No real snow risk for
stock.
Altitude:
335 - 1630 m.a.s.1.
Contour:
Cultivable flats and terraces rising through easy hill to steep
high country.
Area Cultivable:
Approximately 200 ha
Water Supply:
Domestic supply from bore. Trough and water race system on flats
and natural creeks on hill blocks. Sufficient in most but extremely
dry seasons. Irrigation water from Timber Creek and Cardrona River.
Seventy hectares irrigated, further 50 ha possible from Cardrona
and 10 ha from Timber Creek right.
Shelter:
Well sheltered homestead planted shelter on flats. Reasonable
natural shelter on hill.
Reversion:
Some reversion to scrub and bracken fern. Being controlled through
controlled heavy grazing and some burning.
Erosion:
This has been a problem in the past but with improvement through
AOSTD and careful management this is now much reduced. There is
very little active erosion of concern today.
Description of Cover:
170 ha: Pasture, lucerne, winter feed
1894 ha: Oversown and topdressed hill
1500 ha: Native fescue and snow tussock
3564 ha total cover
Noxious Weeds & Pests:
Odd scattered broom, sprayed as required. Rabbits present but
under control. Hawkweed present throughout and significant in
parts of Spotts Creek.
Stock Numbers as at 30 June 1993:
9100 Sheep
150 Cattle
330 Deer
Total stock units on the pastoral lease are around 6500 su.
Performance includes 85% lambing, 95% fawning and wool weights 4.6 kgs per adult sheep.
CONSERVATION RESOURCES REPORT SUMMARY
Hillend Station is situated on the outskirts of Wanaka and the northern portion of the property is very visible from the township of Lake Wanaka. The steep faces from Roys Peak through to Mt Alpha and the catchment of Waterfall Creek are prominent focal points. The main areas of conservation interest are listed below.
Ecological Values:
Within this zone the main areas of conservation interest are remnant beech and scrub associations in Timber Creek and Waterfall Creek.
Landscape:
Hillend can be divided into two landscape units. These are:
(i) The northeast Wanaka faces encompassing Waterfall Creek and while the lower Wanaka Faces naturalness and intactness rating is not high, they are sensitive, distinctive and highly visible. Detractions such as wilding pines, new installations and further tracking have a major impact on this face, and therefore on Wanaka's backdrop.
Above 1100 metres the snow tussock increases, and the general impression is one of an intact tussock grassland landscape. The Mt Alpha rocky ridge is a dominant feature along with the deeply incised course of Waterfall Creek.
(ii) The southern Cardrona Valley catchments.
In Cardrona Valley the catchments of Spotts Creek and Timber Creek are hidden from the Cardrona Road. The vegetation pattern in this system is highly variable, from cultivated pasture, scrubby hill slopes, beech remnants, OSTD country and snow tussock on the tops. The eastern Spotts Creek catchment and the lower true right ridge adjoining Spotts Creek Station provides a cohesive landscape unit with the adjoining conservation land. Another area of interest is the beech forest in Timber Creek and the upper catchment of scree, rock and snow tussock.
Legal Access:
The property currently has no legal access points on to it or
through it for the public. Marginal strips under Section 24 Conservation
Act 1987 apply along Spotts Creek at the lower end and along the
Cardrona River.
Existing Recreational Use:
Mt Roy walking track is on the northern corner of Hillend.
Mt Roy already receives a high degree of public use, 11677 walkers
during the 1993/94 season and this has in recent times spilled
over on to Hillend.
Short walks in the Wanaka vicinity are a premium and those that are available for public access as of right are extremely popular.
Development of alternative round trips from Mt Roy could prove to be extremely popular and provide the walkers with a variety of options. The more adventurous could undertake round trips on mountain bikes.
Historic:
Hillend featured in the early pastoral settlement of Wanaka. This
property was part of Wanaka Station. Hillend became a separate
entity and was run in conjunction with Spotts Creek Station by
J R Scurr. Hillend and Spotts Creeks were split in 1962 to become
separate entities.
There are no known Maori sites on the property and the only sites of early European settlement are water races - one from Waterfall Creek used to provide water to an early flour mill on the outskirts of Wanaka, and the other provides water from Timber Creek for irrigation purposes.
MINERAL RESOURCES:
Mineral resources on this property are unknown however we are
confident that no significant mining has taken place on the property
in the past and is likely that no mineral resources have been
identified.
TOURISM RESOURCES:
This property due to its proximity to Wanaka lends itself to a number of existing and potential uses for tourism. The property potential uses for walking and mountain biking in particular. It also has been used in the past by commercial operators to give clients a farming and rural experience, by way of 4WD tours.
FORESTRY RESOURCES:
The property has potential for forestry and numerous wilding trees are already present on the property as well as some planted shelter belts. The proposed Queenstown-Lakes District Council Plan identifies the majority of the property as an area of landscape importance. This inhibits the planting of trees except for amenity tree planting. The Planting of trees would then be Non-Complying Activity.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION:
NGO CONSULTATION:
There was a meeting the non-Government organisations on the 2 August 1995. The issues of importance were identified at that meeting were:
NGAI TAHU CONSULTATION:
The property was visited by the Ngai Tahu representative on the 26 April 1995. There were no areas of interest identified at that time.
OTHER:
The Department of Conservation Report on the property has been submitted to the Otago Conservation Board. They were happy with the proposal. A single beech tree at the head of a stream which lies between Timber Creek in the Spotts Creek was identified as being of some importance because of a long term study of this tree.
PROPOSAL:
Existing/Proposed Recreational Use:
(1) Enhanced Public Access:
Parts of Hillend already receive a degree of public use and potential exists for this to increase the Mt Roy walking track on Alphaburn runs onto Roys Peak, which is on the northern corner of Hillend. Mt Roy already receives a high degree of public use, 11677 walkers during the 1993/94 season, and this has in recent times spilled over on to Hillend. Walkers can traverse along the Waterfall Creek catchment ridge to Mt Alpha and then follow a 4WD track down to the Mt Aspiring Road near Waterfall Creek. Others, mainly mountain bikes, and runners tend to move along a high 4WD track that passes a Telecom repeater at 700 metres then comes out on the Cardrona Valley Road near Timber Creek. Currently public use is tolerated by the lessees, but they would like to see it formalised and managed.
This tenure review exercise is intended to formalise some public access. The first proposed access point would link in with an easement up Spotts Creek on Spotts Creek Station and then follow an existing 4WD track up to the ridge of the eastern branch of Spotts Creek and then on to the skyline ridge above Wanaka. From here the route would follow the tops over Mt Alpha to Roys Peak making for a spectacular day tramp with views over Lake Wanaka to Mt Aspiring and over the Motatapu Valley.
An alternative route off the tops would also be marked that allows walkers from Roys Peak to link up with Mt Alpha and then follow a ridge down on to a 4WD track above Waterfall Creek. This entry/exit point will bring them out on to the main Mt Aspiring road just north of Kevin Scurr's small holding. This easement would also double as a short walk that will take the public into the base of the gorge and waterfall in Waterfall Creek.
This waterfall is a local landmark and a focal point of some interest.
Development of these alternative round trips from Mt Roy could prove to be extremely popular and provide the walkers with a variety of options. The more adventurous could undertake round trips on mountain bikes. The only section mountain bikers would physically have to walk is the section from Roys Peak to Mt Alpha.
While these high routes may not be usable all year, they do provide access on to the proposed conservation land and may also provide for recreation opportunities over the winter period. Activities such as cross-country skiing, winter training for climbing or tramping in winter conditions are also possible, set against a spectacular background and at a relatively high altitude overlooking Wanaka.
(2) Proposed Conservation Land:
These tenure exchange proposals allow for all of the front and low country to approximately 1000 metres (1400 metres at one point) to become freehold. The principal conservation values of the snow tussock grassland, beech forest remnants, landscape and public recreation opportunities will be protected by an area of approximately 1000 ha that will become conservation land.
This area would include all of the true right of the east branch of Spotts Creek and its upper catchment to the Mt Alpha ridge. (This area will adjoin the proposed conservation land in the upper west branch of Spotts Creek, ex Spotts Creek Pastoral Lease). This area encompasses the more intact snow tussock grassland, herbfield-q and shrublands. This catchment adjoins an area of proposed conservation land in the headwaters of Timber Creek and would protect alpine grasslands and the beech forest and shrubland in Timber Creek.
A new fence running down prominent spurs would protect these values as well as some steep eroding hill slopes. This fence would cross Timber Creek below the beech forest and run up a main spur to where it will connect on to an existing fence on the skyline ridge above Lake Wanaka. From here the proposed conservation land boundary would follow the fence as it runs west towards Mt Alpha for approximately 1.4km. It is proposed to erect a new fence on a practical line to include most of the remaining snow tussock across the top of the waterfall creek face. When the north branch of Waterfall Creek is reached, the creek itself, being stock proof, will form a barrier until it reaches on existing fence at the lower end of Waterfall Creek.
The land beyond this fence on to the main Alpha-Roy ridge is steep snow tussock that is seldom grazed. It is an area of high landscape value and is a key area for recreational access, and it is proposed that all of this upper catchment should become conservation land.
Access Easements:
While full legal public access rights are assured within the conservation land easements under the Conservation Act will need to be created to provide access to formalise the recreational access opportunities discussed above. These proposed easements over the freehold are:
(a) Up Spotts Creek 4WD track from the proposed easement on Spotts Creek Station to the proposed conservation land on the main ridge;
(b) Down a ridge above Waterfall Creek to join an existing farm track on the Wanaka faces - and then on to join the Wanaka-Mt Aspiring Road just north of Waterfall Creek. A car park will be provided for off road parking.
Negotiations:
During the development of this proposal from the original DOC report the lessees Mike and Kevin Scurr were of great help and assistance. Very little was modified from the original proposal. The following changes were made during negotiations primarily for practical reasons.
(a) Small adjustments were made to the proposed fenced line in Timber Creek. This in no way diminishes the conservation values but an on a ground inspection defined the most appropriate practical ridges to fence on. A small area eroding Class VII country will be freeholded but will be oversown and topdressed by the lessees and should continue to improve in stability.
(b) The line of the fence below Mt Alpha was adjusted upwards at one end to get a good fencing line that was not prone to snow drift. It is important that fences remain stock proof which can be difficult at this altitude.
(c) Proposed fencing down the north branch of Waterfall Creek has been eliminated as it is unnecessary. This creek forms a natural stock barrier.
No fence is envisaged between the proposed freehold and DOC land on the north branch of Spotts Creek. The creek will be the boundary and stock trespass is not going to be a problem. Should for some reason it become an issue, a fence can be erected at a later date.
(d) Initially a landscape covenant was discussed covering all the higher altitude areas visible from Wanaka. The Queenstown-Lakes proposed District Plan covers all the important considerations that were to be addressed by the covenant.
Almost the entire Hillend property has been designated an area of landscape importance. The rules for this are as follows, (Section 5.5.5.1):
IX INDIGENOUS VEGETATION:
There shall be no clearance, felling of modification of:
(a) any indigenous vegetation where the species present in the vegetation canopy are dominated by beech species; and/or
(b) any indigenous tree, other than amenity tree planting, which has a diameter of 200 mm or more at a height of 1 metre above ground level.
Further, there shall be no clearance of vegetation or earthworks within 5 metres of the base of any such tree or beech vegetation.
The Council shall restrict the exercise of its discretion in relation to this matter to its effect on nature conservation, landscape and visual amenity values and the natural character of the rural environment.
X AREAS OF LANDSCAPE IMPORTANCE:
In the areas identified on the Planning Maps as being Areas of Landscape Importance (other than within the Skifield Policy Areas):
(a) no earthworks shall:
(i) exceed 20 m3 (volume) and/or 50 m2 (area) in any one hectare in any continuous period of 5 years; or
(ii) be located on slopes with an angle or greater than 20· (measured as an average slope angle over any 100 metre length of slope on which the earthworks are to be carried out).
(b) there shall be no tree planting, except for amenity tree planting.
The Council shall restrict the exercise of its discretion in relation to these matters to their effect on landscape and visual amenity values, nature conservation and the natural character of the rural environment.
Tree planting in the form of shelter belts, not exceeding 5 rows in width, shall not he notified and the written approval of affected persons need not be obtained (refer 5. 5.4 above).
(Refer also to Non-Complying Activities for buildings in Areas of Landscape Importance).
Should this proposed plan be modified in its final form then the need for a covenant will need to be re-visited.
(e) A lone beech tree of some scientific interest should be protected from disturbance. It was agreed that should Section 5.5.5.1.1X of the proposed District Plan remain intact, no further protection would be needed.
(f) No Section 58 strips existed along the Cardrona River but Marginal Strips under the Conservation Act were put in place at the last lease renewal.
(g) The lessees wish to confine future public recreation to established tracks as proposed. This will involve good signage on the developed tracks to keep people from wandering to all parts of the property which could upset farm operations and stock.
(h) A non renewable five year grazing licence will be given in favour of the lessee's over the proposed DOC land. This will provide a safety valve during this period in case of summer feed shortages. Rental will be a minium admin fee plus an amount per stock unit to be charged only if the area is used. Commercial grazing fee levels will apply.
(i) Fence maintenance on the boundary with DOC will be on a 50/50 basis for costs.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
(a) To surrender Po288 on the lease anniversary date following completion of survey plans and necessary documentation.
(b) To agree to the allocation of approximately 1000 ha to the Department of Conservation as conservation land.
(c) To agree to the provision of a public access easement (non vehicular) over a portion of 4WD track up Spotts Creek.
(d) To agree to the provision of a public access easement (non vehicular) over an access route from Waterfall Creek to an area of proposed DOC land below Mt Alpha.
(e) To classify an area of approximately 2558 ha as "farmland" under Section c of the Land Act 1948.
Report prepared by:
T J Whittaker
for Manager, Alexandra
KNIGHT FRANK (NZ) LIMITED
Recommendations endorsed by
Mike Care
Manager, PNA/Pastoral
for Regional Conservator
(DOC Conservation Resources Report)
HILLEND STATION
INTRODUCTION
This report covers Hillend Station (3563 ha) which is leased by K and M Scurr of Wanaka. This property is situated on the outskirts of Wanaka and half of the station is very visible from the township and Lake Wanaka. The steep faces from Roys Peak in the north through to Mt Alpha and the catchment of Waterfall Creek are prominent focal points. The other half of the property lies in the Cardrona Valley and includes part of the eastern catchment of Spotts Creek. Hillend adjoins Spotts Creek Station, which is further advanced in the tenure change process.
ECOLOGICAL VALUES
Hillend lies wholly within the Wanaka Ecological District as part of the broader Lakes Ecological Region. No comprehensive PNAP survey has been carried out in the ecological district, however, a variety of specialists have visited this and adjoining properties and have been able to assess its conservation values.
Hill end is contiguous with Spotts Creek Station and has similar vegetation patterns. Below 1100 m the majority of the land has changed from a tussock grassland to largely improved or semi-improved pasture grasses that have all been OSTD at various stages. There are a few scattered small remnants of hard tussock and silver tussock remaining on some faces. In the majority of blocks exotic grasses and clover provide good ground cover - this equates to approximately 2100 ha of the property.
Below the 1100 m zone the main areas of conservation interest are remnant beech and scrub associations in Timber Creek and Waterfall Creek. A few beech trees also occur in a small tributary between Timber Creek and Spotts Creek, as well as in Spotts Creek itself.
The Timber Creek catchment example is the most significant of the three beech remnants. It is a mixture of silver beech (Nothofagus menziesii) and mountain beech (N. solandri var. cliffortioides) that ranges a few hundred metres up the creek bed. Growing in association are marble leaf (Carpodetus serratus), ribbonwood (Hoheria Iyallii) and leatherwood (Brachyglottis rotundifolia). Within the beech forest good beech regeneration is occurring. Around the margins manuka, Leptospermum scoparium, Coprosma rugosa, C. propinqua and Hebe spp. occur, which then grades out into fescue tussock grassland. Above this beech remnant fescue persists on the sunny faces to 1000 m and then narrow-leaved snow tussock (Chionochloa rigida) occurs and gradually increases with altitude. On the shady faces this sequence occurs about 100 m lower down. The occasional hawkweed plant (Hieracium lepidulum) is found at lower altitude.
In the eastern branch of Spotts Creek a couple of beech trees occur at 580 m near a 4WD track. The land above this creek to the west is a mixture of short tussock grassland, adventive grasses and extensive areas of hawkweed. This changes with altitude until the upper catchment is reached where there is extensive Chionochloa rigida and blue tussock (Poa colensoi) grassland, along with intertussock species such as Celmisia viscosa, Pimelea spp., Dracophylum uniflorum and Leucopogon fraseri. These grasslands extend to the main ridge at 1600 m. On the Wanaka faces the snow tussock band follows the 1100 m contour around into Waterfall Creek. On the true left of Waterfall Creek the faces running on to Roys Peak are steeper and most of this basin has snow tussock to a lower altitude until it grades back onto fescue tussock grassland. A small remnant of beech forest survives in the lower gorge of Waterfall Creek.
On the lower slopes above the Wanaka township matagouri, briar and bracken occur, along with extensive areas of wilding pines. Hillend has very little flat land (200 ha), which is either irrigated or cultivated and has no conservation values.
FAUNA
No distinctive or rare fauna is known from the area. The bush remnants host grey warblers, sparrows and finches, while the tops provide a home for skylarks, pipits and the occasional NZ falcon.
Rabbits are present in the lower altitude zones on the farmland, while hares are found at the higher altitudes. Goats, chamois and the occasional deer are known to occur in the general vicinity, but are not considered to be a problem requiring immediate action.
PLANT PESTS
Hillend has the usual assemblage of weeds that are a problem from a farming perspective. These plants all occur at the lower altitudes, primarily in the gullies. Briar and broom are the worst offenders, especially in Timber Creek and in the Cardrona Valley.
Bracken occurs at lower altitudes on the hills above Wanaka and has been subject to periodic burning over the years. Wilding pines are quite prolific on the Wanaka faces above the lessees' house at Waterfall Creek and are considered to be a major landscape detraction.
LANDSCAPE
The north-eastern faces of Hillend are very prominent visually from the Wanaka township and surrounding district. Tracking and installations have a high impact on the landscape. Hillend can be divided into two landscape units, each with their own characteristics. The attributes that make up the criteria for evaluating the landscape quality are the area's naturalness, sensitivity, intactness, distinctiveness and visibleness. The landscape units are the north-east Wanaka faces encompassing Waterfall Creek and the southern Cardrona Valley catchments.
The Wanaka faces rise from 400 m to the high peaks of Mt Alpha (1630 m) and Roys Peak (1578 m). While the area's naturalness and intactness rating is not high, the faces are sensitive, distinctive and highly visible. Detractions such as wilding pines, new installations and further tracking have a major impact on this face, and therefore on Wanaka's backdrop. There is scope for the landscape to be partly restored through the removal of wilding pines.
The slopes below 1100 m have all been OSTD and are predominantly pasture grasses with bands of bracken and scattered wilding pines in the central portion of the face. Above 1100 m the snow tussock increases, and the general impression is one of an intact tussock grassland landscape. The Mt Alpha rocky ridge is a dominant feature along with the deeply incised course of Waterfall Creek.
In the Cardrona Valley the catchments of Spotts Creek and Timber Creek are hidden from the Cardrona Road. The vegetation pattern in this system is highly variable, from cultivated pasture, scrubby hill slopes, beech remnants, OSTD country and snow tussock on the tops. The criteria for these landscapes is highly variable with only two areas of distinctiveness standing out as cohesive units. One of these is the eastern Spotts Creek catchment, primarily the upper catchment from a naturalness perspective, and the lower true right ridge adjoining Spotts Creek Station, as this would provide a cohesive landscape unit with the adjoining conservation land. The other area is the beech forest in Timber Creek and the upper catchment of scree, rock and snow tussock.
RECREATION
Legal Access
The property currently has no legal access points on to it or through it for the public. Legal roads run along parts of the property frontage - these are the Wanaka-Mt Aspiring Road and SH 89 up the Cardrona Valley. The main creeks on the property, including Waterfall Creek, do not appear to require a marginal strip, however this point may need to be clarified at time of survey.
As Hillend bounds on to Spotts Creek Station, legal access to the south-western corner of the property is expected to be implemented through that tenure review. An easement is proposed alongside Spotts Creek to conservation estate. This will provide legal access from the Cardrona Valley up to Mt Alpha and provide a link through to Roys Peak.
Existing/Proposed Recreational Use
Parts of Hillend already receive a degree of public use and potential exists for this to increase. Mt Roy Walking Track on Alphaburn runs on to Roys Peak, which is on the northern corner of Hillend. Mt Roy already receives a high degree of public use, 11 677 walkers during the 1993/94 season, and this has in recent times spilled over on to Hillend. Walkers can traverse along the Waterfall Creek catchment ridge to Mt Alpha and then follow a 4WD track down to the Mt Aspiring Road near Waterfall Creek. Others, mainly mountain bikers, tend to move along a high 4WD track that passes a Telecom repeater at 700 m and then comes out on the Cardrona Valley Road near Timber Creek. Currently this use is accepted by the lessees, but they would like to see it formalised and managed.
This tenure review exercise is intended to formalise public access. This would link in with the easement up Spotts Creek in the south on Spotts Creek Station and then follow an existing 4WD track up to the ridge of the eastern branch of Spotts Creek and then on to the skyline ridge above Wanaka. From here the route would follow the tops over Mt Alpha to Roys Peak making for a spectacular day tramp with views over Lake Wanaka to Mt Aspiring, and over the Motatapu Valley. An alternative route off the tops would also be marked that allows walkers from Roys Peak to link up with Mt Alpha and then follow a ridge down on to a 4WD track above Waterfall Creek. This entry/exit point will bring them out on to the main Mt Aspiring road just north of the lessess'' homestead. This easement would also double as a short walk that will take the public into the base of the gorge and waterfall in Waterfall Creek. This waterfall is a local landmark and a focal point of some interest. Short walks in the Wanaka vicinity are a premium and those that are available for public access as of right are extremely popular, and this short walk to Waterfall Creek would be no exception.
Development of these alternative round trips from Mt Roy could prove to be extremely popular and provide the walkers with a variety of options. The more adventurous could undertake round trips on mountain bikes, the only section mountain bikers would physically have to walk is the section from Roys Peak to Mt Alpha.
While these high routes may not be usable all year, they do provide access on to the proposed conservation estate and may also provide for recreation opportunities over the winter period. Activities such as cross-country skiing, winter training for climbing or tramping in winter conditions are also possible, set against a spectacular background and at a relatively high altitude overlooking Wanaka.
Other farm tracks may be available for public use but will
require permission from the landowner. It is not envisaged that
the tracks with easements over them will be available for public
vehicular use, unless the landowners grant permission.
HISTORIC
Hillend featured in the early pastoral settlement of Wanaka. It was formerly settled by Wilkin and Thomson in 1858 and acquired and managed by Roy in 1859. This property ended as part of Wanaka Station, running in excess of 50 000 sheep. From the latter part of the 19th century declining stock numbers, rabbit plagues and pressure to subdivide large holdings into smaller farm units. Hillend became a separate entity and was run in conjunction with Spotts Creek Station by J R Scurr. Hillend and Spotts Creek were split in 1962 to become separate entities.
There are no known Maori sites on the property and the only sites of early European settlement are water races - one from Waterfall Creek used to provide water to an early flour mill on the outskirts of Wanaka, and the other provides water from Timber Creek for irrigation purposes. Both these water races have been upgraded by mechanical means in recent times.
CONSERVATION PROPOSAL
These tenure exchange proposals allow for all of the front and low country to approximately 1000 m to become freehold. The principal conservation values of the snow tussock grassland, beech forest remnants, landscape and public recreation opportunities should be protected by an area of approximately 900 ha that should become conservation land. This area could include all of the true right of the east branch of Spotts Creek and its upper catchment to the Mt Alpha ridge. (This area will adjoin the proposed conservation land in the upper west branch of Spotts Creek, ex Spotts Creek Pastoral Lease.) This area encompasses the more intact snow tussock grasslands, herbfield-q and shrublands. This catchment adjoins an area of proposed conservation land in the headwaters of Timber Creek and should protect alpine grasslands and the beech forest and shrubland in Timber Creek. New fencing running down prominent spurs will be required to protect these values as well as some steep eroding hill slopes. This fence should cross Timber Creek below the beech forest and run up a main spur to the 1199 m mark where it will connect on to an existing fencing that has been erected on the skyline ridge above Lake Wanaka. From here the proposed conservation estate boundary should follow an existing fence that runs west towards Mt Alpha for a few hundred metres to about 1250 m. Here an existing fence runs downhill forming the lower boundary of the large Waterfall Creek block. It is proposed to utilise this fence to approximately 1150 m and then erect a new fence across the upper slopes of the waterfall block. This fence across the contour follows the bottom level of the remaining snow tussock. When the upper catchment of the north branch of Waterfall Creek is reached this fence will run down a ridge above the river for its length and join existing fences at the lower end of Waterfall Creek. The land beyond this fence on to the main Alpha-Roy ridge is steep snow tussock that is seldom grazed. It is an area of high landscape value and is a key area for recreational access, and it is proposed that all of this upper catchment should become conservation estate.
While full legal public access rights are assured within the conservation land easements under the Conservation Act will need to be created to provide access to this land in terms of formalising the recreational access opportunities discussed above. These proposed easements over the freehold are:
Landscape protection over the Wanaka faces should be sought to protect this highly visible landscape and ensure that new works, structures and plantings are handled sensitively.
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Fencing
New fencing will be required to implement this proposal. Some 10 km in length required.. Fencing along the waterfall face contour may be impractical - in that case the fenceline could follow the ridge to Mt Alpha for 1 km until the Waterfall Creek ridge junction, from here 500 m of fencing would be required before linking up with the original proposed fenceline. Yearly maintenance will be required, especially after heavy snow years on the higher sections of the fence.
Wild Animals
Some wild animals do occur within the area, but not in any numbers to present major problems or control costs. Hares and rabbits are not believed to be a problem in the proposed conservation area.
Weeds
Woody weeds in the gullies on the conservation land are not expected to spread, and in time will become part of the shrubby community. Hawkweed is prolific in the lower part of Spotts Creek catchment, but at the higher altitudes in the snow tussock, is not very common.
Wilding pine trees near Waterfall Creek on the proposed freehold are a major landscape detraction. Total elimination of these trees is highly desirable and may be achieved as part of this tenure review package. The trees possibly have value as firewood as most are easily retrievable.
Recreation
The recreation access will require signs, styles and markers on all the routes, and some track information will be required into the waterfalls on Waterfall Creek.
Mountain bikers will be able to use the easement along the formed 4WD tracks, and this is considered to be a legitimate recreational use.
Within the proposed conservation land walkers will be able to wander freely.
Landscape Protection
The key high altitude features of naturalness, intactness and distinctiveness will be protected under this proposal as conservation land. The lower Wanaka faces themselves, are highly sensitive and should be protected under the landscape covenant. This would allow current farming practices to continue by ensuring that new works are handled sensitively.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Mike Clare
Senior Conservation Officer (PNA/Pastoral)
Public Access New Zealand
R D 1 Omakau 9182
June 26, 1996
Submission on Draft Proposal for Tenure Exchange
Hillend Station
The Manager
Knight Frank (NZ) Ltd
P O Box 27
ALEXANDRA
Dear Sir,
PANZ supports the proposed tenure change with the following variations/ comments:
Landscape protection/management
The proposal opens with the statement "the main feature of Hillend Station is its location and visibility in relation to the township of Wanaka".
However the proposed reliance on the District Plan for protection of the mountainside backdrop to Wanaka is the weakest part of the proposals. For instance the proposed QLDC District Scheme does not prevent shelter belts being established. The face has already been substantially disfigured by farm tracking and skyline structures, with wilding pines making substantial inroads. These, and other adverse impacts, should be comprehensively addressed during the tenure review.
This prominent mountainside needs active management if its landscape is to provide a harmonious backdrop to the town. It is not enough to have what amounts to restrictive covenants over the land. A clear management direction and positive action is required.
The face can be divided into two zones-the upper grass zone containing substantial residual snowgrass, and the lower bracken fern zone occupying former forested slopes. In the lower zone there are two options. Either maintain a tree-free environment through continued pastoral use, burning, and wilding removal, or manage/encourage reafforestation with either native or exotic species to the natural 'bushline'. Left to itself, this lower zone will 'revert' to a pine forest. The community/occupier/Crown needs to decide what they want and to embark on a consistent management strategy. Landscape management would primarily be of public benefit, therefore the owner/occupier should not be expected to undertake this without recompense or other community assistance.
While we are happy with the proposed DOC/freehold boundaries on the rest of the property, in our opinion, the remaining snow tussock above approximately 1100m asl on the Wanaka faces should also have formal protection. We would prefer addition to the proposed conservation area, however another option would be a special lease over Crown land that would provide for the maintenance and enhancement of the tussock cover through controlled grazing and other conditions which would allow active management and adjustment of conditions in the light of experience and enhanced scientific knowledge. We believe that this would be a preferred means of managing the upper zone. The lower, bracken, zone could be freeholded but with the Crown retaining an interest in the land for landscape conservation purposes under section 7(2) Conservation Act. This would allow the Crown to negotiate a management regime with the owner and provide the Crown with an ability to either directly assist with management (eg. on-going wilding pine removal), or through financial contributions towards 'public good' landscape management by the owner. Such a mechanism would also provide long-term security, greater than likely under covenants, and beyond the highly variable perceptions/performance of local body politicians.
Central government may well say that such considerations are more properly the role of local government, however the inadequacies of the district plan demonstrate that it is not up to the job. The Crown, as landlord, has an opportunity and an obligation to supplement local landscape planning controls to ensure that a harmonious backdrop to the town is maintained.
Public access
We strongly support the proposed access easements. These will provide a most welcome extension to walking opportunities near Wanaka. The scope for a local walk and round trips will be invaluable. The report is not clear if these easements will be for mountain bikers as well as walkers. We believe that both should be provided for, with year-round rights of access.
We favour the easements being effected under section 7(2) Conservation Act to ensure long-term security.
Marginal strips
The report states that marginal strips are already established however these are not all shown on DOSLI plans. Unless an intending recreationalist is a lawyer and knows about 'dispositions' and lease renewals, there is no way of knowing if and where the strips exist-which defeats the purpose of their establishment. A notation on record maps of "Subject to the provision of Marginal Strips, Section 24 Conservation Act 1987" does not disclose whether strips will be created at the time of some further 'disposition' or whether they already have been.
As an outcome of the tenure review there should be signposting of the location and extent of marginal strips, in the same way that the proposed access easements will be marked for public use.
Grazing licence
We accept a 5 year term for a grazing licence over conservation areas as a phasing-out mechanism, but with no right of renewal or intention to renew.
Yours faithfully
Bruce Mason
Researcher & Spokesman
(Official) SUMMARY OF PUBLIC COMMENTS
TENURE REVIEW - HILLEND STATION - WANAKA
| FMC | PANZ | OTMC | Alan Mark | Wakatipu Envir Soc | F&B Upper Cluth Br | NZAC | Wakatipu Tramp & Mount. Club | F&B National | Otago Regional Council | |
| Support public access outcomes | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |||
| Strongly support allocation land to DOC | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||||
| Want more land to go to DOC -snow tussock Water Fall Creek | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| Look again at landscape covenant | X | X | X | |||||||
| Protection of lone beech trees/remnants | X | X | X | |||||||
| No renewal of 5 year grazing licence | X | X | ||||||||
| Protection of remaining snow tussock | X | |||||||||
| Sign post marginal strips . | X | |||||||||
| Spotts Creek catchment boundary concern | X | |||||||||
| No comment to make | X |
Knight Frank
Land Resources Division
Our Ref: Po 288/1
22 July 1998
Bruce Mason
Public Access New Zealand
RD I
OMAKAU 9182
Dear Sir
RE: HILLEND TENI RE REVIEW -
ADVICE OF COMMISSIONER OF CROWN LANDS CONSENT
Thank you for your submission on the draft Hillend tenure review proposal.
I am pleased to advise the Commissioner of Crown Lands approved the tenure review on Hillend Station on 13 February 1997.
The draft proposal has attracted ten submissions and the main issues were:
1. Seven submissions supported the public access outcomes.
2. Six submissions strongly supported the allocation of land to the Department of Conservation.
3. Three submissions wanted more land into the conservation estate in the basin of Waterfall Creek.
4. Four submissions wished the Landscape Covenant to be looked at again
5. Three submissions wanted protection of a lone beech tree.
Other submissions focused on single issues.
The following recommendations were approved by the Commissioner of Crown Lands.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
(a) The surrender of Po288 on the 31 June or 31 December following the completion of survey plans and necessary documentation.
(b) Agreement to the allocation of approximately 1000 ha (subject to survey) to the Department of Conservation as conservation land under the Conservation Act 1987.
(c) Addition of a small area of river hed due to shifting of the natural houndary will be achieved by survey redefinition. This will add land along the Cardrona River to the freehold title.
(d) The classification of an area of approximately 2558 ha (subject to survey) as "farmland'. under Section 51 of the Land Act 1948, and preferentially allocated to M J and C M, and K J and M D Scurr under Section 54 of the Land Act 1948 subject to the financial arrangements set oUt in the attached financial report.
(e) All fencing required in Timher Creek and across the Waterfall Creek face will be met by the lessee and deducted from the cost of freeholding.
(f) All survey costs will be met by the lessee and deducted from the cost of freeholding.
(g) A grazing permit over 812 ha (more or less) of land wi]l he granted to M J and C M, and K J and M D Scurr under Section 67(A) of the Land Act 1948. Details as outlined.
(h) Knight Frank will arrange the tender of survey and arrange for right of way easements in favour of Spotts Creek Station to he uplifted hy way of a Memorandum of Transfer.
(i) That you acknowledge that as part of this agreement the lessees have agreed to the Department of Conservation registering the following on the proposed freehold title.
(i) The provision of a public access easement (no motorised vehicles) over a portion of 4WD track up Spotts Creek, under Section 7 (2) of the Conservation Act 1987.
(ii) The provision of a public access easement (no motorised vehicles) over an access route from Waterfall Creek through a portion of freehold up a leading ridge onto the DOC land near Mt Alpha, under Section 7 (2) of the Conservation Act 1987.
(iii) A landscape covenant over an area on the face overlooking Wanaka from the 600 metre contour to the ridge crest or DOC estate at the top, under Section 77 of the Reserves Act 1977.
Thank you again for your submission. We believe public submissions are important to enable us to develop the best possible tenure review outcomes.
Yours faithfully
T Whittaker
Consultant, Alexandra
KNIGHT FRANK (NZ) LIMITED