Back to ... Po 289 Spottis Creek
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This page last modified 22 September 1998
Po 289 & Oo
93
Northern 'Cardrona Range' (west of Cardrona Valley)
Otago Land District
Tenure review approved by Commissioner of Crown Lands May 1996
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DRAFT PROPOSAL
COMMISSIONER OF CROWN LANDS
TENURE EXCHANGE
SPOTTS CREEK
LCP Ref: P289, 093 OCL Ref: Case No:
APPLICATION
1. To surrender P289 as from...(future date)..
2. To reclassify an area of approximately 3297 ha as farm land and dispose of this as a freehold title.
3. To allocate 093 to the Department of Conservation.
4. To allocate approximately 1300 ha (from P289) as Conservation Estate.
DETAILS OF LEASE AND LICENCE
PASTORAL LEASE
Run Name: Spotts Creek
Legal Description: Section 20, Block Vl Cardrona Survey District
and Run 755 situated in Blocks XVI and XIX Lower Wanaka Survey
District and Blocks III, IV, V and VI Cardrona Survey District.
Area: 4597.4894 hectares.
Lease Details: Tenure Pastoral Lease.
Term 33 years from l July 1962
Expiry 30 June 1995
Rent Review 30 June l 993
Annual Rent $315.00
Crown Improvements: Nil
Stock Limitations in Lease:
4,000 sheep not including more than 1,600) breeding ewes no more than 50 cattle.
Personal Stock Limitation:
10,500 Sheep including not more than 4.500 breeding ewes
500 Cattle including not more than 120 breeding cows
200 Deer
2,000 Goats
PASTORAL OCCUPATION LICENCE
Run Name: Spotts Creek II
Legal Description: Run 774, Blocks III and IV Cardrona Survey
District
Area: 740 hectares
Licence Details:
Tenure Pastoral Occupation Licence
Term 5 years from I July 1979
Expiry Running on
Annual Rent $50.00
Crown Improvements:
100% of fence paid for in Run Plan at retirement from Pastoral Lease.
LESSEES J M Scurr (1/2 share) and J M Scurr Childrens Trust (1/2 share).
LOCATION On the Cardrona Valley Road l0 kms south west of Wanaka.
OTHER LAND HELD
An additional 21 ha of flat land nearby was purchased in 1989.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
(a) Aspect: The majority of the property is south easterly facing with two main gullies running up to the north west.
(b) Altitude: 400m to 1,837m above sea level.
(c) Contour: The front of the property contains moderate sized areas of easy sloping land suitable for cultivation. There is an extensive area of rolling to steep downs country between Back Creek and Spotts Creek and extending to about 830m a s l. Long steep graded streams very closely dissect much of this downs area. The mid and upper areas of the property vary from steeply rolling ridge tops to very steep slopes lying toward the streams and high steep basis at stream headwaters.
(d) Area Ploughable: Approximately 208 hectares.
(e) Rainfall: Rainfall is estimated at between 700mm at the lower end of the property to 1,400mm at the highest altitude.
(f) Water: Stock water is from streams. About 82 ha is border-dyke irrigated and fed via a water race from Spotts Creek.
(g) Subdivision: The property is very well subdivided into 41 blocks and 8 paddocks, although the majority of the property could be said to be in paddocks due to the their small size. Seventy five hectares are deer fenced. Fences are in good condition, apart from some which are difficult to maintain at high altitude.
(h) Snow Risk: With good fencing and stock management snow risks are minimal. Snow lies in the upper basins, especially the licence area for the winter months.
(i) Summer/Winter Balance: The property is highly stocked and difficulties can arise in dry years. This is somewhat offset with irrigation and feed reserves. The purchase of additional freehold land has eased pressures and allowed for better growing of young stock.
(j) Shelter Natural topography together with scrub and briar in the "gullies provides shelter for stock.
(k) Reversion: Reversion to briar and to a lesser extent matagouri is a problem. Considerable money is spent spraying briar each year and goats are run to aid in control.
(1) Erosion: There is natural sheet and scree erosion on higher areas. There has been significant and severe erosion in the past especially on sunny aspects. The property has suffered severe soil loss following vegetation depletion, especially by rabbits. Vegetation/soil depletion is still on some mid altitude shady faces which are likely to have had repeated burning many years ago although these areas appear to be improving under current management. The downlands have had massive and spectacular gullying, much of which has now stabilised.
(m) Weeds & Pests: The predominant weed is briar as mentioned. Parts are sprayed each year and this will be an ongoing expense. Hieracium is becoming more obvious in native areas. Some of the shady faces to the north of the property appear to be almost completely covered by Hieracium Lepidulum , burning, with over grazing by stock and/or rabbits.
Rabbits have been a major pest on the property in the past. They have caused significant degradation and erosion. Rabbits are now under control hut the property will always remain susceptible.
(n) Soils
Soils are derived from schist. Down lands are mainly glacial out wash gravels which are loess covered over much of their area.
Soils of the Steeplands
Dunstan Steepland Soils
Occur over much of the steep shady faces above 850m and the sunny
faces above 1,000m. They are high country Yellow Brown Earths
and are very susceptible to erosion.
Arrow Steepland Soils
These are Yellow Grey Earths which occur between about 550m to
600m up to the Dunstan Soils. Good responses from OS and TD may
be obtained especially at lower altitudes.
Soils of the Hills
Carrick Hill Soils
These are strongly leached Yellow Brown Earths similar to Dunstan
soils hut on moderately to steeply rolling topography. They have
a moderately developed fine top soil structure and are very susceptible
to erosion. Poor fertility.
Blackstone Hill Soils
Are found on schist with a coating of loess on a compound topography
of rolling ridges separated by moderately steep gullies. They
can be greatly improved by aerial oversowing and topdressing with
sulphurised superphosphate.
Naseby Hill Soils
Are found on moderately steep slopes of the downs area. on a parent
material of glacial outwash gravels. Soils are dark brown stony
silt loam. Fertility is moderate but they arc phosphate and acutely
sulphur deficient.
Soils of the Terraces & Fans
Naseby Soils
Are found on the gently to steeply rolling areas of the downs
block on a parent material of glacial outwash gravels. Similar
to hill soils.
Gladbrook Soils
Are recent from soils formed on schist detritus and overlain by
a discontinuous layer of loess. They vary from stony to bouldery
to silty or sandy loams. Moderate fertility.
Recent Soils of the Valley Floors
Eweburn Soils
Formed on the recent flood plains and terraces of creeks and rivers.
Little profile development and free draining. Fertility moderate
to high and some areas suited to cropping.
(o) Land Use Capability
70ha Class III suited to moderate cultivation 1.3%
173 ha Class IV suited to limited cultivation 3.2%
73 ha Class V suited to intensive grazing 1.4%
1998 ha Class Vl suited to moderate grazing 37.4%
2837 ha Class VII suited to limited grazing 53.2%
186 ha Class VIII suited to little or no ag value 3.5%
Total 5337 ha 100.0%
(p) Cover For Lease P289
124 ha Cultivated
60ha Trees
2613ha Oversown and topdressed short tussock
1800ha Unimproved snow. Fescue and Blue Tussock
4597ha 100.0%
Currently 75 ha is deer fenced.
For Pastoral Occupation Licence 093
74ha Predominantly unimproved snow tussock and alpine herbs
(q) General: Spotts Creek is a well located well developed property showing above average production under good management. It is situated on the colder side of the Cardrona Valley. 82 ha of the property is irrigated flats. In general it is a tender property which is susceptible to rabbit invasion and severe erosion' as has been evidenced in the past.
PRODUCTION
Land Cover History: (incomplete)
Stocking History: (incomplete)
| 1960 | 1966 | 1969 | 1982 | 1990 | |
| Ewes.MA | |||||
| Ewes 2th | |||||
| Wethers | |||||
| Hoggets | |||||
| Others | |||||
| Cattle Breeding | |||||
| Cattle Other | |||||
| Goats | |||||
| Deer |
Accurate stocking figures are not available since 1990 because of other land being run with subject property
PREVIOUS HISTORY
Spotts Creek was the last subdivision of what was a once vast West Wanaka Station. It was split off in 1941. For the first 18 months of occupation it was rabbited by the current Lessees father (JR Scurr) on a full time basis until he was able to stock it with 500 ewes.
The neighbouring property was also farmed by J R Scurr but as a separate unit.
The first Otago Catchment Board work was proposed in 1963 for OS and TD of 80 ha of severely eroded tussock grasslands and the erection of 3.2kms of control fence. In 1966 a further farm plan included some 25.2 kms of new and upgraded fencing, and 603 ha of OSTD to improve ground cover.
It was proposed in 1966 to retire 1100 ha of Back Creek under POL but this eventuated in only 740 ha being surrendered. Further approval was given to subsidise 700m of fencing upgrade.
In 1971 an area of 158 ha of mainly easy contoured land was taken out of Hillend and added to Spotts Creek.
Also in 1971 the property was transferred from J R Scurr to J M Scurr (son) and a Family Trust. A further addition to the farm plan was approved in 1972 and involved 5.3 kms of upgrading fencing. This was extended in 1973 to a further 3.1 kms of new and upgraded fences as weld as erosion stabilisation structures and poplar planting.
In the early 80's considerable use was made of LDEL and LIS with over $150,000 going into development. This consisted of 1605 ha of oversowing, fencing, tracking and border-dyking. The stock limitation was increased following this development.
Since the 740 ha was taken from the lease it has been held as Pastoral Occupation Licence. This expired in 1987 but has been allowed to run on since. The lessee has always considered the reasons for surrendering this area from grazing somewhat questionable. Other areas of Class VII land on the property were considered more suitable for retirement. The POL area is difficult to keep free from sheep as fences can not be kept secure because of snow damage. Stock trespass from neighbouring properties has been an ongoing problem.
In 1987 the POL was advertised for public comment and eight submissions were received. Since then the issues have remained unresolved.
VEGETATION
The following is an extract from a report on the POL area but reflects much of the higher altitude country.
In the context of the whole Cardrona Range, the Spotts Creek POL area is a very small portion. Its vegetation however is probably typical of the main range. This small area contains a mosaic of vegetation patterns controlled by slope, aspect, altitude, length of snow lie, soils and past management. The general aspect is east to southeast with a high point at Middle Peak of 1840m.
The exposed ridge top carries a range of hardy alpine herbs with much hare ground - up to 75% in places. Chionochloa macra the high altitude slim leaved tussocks is primarily confined to the sunnier aspects with only scattered tussocks on the cold south and easterly faces. Blue tussock, Poa colensoi is common here. Immediately below the ridge and on many steep banks in the upper Black Creek basin snowbank vegetation indicates areas where snow collects for long period. Typical snowbank vegetation of numerous herbs, small grasses and rushes predominate. Celmisia viscosa often covers large areas.
The vegetation between 1600 and 1800 m in general is dominated by Celmisia viscosa up to 50% cover, with blue tussock also prominent. Exposed ridge tops and knobs are covered with Dracophyllum muscoides and other cushion plants, often with considerable hare ground. Slim leaved tussock occurs as scattered clumps and patches. Large areas of Celmisia lyallii join C. viscosa as dominant species (up to 66% cover) between 1500m to 1600m.
Below about 1500 m tussock cover increases and becomes taller below 1400m as the larger Chionochloa rigida appears. On the darker faces in particular there is a rich flora with numerous inter tussock species including clover. The hard tussock Festuca novae zelandiae and finer Festuca mathewsii are present here with silver tussock Poa cita (laevis) on warmer sites. In places the snow tussock reaches 600mm tall. Only small areas of bog and flush vegetation exist.
At the retirement fence there is a noticeable difference in vegetative cover. Here tussock density is considerably reduced with many tussock reduced to 300mm tall. Away from the fence the height difference is not so great but the density remains similar. Exotic grasses and clovers provide a good ground cover. A small burn which spread into the POL in 1983 or 1984 has shown a very slow rate of recovery due to grazing pressure at the time. Some remnants of the original forest and shrub cover can still be seen in damp gullies particularly in Back Creek below the fence. A few mountain beech, mountain ribbonwood, coprosmas, olearias, hebes and manuka have survived the frequent burning. Water quality and conservation would be better served by retaining the natural vegetation in these steep gullies.
Overall the native vegetation cover in the POL is in good condition as could he expected due to its retirement and only light grazing. The sparse tussock cover above 1500m can be partly attributed to late snow cover and is probably also the result of past burning and grazing regimes. The spread of Celmisia lyallii,, an unpalatable species, tends to support this.
BOTANICAL VALUES (latest inspection)
The front country at Spotts Creek adjoining the Cardrona Road is highly modified and well subdivided. The gullies contain predominantly briar and some matagouri. With rising altitude, short tussock increases until it grades into scattered Chionochloa rigida.
The conservation interest on Spotts Creek is confined to the hack of the property - some 2040 ha.
Spotts Creek lies within the Wanaka Ecological District in the Lakes Ecological Region. To date, no comprehensive PNAP survey has been carried out in the ecological district. Despite this individual property surveys for tenure change are revealing a wide range in remnants and diversity within the ecological district.
Spotts Creek is no exception. Beech forest grows alongside Spotts Creek with snow tussock in the higher basins. The beech forest is predominantly confined to the stream margins of upper Spotts Creek. Higher up, the beech forms scattered islands surrounded by Dracophyllum scrubland and Chionochloa rigida. These relic stands of mountain and silver beech were described as genuine relics of the original preEuropean forest that persisted in the area (Wells). The natural vegetation patterns have been destroyed over time through human activity. Today, around the upper reaches of the stream hanks and forest edges, the vegetation varies but in many cases it consists of tutu, coprosma spp., Dracophyllum longifolium, bush lawyer, Hebe spp. and bracken fern. The latter is often extensive on the lower slopes. Mountain Flax forms isolated communities on some of the open faces up to about 1000m. Below this 1000 m zone the natural grassland component is highly variable. Short tussock Festuca novae-zelandiae is dominant on some faces. Elsewhere' narrow leaved snow tussock (Chionochloa rigida), occurs. The latter is scattered and only increases in stature and density with increasing altitude.
Above 1100 m the tall tussock grassland community contains blue tussock, Poa colensoi, along with a range of inter-tussock species such as Celmisia viscosa, Pimelea spp.. and occasional Aciphylla.
These broad communities fall within two back blocks of Spotts Creek, one being the POL. Despite an extensive grazing regime the grassland community is well represented within these areas and, although depleted in places will have the capability to recover in the longer term.
On the front country the land has been extensively OSTD and contains scattered tussock cover. The gullies are predominantly briar-infested.
Fauna
No distinctive or rare fauna is known from the area. Due to weather
conditions, no avi-fauna were recorded during the field inspections.
The presence of hares was noted in the area. Also chamois were
observed during the inspection on Steels Spur. Deer are known
to occur in the area.
Landscape
The front country on Spotts Creek Station is very visible from
the Cardrona Valley Road. This view presents a broad, pleasant
landscape of developed farmland. A proportion of the property
is hidden from view by a broad prominent face rising to 1442 m
above the front of the property. The two major catchments of Spotts
Creek and the Back Creek (a tributary of Branch Burn) are not
visible at all except where the creeks pass under the Cardrona
Road.
Recreation
The back blocks are steep and dissected rising from 900 m to Mt
Alpha (1630 m) in the north and middle peak (1837 m) in the south.
This main ridge above the Cardrona and Motutapu Valleys is undulating
and steep in places' and provides spectacular views over Lake
Wanaka towards the main divide and south towards the Garvie Mountains.
Within the catchments the view is one of steep tussock covered
hill slopes falling away into the lower gullies.
Current use of the area is minimal. However, potential exists for considerable recreational use. A broad leading spur along the boundary fence from Spotts Creek provides good access to Mt Alpha. It would be highly desirable to link Mt Alpha to Roys Peak further north as a linked walking route. This round trip from Wanaka should provide another recreational opportunity that is not available. Access down Spotts Creek is practical along the true left bank for the majority of the creek to Cardrona Road. This access route avoids the main house and yard complex.
Walking access up Spotts Creek will also provide access on to the main ridge via the gullies or spurs. Another access point is desirable up the Back, Creek for a short way and then on to Round Hill Spur which leads up to Middle Peak. This route is along the southern boundary of Spotts Creek Station and the POL. These access points will enable round trips to be accomplished and in the longer term the range may he opened up for routes along this ridge to the Cardrona skifield or over into the Motatapu Valley.
Historic
The NZMS 260 series maps indicate gold workings on Spotts Creek
Station in several localities. There is no doubt that some prospecting
would have occurred on the property but it appears that no gold
of any significance was discovered. The headwaters of Coes Gully
are marked as gold workings but the configuration of the gully
suggests it is only natural erosion that has taken place. Confirming
this is the fact that no water races feed into the area.
Lower down, above the Back Creek a small water race traverses the lower hill slopes as it continues down the valley.
Detailed Proposal
This tenure exchange proposal allows for all of the front country
of Spotts Creek to be available for freeholding. The POL and the
back block on the property will become conservation estate to
be managed primarily for conservation purposes. These areas follow
existing fenced boundaries of the POL and the fenced boundaries
of a block known as the Stack. The main ridge on the back of the
property has been fenced in the past but today it is virtually
derelict and considered impractical to maintain. The proposed
DOC boundary follows an existing boundary fence off Mt Alpha down
a long leading ridge to Spotts Creek. From here, the line follows
a fence up the true right branch of Spotts Creek for approximately
3.8 kms to where it meets the existing POL fence. The boundary
will then be lower than the POL boundary fence which meets a fence
on Round Hill Spur which then links up with Middle Peak, 1837
m.
Public access will be freely available within the area and via an easement up Spotts Creek.
As of right grazing will be phased out from the area over the next five years.
As part of the subdivision, marginal strips or esplanade reserves will need to be created up Spotts Creek and the Branch Burn.
Management Considerations
Fencing
Fencing along the main ridge is impractical and stock trespass
could he a problem. In the longer term tenure change on adjoining
properties will provide for more practical boundaries at lower
altitudes. Elsewhere on the proposed conservation area the fences
are in good condition.
Feral Animals
Some wild animals, deer and chamois, occur within the block, but
not in any numbers to present any problems or control costs. Hares
and rabbits are not a problem within this area.
Grazing
This will occur for a limited period only. While in terms of nature
conservation it is desirable to discontinue grazing over the whole
area immediately, it is considered appropriate that stock be phased
out over a five year period. A temporary tenancy over the proposed
conservation land and will signal that the land is still occupied
and therefore stock drift should he minimal. If the land was destocked,
opportunities for grazing may be utilised as the top boundary
fence is derelict. This time period may allow opportunities for
tenure exchange on adjoining properties to he carried out.
The carrying capacity of the POL and Stack Block have been assessed at 391 su on an annual basis.
It is envisaged that a licence for 2200 wethers from mid January to mid April will apply over the whole 2074 ha and will not include any rights of renewal. Rental will be set at a commercial level, on a pay as you use basis. An annual administration fee will be set.
It is considered that some emergency grazing could be tolerated in years of exceptional need. This could be looked at on an as required basis. Should grazing on this area become available at any time in the future then it has been agreed that Spotburn would be given first option for this grazing.
Weeds
Briar is present in the lower gullies and in time will become
part of the shrubby communities. Hawkweed is present in some areas
and dominant on some shady faces that appear heavily burned and
stocked in the early days. Over the majority of the area it is
non-existent. Otherwise the block is relatively weed-free
Access
Public access up Spotts Creek and the Branch Burn/Round Hill Spur
into the DOC estate will need formalising. Signs, stiles, etc,
marking these routes will be required through the freehold land.
The Branch Burn route may never be needed, depending on the outcome
of other tenure exchanges on adjoining properties. As the bottom
end of this route is impractical within the Spotts Creek boundary,
access if required will need to wait until:
1. Consent is obtained to cross private land.
2. Branch Creek undergoes tenure change.
3. A marginal strip (which may possibly join) is laid off Branch Burn.
It is anticipated that the legal access will finish at the Branch Burn/Back Creek Junction until one of these outcomes eventuates.
On the DOC estate some route marking will be necessary to the top of Mt Alpha especially if this route is to link up with the Roys Peak Track. This linkage with Roys Peak will need formalising with adjoining land owners to complete the round trip. Being an alpine route of some duration, care will be needed with information and signage to ensure public safety.
The popularity of the Roys Peak track is surprising. In the 91 - 92 year there were 4500 people, 92/93 over 5000 and in 93/94 around 7500 people used the track. This gives some idea of the likely popularity of a round trip track. As part of the subdivision exercise esplanade strips will need to apply up Spotts Creek and the Branch Burn. These have already been surveyed and will automatically apply on lease renewal or change of tenure.
This area will be freely available for public recreation.
CONCLUSION
This proposal stands to achieve major gains both for the public and the current lessees.
The public will have a significantly improved recreational opportunity. The opportunities of this type are sadly lacking around Wanaka, and it is significant that it links to a well recognised and well used existing walk. This area will be managed predominantly for conservation purposes and recreation with limited grazing being catered for. This area of DOC Estate will form a base that may be added to with future tenure exchange agreements.
At opening discussions this proposal was presented by the lessees, Mr & Mrs Scurr and significantly, has had little modification from their original concept. It is pleasing to see a solution that has obtained wide acceptance from all parties involved.
This proposal recognises the best use for the property, enabling freeholding of the farming land, while catering for multiple use, being public recreation, conservation and limited grazing on the surrendered leasehold land and pastoral occupation Licence.
RECOMMENDATIONS
(1) The surrender of P289 (Spotts Creek) under Section 145 of the Land Act 1948.
(2) Allocate approximately 1300 ha to the Department of Conservation as Conservation Estate
(3) To reclassify an area of approximately 3297 ha as farm land under Section 51, Land Act 1948 and dispose of this by preferential allocation as a freehold title under Section 54 Land Act 1948.
(4) To classify an area of 740 ha known as 093 as a conservation area under Section 7 of the Conservation Act 1987, to be controlled by the Department of Conservation.
(5) To agree to the provision of grazing for a set time over several areas of proposed DOC estate.
(6) To agree to the provision of a public foot access along the north eastern boundary of Spotts Creek giving access to the proposed DOC area, and to link through Hillend Station to an established walkway to the top of Mount Roy. An additional access easement will be created down the southern boundary along Round Hill Spur but finishing at Branch Burn/Back Creek Junction, and will not be available for immediate use.
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DOC Conservation
Resources Report
6 July 1993
SPOTTS CREEK STATION
This tenure change application has arisen from the need to rationalise on an expired POL that exists as part of Spotts Creek Station. This POL of 740 ha has been allowed to run on since 1987. In 1987 the POL was advertised for public comment and eight submissions were received. Since then the options for this POL have been unresolved.
With the move into tenure reviews, it appeared appropriate to deal with the POL and the adjoining pastoral lease together. The lessee, John Scurr, was very happy to run with this tenure review option.
General
Spotts Creek Pastoral Lease and POL combined equal 5338 ha. Of
this, some 3264 ha have been OSTD. The front country adjoining
the Cardrona Road is highly modified and well subdivided. The
gullies contain predominantly briar and some matagouri. With a
rise in altitude, short tussock increases until it grades into
scattered Chionochloa rigida.
The conservation interest on Spotts Creek is confined to the back of the property - some 2074 ha.
Botanical Values
Spotts Creek lies within the Wanaka Ecological District in the
Lakes Ecological Region. To date, no comprehensive PNAP survey
has been carried out in the ecological district. Despite this
individual property surveys for tenure change are revealing a
wide range in remnants and diversity within the ecological district.
Spotts Creek is no exception. Beech forest grows alongside Spotts Creek with snow tussock in the higher basins. The beech forest is predominantly confined to the stream margins of lower Spotts Creek. Higher up, the beech forms scattered islands surrounded by Dracophyllum scrubland and Chionochloa rigida. The natural vegetation patterns have been destroyed over time through pastoral farming. Today, around the stream banks and forest edges, vegetation varies but in many cases it consists of tutu, Coprosma spp., Dracophyllum longifolium, bush lawyer, Hebe spp. and bracken fern. The latter is often extensive on the lower slopes. Flax forms isolated communities on some of the open faces up to about 1000 m. Below this 1000 m zone the natural grassland component is highly variable. Short tussock Festuca novae-zelandiae is dominant on some faces. Elsewhere, narrow leaved snow tussock, Chiononhloa rigida occurs. The latter is scattered and only increases in stature and density with increasing altitude.
Above 1100 m the tall tussock grassland community contains blue tussock, Poa colensoi, along with a range of inter-tussock species such as Celmisia viscosa, Pimelia spp., and occasional Aciphylla.
These broad communities fall within two back blocks of Spotts Creek, one being the POL. Despite an extensive grazing regime the grassland community is well represented within these areas and, although depleted in places will have the capability to recover in the longer term.
Fauna
No distinctive or rare fauna is known from the area. Due to weather
conditions, no avi-fauna were recorded during the field inspections.
The presence of hares was noted in the area. Also chamois were
observed during the inspection on Steels Spur. Deer are known
to occur in the area.
Landscape
The front country on Spotts Creek Station is very visible from
the Cardrona Valley Road. This view presents a broad, pleasant
landscape of developed farmland. A proportion of the property
is hidden from view by a broad prominent face rising to 1442 m
above the front of the property. The two major catchments of Spotts
Creek and the Back Country Creek are not visible at all except
where the creeks pass under the Cardrona Road.
The back blocks are steep and dissected rising from 900 m to Mt Alpha (1630 m) in the north and middle peak (1837 m) in the south. This main ridge above the Cardrona and Motutapu Valleys is undulating and steep in places, and provides spectacular views over Lake Wanaka towards the main divide and south towards the Garvie Mountains. Within the catchments the view is one of steep tussock covered hill slopes falling away into the lower gullies.
Recreation
Current use of the area is minimal. However, potential exists
for considerable recreational use. A broad leading spur along
the boundary fence from Spotts Creek provides good access to Mt
Alpha. It would be highly desirable to link Mt Alpha to Roys Peak
further north as a linked walking route. This round trip from
Wanaka should provide another recreational opportunity that is
not available. Access down Spotts Creek is practical along the
true left bank for the majority of the creek to Cardrona Road.
This access route avoids the main house and yard complex.
Walking access up Spotts Creek will also provide access on to the main ridge via the gullies or spurs. Another access point is desirable up the Back Creek for a short way and then on to Round Hill Spur which leads up to Middle Peak. This route is along the southern boundary of Spotts Creek Station and the POL.
These access points will enable round trips to be accomplished and in the longer term the range may be opened up for routes along this ridge to the Cardrona skifield or over into the Motutapu Valley.
Historic
The NZMS 260 series maps indicate gold workings on Spotts Creek
Station in several localities. There is no doubt that some prospecting
would have occurred on the property but it appears that no gold
of any significance was discovered. The headwaters of Coes Gully
are marked as gold workings but the configuration of the gully
suggests it is only natural erosion that has taken place. Confirming
this is the fact that no water races feed into the area. Lower
down, above the Back Creek a small water race traverses the lower
hill slopes as it continues down the valley.
Detailed Proposal
This tenure exchange proposal allows for all of the front country
of Spotts Creek to be available for freeholding. The POL and the
back block on the property will become conservation estate to
be managed for conservation purposes. These areas follow existing
block boundaries of the POL and the block boundaries known as
the Stack. The main ridge on the back of the property has been
fenced in the past but today it is virtually derelict and considered
impractical to maintain. The proposed DOC boundary follows an
existing boundary fence off Mt Alpha down a long leading ridge
to Spotts Creek. From here, the line follows a fence up the true
right branch of Spotts Creek for approximately 1 km. From here
a new fence will be required up on to a high top (1442 m) connecting
with a main fence. This junction is near the lower POL boundary
fence which will then be followed to the Round Hill Spur fence
which links up with Middle Peak, 1837 m.
Public access will be freely available within the area and via an easement up Spotts Creek.
Grazing will be phased out from the area in the longer term.
Management Considerations
Fencing
Fencing will be required for a small section in Spotts Creek to
separate the freehold/conservation boundary. Fencing along the
main ridge is impractical and stock trespass has not been a problem.
In the longer term tenure change on adjoining properties will
provide for more practical boundaries at lower altitudes. Elsewhere
on the proposed conservation area the fences are in good condition.
Feral Animals
Some wild animals, deer and chamois, occur within the block, but
not in any numbers to present any problems. Hares and rabbits
are not a problem within this area.
Grazing
This will occur for a limited period only. While it is desirable
to discontinue grazing over the whole area, from a land use basis,
it is considered appropriate to phase out grazing over a period
of years. A temporary tenancy over the proposed conservation and
will signal that the land is still occupied and therefore stock
drift should be minimal. If the land was destocked, opportunities
for grazing may be utilised as the top boundary fence is derelict.
This time period will allow opportunities for tenure exchange
on adjoining properties to be carried out.
It is envisaged that 500 SU from mid January to mid April will apply over the whole 2074 ha.
Weeds
Briar is present in the lower gullies and in time will become
part of the shrubby communities. Hawkweed is present in some areas
around old sheep camps but over the majority of the area it is
nonexistent. Otherwise the block is relatively weed-free.
Access
Public access up Spotts Creek and the Branch Burn into the DOC
estate will need formalising. Signs, stiles, etc, marking these
routes will be required through the freehold land. On the DOC
estate some route marking will be necessary to the top of Mt Alpha
especially if this route is to link up with the Mt Roy Track.
This linkage with Mt Roy will need formalising.
Over the proposed DOC estate recreationalists will be able to wander freely.
Recommendations
1 That 1333 ha of the back block on Spotts Creek Pastoral Lease be surrendered as a conservation area under section 7 of the Conservation Act 1987 to be controlled by the Department of Conservation.
2 That the POL of 740 ha will be transferred to the Department of Conservation as 1, above.
3 That a grazing licence for five years be issued to Spotts Creek Station over the 2074 ha for 500SU for three summer months as part of this agreement.
4 That public foot access along an easement be created up Spotts Creek and the Branch Burn into the DOC estate.
Mike Clare
SCO (PNAP/Pastoral)
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to ... Po 289 Spottis Creek
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to ... Oo 093 Spottis Creek
Public Access New Zealand
Wednesday, 14 December 1994
The Manager
Landcorp Property Limited
P O Box 27
ALEXANDRA
Dear Sir,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft proposal.
We have inspected the property. With reservations (itemised below)
we support the proposed tenure changes and public access provisions
(as advertised 15 October 1994).
The property is notable for a strong demarcation between developed
pasture and 'unimproved' native grasslands. Many years of pasture
development, close subdivisional fencing, and high stocking rates,
have created a 2-way split between 'green' pasture and remaining
tussock. The areas proposed for allocation to DOC largely incorporate
the remaining tussock grasslands. With two exceptions, discussed
below, and the need for public access provision, there appears
to be little of 'conservation' or recreation interest on the balance
of the property.
The first exception is a triangular corner adjoining the north
eastern boundary of the POL. This is undeveloped snow tussock
on moderately steep slopes. We have doubts that this area qualifies
as 'farm land' under section 51 of the Land Act. More significantly
however there is a good practical reason why this area should
be included in the public land estate. There are two generations
of failed fence on the ridge between the POL and what is proposed
to become freehold to the north. Because of snow damage it will
not be possible to maintain this as a stock barrier. It would
be better to choose a lower, north-facing boundary as a practical
fence line. This could cut out of upper Spotts Creek onto the
ridge to the east. There appears to be a strong line between oversown
pasture and tussock. We suggest that this become the boundary
between public land and freehold.
We note from consideration of the future of POL O93 back in 1986
that there is an on-going problem of stock drift and trespass
due to impractical boundaries/fencelines. This must not be compounded
by present-day decisions.
The second exception is the area downslope from the POL along
its south-eastern boundary. This has been partly oversown and
top-dressed, but still with a substantial tussock component near
the POL. The upper portion of this area needs to be closely assessed
to see if it qualifies as 'farm land'. If there is potential for
on-going grazing, but not for pasture improvement, the option
of a special lease rather than freehold should be considered.
Public access provisions
We strongly support the two access proposals. We understand that
public foot use of the routes, and the proposed DOC-administered
lands, will be "freely available". We understand this
to mean "without restraint", ie., no ability to close
or restrict public use and no imposition of charges for use. It
is only on this basis that we support tenure change. We wish our
view on this to be conveyed to the Commissioner of Crown Lands...
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposals, and
thanks to John Scurr, lessee, for his consent to my inspection.
Unfortunately he was not home on my return off the the hill so
I was unable to discuss my two reservations about the deal. I
would welcome opportunity to do so if that would assist.
Yours faithfully,
Bruce Mason
Trustee
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to ... Po 289 Spottis Creek
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to ... Oo 093 Spottis Creek
Knight Frank (NZ) Ltd
Land Resources Division
P O Box 27
Alexandra
Telephone (03) 448 6935
Facsimile (03) 448 9099
Our Ref: Oo93 & Po289
10 May 1996
Mr Bruce Mason
Trustee
Access New Zealand
RD I
OMAKAU
Dear Sir
RE: SPOTTS CREEK TENURE REVIEW
Thank you for your submission on the Sports Creek tenure review.
On the 11 January 1996 the Commissioner of Crown Lands approved
the exchange of property rights on Spotts Creek Pastoral Lease
and Pastoral Occupation License in accordance with the following
recommendations.
(1) That you accept the surrender of Po289 as at 30 June or 31
December following the completion of survey plans and necessary
documentation under Section 145 of the Land Act 1948.
(2) That an area of approximately 1300 ha subject to survey be
transferred to the Department of Conservation as conservation
land under the Conservation Act 1987.
(3) That an area of approximately 3297 ha be preferentially allocated
to John Mathew Scurr and Ann Rosalie Scurr as tenants in common
in equal share and the J M Scurr Children's Trust under Section
54 of the Land Act 1948 for purchase price as previously outlined.
(4) Landcorp Property Limited arranged survey.
(5) That you agree to the establishment of an access easement
up the Round Hill Spur and Spotts Creek which would be registered
under Section 72 of the Conservation Act.
(6) That you are allocate the Pastoral Occupation area of Oo93
being approximately 740 ha to the Department of Conservation as
conservation land under the Conservation Act 1987.
1 thank you again for your submissions as these proved to be useful
in finalising the tenure review.
Yours faithfully
T J Whittaker
for Manager, Alexandra
KNIGHT FRANK (NZ) LIMITED
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Spottis Creek
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to ... Oo 093 Spottis Creek