This page last modified 19 September 1998
Po 358
Remarkables
Otago Land District
Tenure review approved by Commissioner of Crown Lands <December
1996
Knight Frank
Land Resource Division
PASTORAL LEASE TENURE REVIEW
GLENROY
KF REF: Po358
DATE: 27 February 1996
SUMMARY OF PROPOSAL:
This report describes the physical attributes of the property along with a description of its commercial and conservation values. Based on an assessment of these values a tenure review proposaI has been negotiated with the Lessee. The report discusses some of the issues surrounding the review and recommends certain outcomes which have been agreed to in principle by the lessee. A summary of the proposal is as follows:
(a) The surrender of Glenroy Pastoral Lease (Po358) being 4878.9470 ha.
(b) The classification of an area of approximately 2024 ha as farmland under Section 51 of the Land Act 1948.
(c) The classification of an area of approximately 33 ha of unallocated Crown land as farmland under Section 51 of the Land Act 1948.
(d) The disposal of approximately 2057 ha of land classified as farmland to Glenroy Station Limited.
(e) The allocation of approximateIy 2300 ha as conservation estate.
(f) The issue of a Special Lease under Section 67(2) of the Land Act over an area of approximately 562 ha of pastoral land, to be administered by the CCL.
(g) The registration of an easement on the freehold title in favour of the Department of Conservation and inclusion of a condition in the Special Lease allowing 4WD access over the formed track from Coal Pit saddle to the proposed Conservation area for management purposes.
(h) The inclusion of a condition in the Special Lease allowing free public foot and mountain bike access along an agreed route shown on the attached map through the lease area to the proposed conservation area.
(i) The incorporation into freehold title an area of approximately 10 ha of conservation land adjacent to existing freehold and the Kawarau River.
LEASE DETAILS:
Legal Description: Run 345D Kawarau and Nevis Survey Districts, part Section 15 and Sections 36, 40, 46, 47, 51, 52, 57, 59, 60 - 62, Block 1 Kawarau Survey District and Sections 23 and 50 Block V Kawarau Survey District within Certificate of Title 338/143.
License to Occupy: Section 19 Block III Kawarau Survey District.
Area: Pastoral Lease: 4878.9470 hectares
License to Occupy: 39.9627 hectares
Lessee: Pastoral Lease: Glenroy Station Limited
The shares in Glenroy Station Limited are held by Raeleen Anne Hunter of Queenstown.
On 17 April 1995 the CCL approved a sub-lease of the property for grazing to Messrs D J and D H Scott until 24 December 1998.
Lease: Pastoral Lease under Section 66 Land Act 1948
Term: 33 years from 1 July 1985.
Expiry: 30 June 2018.
Annual Rent: $4,200 plus GST.
Licence to Occupy: This licence was held by the lessee of Glenroy for a term of 5 years from 1 January 1987. Rental was paid and the licence was allowed to run on untiI 1 September 1995. The land is presently unallocated Crown land.
RESOURCE REPORTS:
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:
The property is located on the north-eastern shoulder of the Remarkables Range at Gibbston. It ranges in altitude from 350 metres adjacent to Highway 6 to 1995 metres at the summit of Ben Cruachan. The homestead is approximately 20 kms east of Queenstown.
The property is run in conjunction with 106 ha of adjacent freehold. The lease comprises easy sloping terraces to approximately 700 metres rising more steeply to high ridges running off the high peaks of the Remarkables.
Rainfall averages 614 mm per annum at Gibbston, estimated to rise to around 1000 mm at the back of the property. The climate is characterised by hot summers accentuated by the predominantly northerly aspect and cold winters with snow often lying to around 1300 metres. A high level of variability of rainfall between seasons with periodic summer droughts is also a characteristic. This property is generally considered warm due to its northerly aspect.
The lower terraces and hill slopes below approximately 750 metres (1400 ha approx) are considered moderately rabbit prone with an historic poisoning cycle of around 10 years.
There are no major weed problems on Glenroy although Sweet briar is becoming dense in places on shady faces at lower altitude and is present at higher altitude up to 900 m. Hawkweeds are widespread on the property but are generally not dominant. Pinus contorta is present in a small number of seed trees in the Doolans catchment which are presently spreading to 500 - 1000 trees in dense clusters and widely scattered seedlings.
Prior to transfer to the present lessees in August 1994 the
property was run as a traditional fine wool operation utilising
the high altitude country over summer and early autumn and wintering
and lambing on the lower slopes. The property contains a good
balance of country for this purpose. Since transfer to the present
lessee, grazing on the property has been leased to the adjoining
farmer until the end of 1998. A clause included in the agreement
allows areas subject to transfer to the Department of Conservation
as a result of tenure review to be released from the agreement
from 25 December 1996 . Approximately 800 ha of mid and lower
northern facing country has been deer fenced with the anticipation
of establishing a safari hunting operation. Further development
into vineyards on the lower slopes is being investigated.
SOILS/COVER/LAND USE CAPABILITY:
Proposed Freehold:
Class IV
Gladbrook and Shotover SoiIs on terraces and fans above the Kawarau
River in lucerne and improved pasture. Medium to high naturaI
fertility suitable for dryland lucerne, oversowing and viticulture
on sunny aspects.
238 ha
Class VI
Blackstone, Arrow and Shotover hill soils on mainly moderate warm
slopes up to 900 metres with cover of fescue tussock, browntop,
sweet vernal, clover and some improved grasses previously oversown.
Mainly medium to high fertility capable of oversowing with improved
grasses.
942 ha
Class VII
Arrow and Arrow Dunstan intergrade soils helow 900 metres mainly
on dry sunny slopes comprising fescue and silver tussock cover,
browntop, sweet vernal and brome grasses, many isolated scree
and slip areas. Small area of cold shady slopes above Doolan's
Creek comprising dense cover of short tussock and sward grasses.
468 ha
Class VII
Carrick and Dunstan steepland soils mainly above 900 metres, low
to very low natural fertility. Generally comprising snow tussock
grassland usually in good condition.
371 ha
Class VIII
Ridge crest above Mount Edward between 1000 and 1400 metres comprising
Dunstan steepland soils on very steep and bluffy sunny slopes.
Cover is mainly depleted snow tussock, scree and bluffs.
40 ha
TOTAL AREA: 2059 ha
Proposed Special Lease:
Class VI
Arrow-Dunstan steepland intergrade on shady slopes between 750
- 950 metres in the Doolan' Catchment. Low to medium fertility
with cover of Fescue tussock and sward grasses with scattered
snow tussock at higher levels, Hieracium pilasella widespread.
10 ha
Class VII
Carrick and Dunstan steepland soils underlying mosaic of snow
tussock and dracophyllan shrubland, fescue tussock, browntop and
sweet vernal, generally providing good cover except on more depleted
sunny faces, grazing induced short tussock and sward grasses more
dominant at lower altitude, scattered P. contorta and patches
of H. pilasella.
550 ha
TOTAL AREA: 560 ha
Proposed Conservation Estate:
Class Vl
Blackstone and Arrow steepland soils on lower shady slopes above
the Doolan's Creek of medium fertility. Cover comprises hard tussock
and sward grasses with Cassinia scrub, small number scattered
P. contorta.
55 ha
CIass VII
Carrick and Dunstan steepland soils underlying snow tussock in
poor to good condition mainly above 1000 metres. Low to very low
natural fertility. Induced short tussock dominant grasslands on
lower slopes and sunny aspects.
1220 ha
Class VIII
Dunstan steepland, Obelisk and Carrick hill soils generally above
1350 metres. Low to very low fertility, shallow fragile soils,
many areas of very steep bluffy slopes comprising gravel and screes.
Cover comprising felfield, alpine cushion plants, alpine herb
field and snow tussock grassland.
1025 ha
TOTAL AREA: 2300 ha
PRODUCTION:
The property is being grazed on a lease arrangement with the adjoining farmer within a stock limitation of 3630 su. A right also exists within the stock limit to substitute 1500 su of sheep with the equivalent in deer over a 2 year period.
Block limits apply to the high country blocks as follows:
Tops and Brown's Basin:
1500 sheep for 3 months between mid-January and mid-April. This equates to .21 sheep/ha/year.
Darkside:
1200 sheep for 3 months between mid-January and mid-April. This equates to .25 sheep/ha/year.
PREVIOUS HISTORY:
The pastoral lease was first issued for Glenroy in 1952 with a base limit in the lease of 3150 sheep (approximately 2400 SU). Oversowing and topdressing the lower north facing country resulted in a dramatic increase in carrying capacity from the early 70's. Grazing levels graduaIly reduced on the property from a peak in 1984 as follows:
| 1984 | 5859 su |
| 1988 | 5780 su |
| 1989 | 5277 su |
| 1991 | 5300 su |
| 1993 | 4426 su |
| 1995 | 3630 su |
Grazing levels have also reduced on the unimproved high country from around .46 sheep/ha/year to .22 sheep/ha/year actually carried.
In 1977 the Department of Lands and Survey completed a management study of the Remarkables and the Hector Mountains following consideration by the Land Settlement Board of an application to establish a skifield in the Rastus Burn Basin. The report recommended among other things:
(1) That a scenic reserve of approximately 20,000 ha be established over the alpine region of Class VII and VIII country including the headwaters of DooIan's Creek.
(2) That economic and management viability of pastoral runs be ensured.
(3) That appropriate water and soil conservation measures be implemented on vulnerable lands, preferably by the adoption of run plans.
(4) That the long term protection of higher altitude Class VII and all Class VIII land will require permanent destocking whilst recognising that this may be difficult in practice.
In 1984 a Soil and Water Run Plan was entered into with the following objectives:
(a) To separate Class VI land from higher Class VII land within the basin and Coal Pit Face Blocks.
(b) To separate lower altitude Class VII country within the Darkside Doolan's Block from higher altitude Class VII and VIII areas within this catchment.
(c) To formulate a grazing management system to reduce stock encroachment onto Class VIII areas within the Basin Block.
Approximately 12 kms of fencing was subsidised to effect the above objectives.
CONSERVATION RESOURCES:
Summary of Significant Conservation Resources:
The pastoral lease contains the following features:
Landforms:
Part of the distinctive features of The Remarkables, including the northern section of the main ridge system, and the head basin of Doolans Creek (left branch) including moraine deposits, isolated cirque basins and periglacial features such as solifluction terraces.
Vegetation:
High botanical values typical of The Remarkables/Hector Mountains comprising the following communities:
(a) Shrublands
(b) Snow Tussocklands
(c) Fellfields and Cushionfields
(d) Snowbanks
(e) Wetlands
Invertebrates:
All land above 1500 metres has extremely high value for native invertebrate conservation, a reflection of the diversity and quality of ecosystems present.
Of note is the presence of five species of moth and one land snail species which are endemic to The Remarkables and 11 species of moth, weevil, grasshopper, stonefly and caddie which are considered to be localised and rare.
Landscape:
The property contains a visually significant part of the impressive upland massif of The RemarkabIes, which are highly visible from many parts of the Wakatipu Basin and Kawarau Gorge and forms a major physical component to the setting of one of New Zealand's most important tourist destinations.
Importance to Maori:
The Remarkables are culturally significant to Maori. The range is home to supernatural people called Maeroero. Kawarau is the traditional name of The Remarkables. The Kawarau Gorge was a traditional route into the Wakatipu and beyond.
Historic Sites:
A significant site is located on an area of Crown land adjacent to the pastoral lease at Coal Pit Saddle. It comprises the site of early coal mining dating back to 1862 and which has a strong connection with the supply of coal to gold dredges working on the Kawarau River.
Recreational Use:
(a) A long history of tramping and climbing dating back to 1864, with use remaining popular but limited in the past by its remoteness.
(b) Heliskiing and ski-touring, the former benefiting from improved accessibility since development of the nearby Remarkables Skifield.
The entire area of The Remarkables is recognised as being of national importance for outdoor recreation.
MINERAL RESOURCES:
There are known deposits of coal within Glenroy which were last worked in the late 1960's. The full extent of these deposits is not known. Gold was mined along the banks of the Kawarau River and within creeks south of the main highway between the 1860's and the turn of the century. The extent of the remaining gold deposits within the property is not known.
TOURISM RESOURCES:
The proximity of the property to Queenstown has meant there exists potential for tourist related activities on the property. Opportunities in the vacinity are presently being exploited through the bungy jump and Gibbston Valley Winery, both adjacent to this property. The lessee is presently establishing a deer enclosure over a large portion of the property with the aim of establishing a safari hunting operation. Heliskiing presently occurs within the DooIan's Basin at the back of the property.
Further potential may exist for developing guided walks to Ben Cruachan and Mount Salmond for sight seeing, eco-tours and guided ski touring possibly involving round trips from the Remarkables Ski Field.
The DOC Otago Conservancy Draft CMS states that appropriate contiguous areas within the Remarkables Hector Range which are acquired by the Department of Conservation will be added to the proposed Remarkables Conservation Park. Recreation and tourist concessionaire use of the area may be allowed where detrimental effects on the natural and historicaI resources and the remote experience recreation opportunity can be avoided, remedied or mitigated.
FORESTRY RESOURCES:
Potential does exist below 900 metres for commercial species such as Douglas fir. Some small woodlots of this specie already exist on the property. Any expansion of forestry within the proposed freehold area will need to consider issues of maintenance of landscape quality and potential for wilding tree spread. No obvious potential for commercial forestry is identified within the area proposed for retention by the Crown, however there may be potential for crops such as sugar maple.
DETAILS OF PROPOSAL:
The proposal has been developed by Knight Frank (NZ) Limited as agents for the Commissioner of Crown Lands in consultation with the lessee and the Department of Conservation. The aims of the proposal are:
To promote sustainable management of the land contained within the lease.
The protection of the Crown's interest in nature conservation and recreation and the protection of the historic sites on the property should they exist.
LAND PROPOSED FOR FREEHOLD:
| Pastoral lease land | 2024 ha |
| Licence to graze | 33 ha |
| Crown land adjacent to freehold and marginal strip on Kawarau River | 10 ha |
| Total Estimated Area to Freehold | 2067 ha |
The attached map outlines the proposed boundaries of the freehold and the physical ~attributes are described separately for the proposed freehold area on Page 2.
Discussion and Justification:
It is the Crowns position that land containing principally commercial productive values is most effectively managed under freehold tenure subject to the Resource Management Act 1991.
The original Crown proposal presented to the lessee was that which is recommended in this report with the exception that country above 1000 metres on the end of the ridge northeast of Ben Cruachan was excluded from proposed freehold. The lessee argues that this country, being north facing, is important wintering country which is capable of pasture improvement to around 1200 metres. As a result of negotiation this country was included in the proposed freehold.
The sunny aspect of the area proposed for freehold does result in a potential for pasture improvement to a higher than normal altitude of up to around 1200 metres. Those areas included in the freehold above this altitude are relatively minor and is necessary to achieve a practical fenced boundary. Stock tend to remain on the improved parts of these blocks.
No significant conservation values are considered to exist within the 2067 ha proposed for freehold.
LAND PROPOSED FOR SPECIAL LEASE:
Total estimated area 562 ha
Discussion and justification:
This area contains predominantly shady aspect country above 900 metres which is not considered capable of physically or economically sustaining pasture improvement. It is therefore not considered suitable for reclassification to 'farmland' and therefore cannot legally be freeholded.
No significant conservation values have been identified within this area. A significant area of similar vegetation is proposed to be protected within the conservation estate within the present Glenroy lease area and within Mount Rosa, the adjoining property to the east. This area is not considered to contain important values for recreation apart from use as an access route to Mount Salmond and Ben Cruachan and up the left branch of Doolan's Creek. Legal access is to be provided to these points.
This area has historically been grazed at higher stocking rates than presently and yet vegetation is generally in reasonable condition over most of its area. However, it is acknowledge that there is evidence such as that presented to the South Island High Country Review Committee which reinforces doubts about the sustainability of grazing of unimproved grasslands such as this.
This block and other similar blocks in this vicinity have been seasonally grazed for over 100 years. This has resulted in a transition from tall tussock to short tussock cover on a portion of the block at lower altitude and on sunnier aspects. These areas are vulnerable to invasion by exotic weeds such as hieracium. At present there is insufficient evidence to suggest that there would be a marked advantage in terms of stability of vegetation cover from destocking the area compared to a conservative level of seasonal grazing. The uncertainty of this proposition however justifies ongoing monitoring of the effects of grazing on the vegetation.
This area may have potential for commercial uses other than pastoral farming as identified earlier in this report. The special lease is intended to facilitate such uses whilst ensuing their negative impacts are avoided, remedied or mitigated.
This area contains a small number of mature Pinus contorta trees which have seeded onto the surrounding country resulting in a scattering of seedlings. These have the potential to rapidly infest the surrounding country. It is thus proposed that the lease rental be remitted over a period of three years on a programme of eradication being carried out by the lessee over this period.
The special lease for this area will be designed to maintain land use options for the future in the face of uncertainty about the sustainability of the present use. In the event of new legislation which would allow the freeholding of such areas and with an improved understanding of sustainability issues associated with such country, the Crown's need to retain this area may be reassessed.
Summary of Conditions:
Lease Purpose:
The purpose of the lease is to provide for the sustainable manageable and use of the lease area as determined by the District Plan and the policies of the Department of Survey and Land Information.
Administration:
DOSLI
Rent:
Market rate as a percentage of value of Land Exclusive of Improvements. Reviewable every 5 years. Remitted over first 3 years on lessee carrying out programme of wilding tree eradication.
Term:
20 years with a review of vegetation condition at the end of each 10 year period and a continueing right of a further 10 year period on the conditions of the lease being complied with and monitoring indicating that vegetation and soil is being maintained in a satisfactory condition.
Other Conditions:
AREA PROPOSED FOR INCLUSION IN CONSERVATION ESTATE:
Proposed addition to the Remarkables Conservation Park proposal. 2240 ha
Proposed Cassinia shrubland conservation area. 30 ha
Proposed Lepidium Kawarau Conservation Area at Cowcliff. 25 ha
Proposed Historic Reserve, Coal Pit Saddle. 5 ha
Total estimated area to Conservation Estate: 2300 ha
DISCUSSION AND JUSTIFICATION:
This proposal provides appropriate protection for those conservation values identified by the Department of Conservation as being significant. No benefits to the identified conservation values are considered to result from grazing, hence these areas are to be fenced from the balance of the property and destocked with the exception of the historic reserve which will continue to be available for grazing. No significant constraint to the commerciaI use of these areas for tourism or commercial recreation is expected to result from their inclusion in the conservation estate where these uses have no detrimental effect on the natural and historic resource and remote recreational opportunities for the public or where affects can be avoided, remedied or mitigated.
The impact of this proposal on the pastoral operation is significant in that there wiIl be a loss of grazing for approximately 1580 sheep for 3 summer months. The loss of this grazing is estimated to have an impact on the carrying capacity of the property of around 600 su's. This impact however, needs to be considered in light of the uncertain sustainability of continuing to graze high altitude unimproved grasslands such as this and the alternative uses available for the balance of the property which do not depend on grazing this area.
The lessee has requested that the legal boundary with the pastoral lease and freehold adjacent to the Kawarau River marginal strip be realigned so that a rabbit fence can be constructed close to the terrace edge. There are also two small areas of conservation land adjacent to sections 36, 37, 46 and Pt 43 which are considered to serve no conservation purpose and are available for disposal. This would effectively contain the flat pasture areas within rabbit fenced blocks thus reducing the feed available for rabbits within the marginal strip and DOC stewardship land.
EASEMENTS REGISTERED ON FREEHOLD TITLE/ACCESS CONDITIONS WITHIN LEASE:
(1) Public foot and mountain bike access within the special lease on a line shown on the attached map.
Discussion and justification:
An existing formed track access runs up the ridge from Coal Pit Saddle to Mount Edward and Mount Salmond. This track enters into the proposed freehold for a short distance above Coal Pit Saddle.
The lessee was concerned that public access up this track would increase the risk of public interference with his proposed safari hunting operation as this track runs alongside the existing safari enclosure deer fence. To satisfy this concern we have suggested constructing a formed foot track along the old water race from Coal Pit Saddle and thence climbing to the ridge where the conservation estate commences. Public vehicle access up the existing ridgeline track would be subject to the consent of the landowner/lessee..
(2) Vehicle access easement in favour of DOC:
Along the existing formed track from Coal Pit Saddle to the proposed conservation area boundary.
Discussion and justification:
The purpose of this easement would be to provide DOC vehicle access to the conservation area for management purposes.
(3) Coal Pit Saddle Road:
It is proposed that the formation of the Coal Pit Saddle Road within the property be legalised where the formation is not within the legal road boundary.
Discussion and justification:
This road provides an important vehicle access point to foot access easements proposed within both Glenroy and Wentworth Pastoral Leases. A formal response on this proposal has yet to be received from the Queenstown-Lakes District Council.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
(1) That you approve this proposal being publicly advertising with the following outcomes being recommended:
(a) The surrender of the pastoral lease over Po358 Glenroy under Section 145 of the a Land Act 1948, being a total area of 4878.9470 ha.
(b) The classification of an area of approximately 2024 ha previously held within Po358 as "farmland" (on the lines depicted as "'proposed Freehold" on the attached map) under Section 51 of the Land Act 1948.
(c) The classification of an area of unallocated crown land of approximately 33 ha previously held under Licence to Graze LG991 as "farmland" under Section 51 of the Land Act 1948.
(d) The fixing of the legal alignment of Coal Pit Saddle Road on the existing' road formation if and where necessary.
(e) The preferential allocation on freehold title of approximately 2057 ha of land classified as farmland (ie that land depicted as "proposed freehold" on the attached map) to Glenroy Station Limited under Section 54 of the Land Act 1948.
(f) Freehold title being issued subject to the registration of an access easement in favour of the Department of Conservation allowing 4WD access up the formed track from Coal Pit Saddle (as shown on the attached map) under Section 7(2) Conservation Act 1987.
(g) The issue of a Special Lease under Section 67 (2) of the Land Act 1948 to Glenroy Station Limited over an area of approximately 562 ha on boundaries depicted in the attached map and on conditions recommended in this report.
(h) The inclusion of conditions in the Special Lease allowing public foot and mountain bike access over a route within the lease shown approximately on the attached map and DOC vehicle access along the formed track from Coal Pit Saddle to the proposed conservation estate.
(i) The laying off of marginal strips along the banks of alI water courses exceeding 3 metres in width within the areas proposed for disposal on freehold title and Special Lease.
(j) The transfer to the Department of Conservation for management for conservation purposes a total area of approximately 2300 ha being:
2240 ha. Mountain lands at the head of DooIan's Creek left branch.
30 ha. Cassinia shrubland adjacent to Doolan's Creek and Coal Pit Saddle Road.
25 ha. Lepidium kawarau habitat adjacent to Kawarau Bridge.
5 ha. Containing historic relics of coal mine at Coal Pit Saddle
(k) The disposal and incorporation into freehold title an area of approximately 10 ha of Conservation land adjacent to the Kawarau River and to sections 36, 37 and Pt 43 to Glenroy Station Limited.
Appended:
Topographical map of proposal
Cadastral
Aerial photo showing boundary rationalisation DOC land
GLENROY 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 Glenroy Pastoral Lease and outlines the basis for discussion between the Crown agencies and the lessee for tenure review.
Glenroy is a medium sized property of 4876 ha located on the eastern side of the Hector/Remarkables Ranges. It extends from the main ridge system to include Mount Salmond and Mount Edward to Coal Pit Saddle. The southern boundary is the right branch of Doolans Creek and the northern boundary is the Kawarau River.
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 materiaI 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.
ECOLOGICAL FEATURES
Physical Description
i Historical
The "Remarkables" were named by Alexander Garvie, surveyor, in 1857. The "Hector Mountains" were named by James McKerrow after James Hector, provincial geologist of Otago.
Professor James Park described the area in 1908:
"The Remarkables are a chain of high, broken mountain peaks, rising over 2000 feet above the general level of the table-topped block ranges of Pisa, Carrick and Dunstan. They form the western boundaries of the old base level plain of Central Otago - the crest of the 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 ... Not with standing 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 sud-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 365 m to 1905 m asl at the highest point of the Ridge between Ben Cruachan and Mount Salmond.
v Climate
Annual rainfall ranges from 460 mm at lower altitude to 1015 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.
Vegetation
Introduction
AS with other properties in the Remarkable/Hector Mountains, the upper slopes of Glenroy have high botanical values while land below about 950 m is primarily dominated by exotic grasses although the native silver tussock Poa cita and hard tussock Festuca novae zelandiae are locally common. the lower shrubland have a mix of native and exotic species which include briar, elderberry, matagouri and coprosma. A few pines are scattered over both the Kawarau and Doolans faces. The dominance of native species increases with altitude and below about 950 m the native component decrease but is always present to some extent.
Tall snow tussock Chionochloa rigida is the major community above the lower grassland and shrubland already mentioned and is described below. The upper ridges and basins are characterised by fellfield and cushionfield vegetation with several important alpine wetlands, one of which is crossed by a 4WD track. This track does not assist the conservation of this wetland and the stopping of this track at least just west of Mount Salmond, if this is to be protected, is recommended. As well, above here it is often blocked by snowbanks well into summer.
Plant Communities Present
Shrubland: These are largely confined to the deep gullies and are a mixture of native and exotic species of relatively low botanical value. Adjacent to the lower section of the Coal Pit Road and the lease boundary in the right branch of Doolans Creek is an area of Cassinia vauvilliersii dominated shrubland. This community extends from 920 metres down to the valley floor and across on to the adjoining Mt Rosa Pastoral Lease. This community is found at a lower altitude, with fescue tussock, and complements similar communities found at higher altitudes on Wentworth in association with tall tussock. Its botanical value warrants protection. A mixture of Dracophyllum pronum shrubland and snow tussock occurs on the south facing slopes overlooking the Doolans and also in the upper Camp Creek. Both these latter have good botanical values.
Tall tussockland: The majority of this pastoral lease over about 1000 m has a good to very good cover of snow tussock, Chionochloa rigida up to about 1600 m with C macra above, to 1800 m in sheltered hollows and on deeper soils. The tussock cover varies from about 50% on sunny north faces where bare ground can be up to 10% on steeper, stony ground but generally has a good cover of other native species such as Raoulia subsericea, Leucopogon fraseri, Lycopodium fastigiatum, Wahlenbergia albomarginata, CelmisZa sessiliflora, Poa colensoi, Rytidosperma pumilum, Stellaria gracilenta, Epilobium alsinoides and cats ear Hypochoeris radicata. Tussock cover on cool, damp faces is greater being about 60% to 80% and with a higher number of inter-tussock species. In some areas hard tussock Festuca novae zelandiae replaces snow tussock which then appears as scattered plants usually with some small shrubs such as Hebe hector), Cassinia vauvilliersii, Dracophyllurn pronum, Pimelea oreophylla and speargrass Aciphylla "lomond" on higher altitudes with A. aurea lower. Chionochloa macra descends lower on these faces, to about 1500 m. Other small plants found amongst the tussock include Geurn leiospermum. Acaena caesiiglauca, Relleria dieffenbachii, Gentiana corymbifera, Geranium microphyllum, Euphrasia zelandica, Anisotomeflexnosa, Carex wakatipu, Poa colensoi and the exotic species Hieracium pilosella and sorrel Rumex acetosella.
Fellfield and cushionfield: The exposed ridge tops and slopes above 1800 m are often bare, rocky areas with few plants or scattered cushionfields. Under Ben Cruachan solifluction terraces are found with numerous cushion plants. These are special areas as are the plants found here. On the ridge tops at 1400 m, where the vegetative cover is only about 50% (the rest rock and rubble) Dracophyllum muscoides dominates, with Leucopogon fraseri, Poa colensoi, moss, lichens and patches of Chionochloa macra, Aciphylla aurea and hard tussock Festuca novae zelandiae. Under Ben Cruachan the cushionfields have a greater range of plants which include Chionehebe thompsonii, Rytidosperma pumillum, Poa colensoi, Abrotanella inconspicua, Leptinella gayenii, Raoulia heaori, R. grandiflora, R. youngii, Colobanthusbuchananii, Luzalapumila, Hectorella caespitosa, Anisotome imbricata, Agrostis muelleriana, Epilobium tasmanicum, Carex pyrenaica var. cephalotes, C. pterocarpa, C. Iachenalii, Brachyscome montana and moss. Scree slopes have Hebe haastii var. hurnilis, Epilobium porphyriu~n and Leptinella pectinata spp. villosa. Patches of Chionochloa macra can be found on north facing slopes at 1830 m with some of the cushion plants plus Taraxacum magellanicum, Scleranthus uniflorus, Myosotis pygmaea var. drucei, Epilobium atriplicifolium, Schizeilerna exigumn and Leptinella albida, classified as rare in the threatened plants list.
Snowbanks: Along the higher ridges where snow lies for a considerable period into early summer, or later, some specialist plants occur. They include Celmisia haostii, Phyllachne colensol, Raoulia subulata, Ranunculus pachyrrhizus, Kelleria childii, Plantago lanigera, Montia australasica and others. Many of these plants can be found in other communities as well.
Wetlands: A number of wetland areas, seepages, bogs, flushes can be found. All have typical alpine wetland plants which include various rushes, sedges, grasses and herbs. These areas are often where sheep are found grazing and hoof marks in the very soft surfaces and pulled tufts of moss can often be seen. A particularly important wetland is found near Ben Cruachan. It is in the form of a string bog with a series of descending pools surrounded by a large snowbank, solifluction terraces, cushionfields and screes all at 1800 m.
Overall the botanical va]ues on the property above about 1000 m are high and compliment and add to those on the adjacent Rastus Burn Recreation Reserve.
The flora of the HectorslRemarlcables Ranges contains several unusual and distinctive alpine species. Notable species include Ranunculus buchananii, Anisotome capillifolia, Celmisia verbascifolia, Aciphylla lecomtei, Leptinella albida and Brachyscome "montana". Most of these species occur in high rocky cirques on alpine lands within the Glenroy Pastoral Lease.
Lepidium kawarau: This threatened species is recorded from the series of bluffs below Cowcliff Hill. Other notable native species present are the local broom, Carmichaelia compacta, Hebe rupestris and Pimelea aridula. Lepidium occurs on rock ledges. Despite the overall dominant induced thyme vegetation, the presence of an extensive population of Lipidium kawarau warrants protection of this bluff system.
Fauna
i Vertebrates
In summer, southern black-backed gulls are the most abundant bird species at higher altitudes, nesting at the numerous small tarns in the heads of the Doolans Basins, along with smaller numbers of paradise shelduck and South Island pied oystercatchers. Skylarks and pipits are widespread in the tussocklands. Kea and New Zealand falcon have been recorded in low numbers. Quail and chukar are present in low numbers also.
ii Invertebrates
All land above 1500 m has extremely high value for native invertebrate conservation. the range of ecosystems present including wetlands, fellfield, scree, snowbanks and high alpine grassland/herbfield and cushionfield will contain, from studies on adjacent parts of the mountain, a rich insect fauna (Patrick et al., 1992). That study found 186 moth species above 1640 m which included several species confined to the RemarkableslHector 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 Hoicoperla magna will be living in high alpine seepages, caddie - the newly names shortwinged Hydrobiosis torrentis and mayflies. Because the fauna of this area is a mixture of western (Eyre Mountain-Humboldt Mountain) and Central Otago species, in addition to its own endemics it is of great sign)ficance and warrants appropriate recognition and protection.
Endemic Invertebrates (5 species)
Localised and Rare Invertebrates (11 species)
Landscape Assessment:
Cone Peak, Glenory, Mount Rosa and Wentworth
A field inspection of the above pastoral leases was undertaken late February 1995. The backcountry on Glenroy was assessed of the property from surrounding points to the north. The study area is confined mainly to the impressive upland massif of the RemarkableslHector 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:
To heIp analyse which way management of the three landscape types should be orientated m 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.
Mountainlands
This landscape type could be broadly described as a natural landscape where all the inherent ecosystems and processes are still intact. There }is very little noticeable change in the ground cover from one property to another which in aggregate creates a visually cohesive landscape. A feature in many places is the abrupt change from snow tussock to the barren fellfields, this rapid change from a tawny yellow ground cover to large depleted areas is one of the mountainlands' distinctive characteristics. Much of these mountainlands are highly visible from many parts of the Wakatipu/ Arrowtown Basin and form a major physical component to the setting of one of New Zealand's most important tourist destinations.
The high country on Wentworth is not visible from State Highway 6 or other parts of the local roading network (perhaps from the Crown Range) but this rangeland's landscape values are contained in its remoteness qualities, being surrounded by extensive mid-altitudinal tussockland. The serrated skyline, patches of permanent snow, and blue-grey scree on Wentworth link up with other ridgelines to form the Remarkables/Elector chain of mountains. The spectacuIar 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 instaIlations such as communication towers.
| High | Mod-High | Moderate | Mod-Low | Low | |
| Intactness | X | ||||
| Coherence | X | ||||
| Distinctiveness | X | ||||
| Visibility | X |
Mid-Altitude Slopes
This landscape type takes in the band of snow tussock contained within all the pastoral leases. A characteristic of the snow tussock is that vigour and density of the grass is more noticeable towards the west. This could be due to the fact that the rainfall lessens further east, the result being the landscape taking on semi-arid characteristics. This is particularly noticeable between Mount Rosa and the lower part of Wentworth where the tussocks are sparse and look like they are in ecological decline due to a combination of both natural and human induced factors.
The long prominent slopes are frequently bisected by incised streams with some of these watercourses changing into wide valley systems at a low altitude, probably the most impressive being the Rastus 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-Low | Low | |
| Intactness | X | ||||
| Coherence | X | ||||
| Distinctiveness | X | ||||
| Visibility | X |
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-Low | Low | |
| Intactness | X | ||||
| Coherence | X | ||||
| Distinctiveness | X | ||||
| Visibility | X |
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.
Tapuacnuku and Kawarau are the traditional Maori names of the Hector Range and Remarkables Range respectively. Tapuaenuku is a contraction of Tapuae Uenuku referring to the footsteps of the rainbow god and is placed on several mountains or mountain ranges throughout the Otago region and elsewhere in Te Wai Pounamu. At the northern end of the Kawarau River on the south bank of the Kawarau, at a place called 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.
Archaeological and Historic Features
There are no known Maori sites located on the property. Four historic sites dating from gold mining activities are recorded and are described as follows:
Site 1: The Welshmans Race - This race commences in the upper left hranch of Doolans Creek and passes through the Coal Pit Saddle and continues across the northern face of Mount Rosa and terminates on the hill fact above the Victoria Bridge Flats. The race was dug in the 19th Century by a party of Welshman at a cost of £300 to bring water onto the flats for mining But no gold was obtained (Cooke 1985: 60).
Site 2 (GR 905 645): Coal Pit Saddie Coal Mine (S 133/598). The old Gibbston coal mine is situated in the saddle between Doolans Creek and Gibbston. The site can be divided into an upper section just below the saddle and lower section approximately 500 m down the Coal Pit Road from the saddle. This site is not located on the pastoral lease but on an adjacent block of Crown land held under a grazing licence.
The upper section consists of a basin, which may have been sluiced, which is drained by a small water course, with the most obvious signs of workings on the eastern side of the creek. The remains of an Allis Chalmers bulldozer and a conveyor belt elevator are present. The amorphous form of the workings suggest that it has primarily been worked by exposing the coal seams with bulldozer. These upper workings extend for approximately 200 m down the slope.
The lower workings extend for a further 250-300 m down the slope. There is little obvious sign of how the coal was worked in this section of the mine. The large boilers are the most prominent feature of this part of the site. The first of the boilers lies above the road where it crosses the water course. This boiler was probably mounted on large diameter iron wheels, two of which lie next to the boiler. On the slope above the boiler a heavy crankshaft attached to a third wheel protrudes from the ground.
The second boiler stands on a terrace next to the road and is partially obscured by matagouri and an elderberry. East of this boiler is a wooden foundation approximately 3 m x 1.5 m. At the sough end of the boiler is a raised area 6 m x 2 m outlined in schist slabs of unknown function. Leading onto this terrace from the upper section is a tram line. This tram line continues below the second boiler and drops down the hill face. The third boiler lies immediately west of the road and lies next to a mound of coal dust. A track leads down from the terrace to a large flat where three mounds of find coal and a loading ramp with a hopper are present.
Coal was discovered here in 1862 and almost immediately exploited because of the general absence of fuel in a largely treeless environment. The mine had several owners until 1877 when it was bought by Richard Owens of the Morven Ferry for £1150. Owens employed six men at the mine, four underground and two above. In order to improve access to the mine, a tram line was installed at a cost of £500. Soon after the tram line was completed in 1887, Owens was declared bankrupt. The mine went through several owners after Owens, including James Cowan who owned a nearby mine. In 1899 the mine was being worked (unsuccessfully) by sluicing using water from the Welshmens race. The Gibbston Coal Pit Co. then took over the mint to meet the high demand for coal generated by the gold dredges working the Kawarau River. Several boilers were installed, one of which was used to power a winch that operated the tram line. A fire in the mine closed it. The mine was briefly opened in the 1930s until a second fire closed it again. The mine was last worked, by open casting, in the late 1960s (Cooke 1985: 46-48).
Site 3 (GR: 898 659):): Cowans Coal Mine - This site is situated to the west of the coal pit road midway down the hill face. Little remains of this coal mine. Records and the presence of spoil dumps typical of those generating by dumping from ore carts indicate that the coal was mined underground. However, no shafts or edits were located.
This mine was opened in the 1880s by James Cowan, a gold miner from Macetown. Cowan was killed by a collapsing mine drive in 1895. His wife and family continued to work the mine for several years after his death. The mine was briefly reopened in 1927-2B (Cooke: 48-50).
Site 4 (GR: 882 6891: Pigeon Hole Sluicings - Situated at the head of the gully behind the Glenroy cottage. An area of approximately 200 m wide has been hydraulically sluiced to produce near vertical faces up to 20 m high. The floor of the sluice pit is heavily overgrown with briar.
No historic reference to this site was found during research in the Mines Department annual reports. However, the site is now shown on Parks 1908 geological map of the area which implies that it of a 20th Century date.
Both coal mines and the water race date to the late 19th Century and are protected by the 1993 Historic Places Act. While little remains of Cowan's mine, the Coal Pit Saddle (Gibbston) mine is of some importance and particularly the lower section warrants some further protection. Coal mines were a vital part of the life on the Otago goldfields providing fuel not only for domestic purposes but also for the steam engine of quartz mines and gold dredges. The Gibbston mine is a surviving example of the several small mines which formerly existed in Central Otago. The boilers and tram line, combined with easy access from the Coal Pit road, give potential for public interpretation.
The Pigeon Hole sluicings are not old enough for protection under the 1993 Act. Since similar sites are not uncommon and there is little likelihood of damage from current farming practices, no special protection is warranted.
Recreational Use
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.
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.
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".
Recreation Access (Refer to Map A)
There is a marginal strip along the Kawarau River frontage of the property east of the Kawarau Bridge reserve. The right branch of Doolans Creek would warrant a marginal strip for the distance that its width exceeds 3 m. Similarly, the lower section of Camp Creek may also require marginal strips to be laid off. Along the frontage of the property with the Kawarau River west of the Kawarau Bridge reserve is an unformed legal road.
A legal road exists from Gibbston to Nevis Crossing, called ,he Coal Pit Road. It provides 2WD vehicle access to Coal Pit Saddle ridge leading to Mount Salmond and Ben Cruachan, and the right branch of Doolans Creek. The road is of 4WD standard beyond the saddle The ridge leading to Ben Cruachan has a good 4WD formed access track along its length from the Coal Pit Saddle. The Glenroy section of the formed Coal Pit Road would become legalised as a consequence of completion of the tenure review of the pastoral lease.
The Coal Pit road represents an opportunity to provide good public access to the eastern basins of the Remarkables Range. It also has a secondary value as a link between Gibbston and the Nevis Crossing.
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Wild Animals
The property has very few wild animals. The odd deer (red) has been seen on the property. Occasionally feral goats are seen on the true left of Doolans but there appears to be little colonisation occurring of the property.
Animal Pests
Rabbits are the chronic pest on the property, with possums being low in numbers. The low altitude land has an escalating rabbit population and poisoning operations are planned for this winter. This type of country is very good habitat for rabbits and the visual build-up/knock-down cycle has been in progress over a number of years.
Hares are in high numbers throughout the area and frequent the high alpine meadows.
The common predators - cats, stoats and ferrets - are present on the property, especially where rabbits occur.
Plant Pests
Briar is the dominant weed with locaiised patches of broom and gorse in the low altitude land. The high tussock basins are weed free.
Wilding Trees
This is another part of the Remarkabies Range that is under threat from wilding trees. Areas of mature seed trees ring the lower Gibbston Plains and seed is naturally blown up on to the tussock faces. Stock grazing and burning over the years has held seeding in check but these practices are now losing their control ability. Seeding trees are also present on the true left of Doolans Creek and these trees pose a real threat to further colonisation of the Nevis Valley. Control of wilding trees in this area is needed. An active programme of felling seeding trees should be undertaken in conjunction with landholders to prevent spread into land of high conservation value and adjoining DOC estate.
Pine, Douglas fir and larch are the most prominent wilding species (refer to wilding tree report on the Remarkables from Queenstown Field Centre).
Fire
The property has a high fire risk in summer. Any burning of vegetation for farming purposes needs to be undertaken with care. DOC is the rural fire authority for the high alpine portion of the property, within 1 km of the Rastusburn Recreation Reserve and adjoining DOC Stewardship land. The balance of the property is covered partly by the Central Otago District Council and partly by the Central Otago District Council.
Proposed Development
The landholder intends establishing a safari hunting enterprise
on part of the property to be freeholded. Some development, notably
the erection of a new deer fenced enclosure has commenced especially
along the ridge from near Coal Pit Saddle to beyond Mount Edward.
The lessee fears that this new land use has the potential to be
seriously disrupted by undesirable public access use including
easy vehicle access along the 4WD farm track along the main ridge
system. Poaching of trophy animals needs to be discouraged. Accordingly
any public foot access route to be developed from Coal Pit Saddle,
should avoid the main ridge system by sidling around the Doolans
Face of Mount Edward, prior to heading up to a saddle on the main
ridge in the vicinity of the existing hut. A good alignment exists
which could utilise the water race from Coal Pit Saddle. The use
of a small digger would define and bench that section of the new
track from the water race up to the saddle.
Public Access New Zealand
23 April 1996
Ken Taylor
Knight Frank NZ Limited
Fax: 03 448 9099
Dear Ken
Tenure Review - Glenroy Pastoral Lease
I wish to advise that PANZ supports the proposals dated 27 February 1996, with the following comments:
We are not convinced of the necessity for deviating public access off the Mt Edward ridge. This is the logical access route, being the most direct approach on foot, with the benefit of great views. The alternative is not comparable. I have walked the water race route and while it is suitable for walking in summer it is not capable of mountain bike use. We note that it is protected by the Historic Places Act, which may preclude upgrading/reformation - the latter would be necessary to meet access requirements.
In winter access along the water race may be difficult because of steep side lopes in places, particularly if it is covered by frozen snow (the sidle into the gully SSW of the Mt Edward summit is the difficult bit).
We submit that if the Mt Edward ridge route is unavailable, that in addition to use of the water race, in winter the public have a right to traverse the slopes between the water race and the ridge. This would avoid steep side slopes and allow a gentle ascent-descent between the hut and Coal Pit Saddle. This route would also allow the best prospects of ski travel as most of the traverse is higher than the water race.
Whatever the access route(s) decided upon, the public must have a right of unhindered passage at all times.
In regard to the laying off of marginal strips I note a comment in the conservation resources report that "the right branch of Doolans Creek would warrant a marginal strip for the distance that its width exceeds 3m." This is an incorrect interpretation of section 24 Conservation Act. This requires strips alongside beds of an average width of 3m or more. It should be the average width of the full reach of the river bank that is being disposed of, by lease or as freehold, that should determine the marginal strip requirements. In this case the full reach within the (pastoral) leasehold requires a strip to be laid off.
Yours faithfully
Bruce Mason
Researcher
Knight Frank
Land Resources Division
Our Ref: Po358/ 1
12 December 1996
Bruce Mason
Public Access New Zealand
R D I
OMAKAU 9182
Dear Sir
RE: GLENROY TENURE REVIEW
We are pleased to advise that the Commissioner of Crown Lands has approved the final tenure review proposal for Glenroy Pastoral Lease.
The outcomes of this proposal are shown on the attached map and summarised as follows:
(a) The surrender of the pastoral lease over Po358 Glenroy under Section 145 of the Land Act 1948, being a total area of 4878.9470 ha.
(b) The classification of an area approximately 1924 ha previously held within Po358 as "farmland" (on the lines depicted as "proposed Freehold" on the attached map) under Section 51 of the Land Act 1948.
(c) The preferential allocation on freehold title of approximately 1924 ha of land classified as farmland and 38 ha Crown Land previously held under Licence to Graze LG991 (ie total area 1962 ha depicted as "proposed freehold" on the attached map) to Glenroy Station Limited under Section 54 of the Land Act 1948 subject to:
(d) The construction of 10 kms of new boundary fencing.
(e) The fixing of the legal alignment of Coal Pit Saddle Road on the existing road formation.
(f) The issue of a Special Lease under Section 67 (2) of the 1 and Act 1948 to Glenroy Station Limited over an area of approximately 562 ha on boundaries depicted in the attached map and on conditions as notified in the original draft proposal save for the term being for ten years rather than twenty.
(g) The inclusion of a condition in the Special Lease allowing public foot and mountain hike access over a route within the lease known as Welshmans water race shown on the attached map plus DOC vehicle access along the formed track within the lease from Coal Pit Saddle to the proposed conservation estate.
(h) The transfer to the Department of Conservation for management for conservation purposes a total area of approximately 2395 ha as shown on the attached map being:
2340 ha Mountain lands surrounding Mount Salmond and Ben Cruachan.
30 ha Cassinia shrubland adjacent to Doolan's Creek and Coal Pit Saddle Road.
25 ha Lepidium kawarau habitat adjacent to Kawarau Bridge.
2395 ha Total Approximate Area
(i) Marginal strips along the banks of all water courses exceeding 3 metres in width within the areas proposed for disposal on freehold title and Special Lease shall be laid off as required under Part IV of the Conservation Act.
The Commissioner of Crown Lands has acknowledged 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:
(1) The Lessee agrees to a 'Right of Way' Easement in favour of the Minister of Conservation being registered on the proposed freehold title granting Department of Conservation staff free unrestricted access on foot and by vehicle over that portion of the 4WD track to Mt Salmond which is within the proposed freehold under Section 7(2) Conservation Act 1987.
(2) The Minister of Conservation agrees to the disposal and incorporation into adjoining freehold title an area of approximately 10 ha of Conservation land adjacent to the Kawarau River and Sections 36, 37 and Pt 43 in exchange for the surrender from freehold title an area of approximately 5 ha below Coal Pit Saddle to become Historic Reserve.
A number of issues were raised in submissions which resulted in my agents Knight Frank and the Department of Conservation reassessing certain aspects of the original proposal in consultation with the lessee. Those matters were as follows:
(1) Land above 1000 metres included in freehold:
Comment:
It was again concluded that the only practical fenceline on the
southern boundary of the property was in fact the ridgeline between
Coal Pit Saddle and Mount Edward and that a fenceline on the 1000
metre altitude was impractical and unnecessary.
It was agreed to adjust the boundary around the face north of Ben Cruachan to a practical fenceline below the 1000 metre altitude contour.
(2) Special lease conditions:
Condition of special lease to include protection of landscape and conservation values::
Comment:
Landscape and conservation values were not identified by DOC as
being significant within this block.
Reduce term of lease to 10 years renewable upon monitoring being carried out:
Comment:
The special lease has been amended to a term of 10 years renewable
on vegetation not being adversely affected by grazing.
Condition in lease allowing public free unrestricted year round public access along the water race and up the ridgeline track to Mount Edward:
Comment:
A condition in the lease provides for free unrestricted year round
public access along Welshmans Water Race. The lessee's consent
is required for access with guns or dogs.
The lessee was strongly opposed to allowing public access up the 4WD track as he considers it conflicts with his proposed safari hunting operation. The Department of Conservation is confident that the water race route provides a practical access route to the conservation area.
(3) Need for wider criteria to determine the stocking levels within special lease:
Comment:
The special lease does not limit the type of information which
can he used to determine the stocking level within the lease.
Grounds included in the lease on which compulsory destocking can
occur and which there is unanimous scientific support for are
percentage hare ground and percentage tussock cover. This does
not prohibit the use of other indicators.
(4) Coal Pit Saddle Road:
Coal Pit Saddle Road is already a legal road. The outcome of the tenure review process is that the legal road will be formally fixed by survey on the formed road.
Thank you for your submissions on Glenroy tenure review proposal. We hope that the final outcome meets with your satisfaction.
Yours faithfully
P H .Murray
for Manager, Alexandra
KNIGHT FRANK (NZ) LIMITED