LANDSCAPE UNIT 10 Te Kawau, Turipeka & Otautu Point

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1 Location Map LANDSCAPE VALUES Landscape Unit No. 10 Description: Te Kawau, Turipeka, & Otautu Point KEY LANDSCAPE FACTORS / VARIABLES LANDSCAPE UNIT 10 Te Kawau, Turipeka & Otautu Point LEGEND Outstanding Landscape Amenity Landscape APPROXIMATE SCALE ONLY 4km The Bio-physical Landscape Naturalness / Natural Science Factors Land Forms Land Cover / Activities Vegetation Types(s) Sea / Water Bodies Natural Processes Wild Nature / Cultured Nature Naturalness / Endemicity (Wild Nature) OR Aesthetic Values / 2D Composition THE LANDSCAPE AS A WHOLE Perceived / Relative Naturalness (Cultured Nature) Perceived Naturalness 2D Definition / Patterns Vividness / Memorability Coherence / Unity Sense of Place Perceptual / Associative Values 3D Articulation 3D Spatial Structure / Layers Expressiveness / Legibility Landmarks Key Views Enticement into Landscape Outstanding Natural Landscape / Feature Descriptors Rating: Remarkable / Exceptional Eminent Exemplary Conspicuous AMENITY derived from research into perception of landscapes as a whole using the Q Sort method by Prof. Simon Swaffield and John Fairweather of Lincoln University Key Physical Elements An exposed amalgam of strongly defined rolling, greywacke coastal foothills, lies between the valley flats at Waiora and Otautu Bay. Three steep and prominent points extend out into the Hauraki Gulf enclosing two narrow stony bays. To the north, a third stony beach is exposed to the valley flats of the Waiaro Stream. Remnant windswept pohutukawa cling to many of the steep slopes surrounding the points and the craggy coastal edge. Remnant indigenous vegetation is contained within south facing slopes and gullies, while the exposed ridge tops and northern slopes are dominated by pasture. The foothills projection and interface with the Hauraki Gulf is a defining feature of the landscape. Other than a small batch settlement at Otautu Bay abutting the southern extent of the landscape, no other built structures are visible within this unit. Coastal erosion, windswept vegetation, and depositional stony bays highlight the landscapes exposure and evident natural processes. Landscape Characteristics OUTSTANDING The amalgam of exposed coastal slopes and points, remnant forest pockets, together with the prominence of the rocky coastal shoreline, stony beaches, and the landscapes overall isolation, impart a strong sense of naturalness despite the presence of pasture and associated farming activities. The landscape maintains its cohesion through its expressive windswept vegetation, broad coastal slopes and ridges, sequence of prominent points and beaches, and its exposure and orientation, creating a dramatic environment that abuts the Hauraki Gulf. Significant landmarks within the landscape unit include Te Kawau Point, Turipeka Point, Otautu Point and the three unnamed stony beaches. Key views of the landscape unit include Te Kawau and Otautu Point, which are visible from vehicles travelling along Port Jackson Road at Waiaro and Otautu Bay. STATUS DRAFT. SCALE as A3. DATE September PAGE 26

2 VIEWPOINT 10a. The exposed Waiora Bay and Te Kawau point is characterised by mature windswept pohutukawa LANDSCAPE UNIT 10 Te Kawau, Turipeka & Otautu Point STATUS DRAFT. SCALE as A3. DATE September PAGE 27

3 Location Map LANDSCAPE VALUES Landscape Unit No. 11 Description: Waikawau River Inlet KEY LANDSCAPE FACTORS / VARIABLES LANDSCAPE UNIT 11 Waikawau River Inlet The Bio-physical Landscape Naturalness / Natural Science Factors Land Forms Land Cover / Activities Vegetation Types(s) Sea / Water Bodies Natural Processes Wild Nature / Cultured Nature Naturalness / Endemicity (Wild Nature) OR Aesthetic Values / 2D Composition THE LANDSCAPE AS A WHOLE Perceived / Relative Naturalness (Cultured Nature) Perceived Naturalness 2D Definition / Patterns Vividness / Memorability Coherence / Unity Sense of Place Perceptual / Associative Values 3D Articulation 3D Spatial Structure / Layers Expressiveness / Legibility Landmarks Key Views Enticement into Landscape Outstanding Natural Landscape / Feature Descriptors Rating: Remarkable / Exceptional Eminent Exemplary Conspicuous AMENITY derived from research into perception of landscapes as a whole using the Q Sort method by Prof. Simon Swaffield and John Fairweather of Lincoln University Key Physical Elements The large coastal estuarine plain at the mouth of the Waikawau River lies within a broad pastoral valley, enclosed by vegetated coastal foothills and an extensive dune system at the north end of Waikawau Bay. A prominent forested headland sharply rises from the flat tidal plain, enclosing the valley to the north and east. Landscape Characteristics OUTSTANDING The dynamic and ephemeral nature of the inlet imparts a strong sense of naturalness, despite the presence of the surrounding pastoral landscape. Enclosing landforms, particularly the forested headland abutting the northeast corner of the inlet, also contribute to the feeling of naturalness and remoteness. LEGEND km Salt marsh covers the majority of the intertidal flats, punctuated by clusters of toetoe and solitary cabbage trees and mangroves. The clear vegetation patterns of the inlet contrast with surrounding pastoral land uses and the mature forested headland flanking the River mouth. The Waikawau River is a highly legible open body of water winding through the estuarine plain. Pastoral farming is prevalent within the valley, particularly northwest and southeast of the inlet. While several farm houses and sheds abut the inlet, the majority are scattered throughout the valley and remain relatively subservient in the context of the wider landscape. Although partially modified by the pasture surrounding the inlet, it remains a very good example of an intertidal wetland system. The inlet is strongly defined by surrounding landforms rising dramatically from the estuarine plains. Due to its scale and isolation this landscape, as a whole, is a landmark. The inlets relative remoteness and enclosure, as well as its flat landform, limits views into the landscape to vehicles travelling along Waikawau Beach Road, and from adjacent farm houses. Outstanding Landscape Amenity Landscape APPROXIMATE SCALE ONLY The intertidal flats and the tidal variation of the Waikawau River displays an expressive interplay with the coastal environment. The Pacific Ocean s tidal rhythm provides a counterpoint for the River s natural flow variations, clarity and flood cycles. Other transient factors such as salt spray from Waikawau Bay and wading birds also emphasise the landscape s natural processes. STATUS DRAFT. SCALE as A3. DATE September PAGE 28

4 VIEWPOINT 11a. View of the Waikawau River and wetland plains, enclosed by the coastal ranges & the approaching dune systems to the east VIEWPOINT 11b. Salt marsh, toetoe, and mangroves characterise this ephemeral landscape LANDSCAPE UNIT 11 Waikawau River Inlet STATUS DRAFT. SCALE as A3. DATE September PAGE 29

5 Location Map LANDSCAPE VALUES Landscape Unit No. 12 Description: Waikawau Beach KEY LANDSCAPE FACTORS / VARIABLES LANDSCAPE UNIT 12 Waikawau Beach LEGEND Outstanding Landscape Amenity Landscape APPROXIMATE SCALE ONLY 4km The Bio-physical Landscape Naturalness / Natural Science Factors Land Forms Land Cover / Activities Vegetation Types(s) Sea / Water Bodies Natural Processes Wild Nature / Cultured Nature Naturalness / Endemicity (Wild Nature) OR Aesthetic Values / 2D Composition THE LANDSCAPE AS A WHOLE Perceived / Relative Naturalness (Cultured Nature) Perceived Naturalness 2D Definition / Patterns Vividness / Memorability Coherence / Unity Sense of Place Perceptual / Associative Values 3D Articulation 3D Spatial Structure / Layers Expressiveness / Legibility Landmarks Key Views Enticement into Landscape Outstanding Natural Landscape / Feature Descriptors Rating: Remarkable / Exceptional Eminent Exemplary Conspicuous AMENITY derived from research into perception of landscapes as a whole using the Q Sort method by Prof. Simon Swaffield and John Fairweather of Lincoln University Key Physical Elements The extensive white sandy arc of Waikawau Beach stretches between two prominent landforms at the base of the Waikawau River valley. A clearly articulated and extensive dune system backs the full length of the beach. This consists of several dune sequences, from the intact fore dune to the abutting pastoral edge. At northern end of the beach the tidal flow of the Waikawau River breaches the dune system creating a large open inlet, flanked by a towering forested headland that rises sharply from the edge of the beach. To the south, Kamakamakura Point (incorporated as part of the landscape unit) flanks the confluence of several small streams breaking the dune cover, and incorporates a steep / exposed craggy interface with Waikawau Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Spinifex and pingao dune grasses cover the majority of the extensive dune sequence, particularly the fore dunes and exposed back dunes. Coastal scrub shelters in between dune sequences and along the rear edge of the dune system. Giant pohutukawa mark the southern edge of beach, making way for exposed coastal scrub covering Kamakamakura Point. Defining the edges of Waikawau Beach is the Waikawau River mouth to the north, the confluence of small tributaries including Gisbourne Stream and Matamataharakeke Stream to the south, and the open expanse of the Pacific Ocean to the east. OUTSTANDING Beach is occupied by a DoC camping ground. A small settlement at Little Bay marks the western edge of Kamakamakura Point. The landscape is highly dynamic and expressive of the interplay between the coastline and the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. Variations resulting from atmospheric conditions, time of day/year, tides, and wildlife also express the landscapes highly dynamic nature. Landscape Characteristics Despite the incursion of the pastoral landscape that backs the unit, a high level of naturalness is derived from an amalgam of its natural elements, the dynamic and obvious natural processes at play along the beach, and its relative remoteness and wildness. The landscape incorporates a cohesive collection of natural elements, features and processes. The prominent forested landforms flanking each end of the Beach add and reinforce the landscapes unity. Due to its overwhelming sense of unity and its scale, this landscape, as a whole, is a landmark. The landscapes relative remoteness and enclosure, as well as its landforms, limits views into the landscape to vehicles travelling along Waikawau Beach Road, adjacent farm houses, and the local boating fraternity. Waikawau Beach Road, farming activities, scattered farmhouses and sheds mark much of the western edge of the dune system, while the southern edge of Waikawau STATUS DRAFT. SCALE as A3. DATE September PAGE 30

6 VIEWPOINT 12a. The arc shaped white sandy beach is backed by an extensive dune system, the dramatic backdrop of Mt Moehau frames the background LANDSCAPE UNIT 12 Waikawau Beach VIEWPOINT 12b. View of the exposed Kamakamakura point flanking the south eastern end of the Bay VIEWPOINT 12c. Elevated view looking northwest, showing the extensive sweeping sandy beach and dune system - dramatic vegetated ridge formations flank the northern end of the Bay STATUS DRAFT. SCALE as A3. DATE September PAGE 31

7 Location Map LANDSCAPE VALUES Landscape Unit No. 13 Description: Little Bay KEY LANDSCAPE FACTORS / VARIABLES LANDSCAPE UNIT 13 Little Bay The Bio-physical Landscape Naturalness / Natural Science Factors Land Forms Land Cover / Activities Vegetation Types(s) Sea / Water Bodies Natural Processes Wild Nature / Cultured Nature Naturalness / Endemicity (Wild Nature) OR Aesthetic Values / 2D Composition THE LANDSCAPE AS A WHOLE Perceived / Relative Naturalness (Cultured Nature) Perceived Naturalness 2D Definition / Patterns Vividness / Memorability Coherence / Unity Sense of Place Perceptual / Associative Values 3D Articulation 3D Spatial Structure / Layers Expressiveness / Legibility Landmarks Key Views Enticement into Landscape Outstanding Natural Landscape / Feature Descriptors Rating: Remarkable / Exceptional Eminent Exemplary Conspicuous AMENITY OUTSTANDING derived from research into perception of landscapes as a whole using the Q Sort method by Prof. Simon Swaffield and John Fairweather of Lincoln University Key Physical Elements Landscape Characteristics The beach at Little Bay forms an intimate white sandy arc, enclosed by exposed coastal promontories at each end of the Bay. A line of small cliffs and steep escarpments back the majority of the beach, while a series of dunes occupy a small section at the eastern end of beach. A small stream inlet splits the eastern dune section from the adjacent coastal promontory. The amalgam of its natural elements and the dynamic natural processes at play along the beach, as well as the forested promontories enclosing the Bay contribute to its sense of naturalness. Due to the visibility, proximity and scale of houses perched on the edge of the cliff line above Little Bay, this sense of naturalness has partially been compromised. Indigenous coastal scrub covers the enclosing promontories as well as much of the escarpment backing the beach. Several giant pohutukawa projecting out from the cliff line and craggy coastal promontories, contrast against the tightly sheltered forms of coastal scrub. Despite the surrounding batch settlement the landscape retains a collection of natural elements, features and processes, which when combined with the prominent forested landforms flanking each end of the beach provide a sense of unity. Although intimate and enclosed, Little Bay embraces the open expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Due to its intimate scale this landscape, as a whole, is a landmark. LEGEND km A relatively small yet highly visible batch settlement sits directly atop of the cliffs and steep escarpments backing Little Bay, stretching back past Tuateawa Road along the ridgeline separating Waikawau Bay. Views are focused internally within the landscape and northwards to the Pacific Ocean. Outstanding Landscape Amenity Landscape APPROXIMATE SCALE ONLY The landscape is dynamic and expressive displaying the interplay of sandy beach and craggy cliff coastline and the open waters of the Pacific Ocean, including variations resulting from atmospheric conditions, time of day/year, and tides. STATUS DRAFT. SCALE as A3. DATE September PAGE 32

8 VIEWPOINT 13a. The intimate white sandy beach backed by a small fore dune and developed cliff top, Kamakamakura point encloses the western end of the Bay LANDSCAPE UNIT 13 Little Bay VIEWPOINT 13b. A low lying forested promontory encloses the eastern end of the Bay - an small section of dunes mark the edge of the Ngamoko Stream valley STATUS DRAFT. SCALE as A3. DATE September PAGE 33