UNIT NO: 10
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RANGIPUKEA / WEKARUA ISLAND GROUP
NATURAL CHARACTER EVALUATION TABLE
Biophysical Characteristics
Landforms | the unit consists of four major islands and several additional rocky outcrops. Headlands, bluffs, escarpments
and rocky shoals are highly expressive of coastal erosion. The landform of each island varies from small rocky profiles to larger
undulating landmass.
Vegetation type, Cover & Patterns | patches of regenerating and remnant native coastal vegetation inhabit parts of all the
islands with Rangipukea Island being markedly different due to extensive pasture cover.
Sea / Estuarine Water Bodies | the ocean of the outer Manaia and Te Kouma Harbours provide contrast to the vertical
Date: 17/08/2015
island extrusions imparting a strong degree of naturalness.
Author:
Land Uses / Activities / Structure | despite the presence of marine farms, pasture, tracks, trig stations, wilding pines and
File: \\Beca.net\projects\468\4680219\TGI\55_Workspaces\01_mxd\GIS-4680219-00_Natural_Character_Areas_LandscapeMapseries_Edited.mxd
other exotic weeds, the unit retains a sense of wildness due to its intact landform and characteristics.
Habitat Value | low overall modification of the coastal environment and separation from the mainland provides unique coastal
habitat and includes rocky shorelines, different aspects, and coastal scrub.
Natural Processes | coastal qualities are clearly evident in the island landforms, rocky outcrops, bluffs, stony beaches and
vegetation patterns contributing to a very endemic landscape.
Rating of Biophysical Characteristics
Very Low....................Very High
Perceptual Characteristics
Wildness / Wilderness / Remoteness | the expressive landform, strong sense of exposure, and isolation imbue a sense
Map Scale @ A3: 1:28,000
0 0.1250.25
0.5
0.75
Kilometres
1
1.25
0
Rangipukea / Wekarua Island group
1
2KM
Outstanding Natural Character Area
High Natural Character Area
±
of wilderness further reinforced by vegetation patterns.
Experiential Attributes | legible coastal processes associated with the exposed nature of the island group and interaction
with the tidal variations of the sea impart a strong sense of naturalness.
Context / Setting | the islands form part of a sequence of volcanic remnants that surround Coromandel Harbour. The
landforms punctuate the flat surface of the sea amplifying the prominance and relief of the landform.
Transient / Dynamic Attributes | the island group directly engages with the ebb and flow of the outer Manaia and Te
Kouma Harbours and displays ephemeral qualities resulting from atmospheric conditions, variations of day / year, tide and
wildlife.
Night-time Values | despite the presence of marine farms, a high degree of naturalness is derived from limited exposure to
lights, given the absence of dwelling and structures and isolation from the mainland.
Rating of Perceptual Characteristics
Overall Natural Character Evaluation
(Biophysical and Perceptual Values)
Very Low....................Very High
HIGH
COROMA NDE L P E NI NS ULA NAT URAL CHARACTER STUDY
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