Location Map
L A N D S C A P E VA LU E S
L a n d s c ap e U n i t N o . 4 2
Description:
Great Mercur y Islands
KEY LANDSCAPE FACTORS / VARIABLES
Great Mercury Islands
The Bio-physical Landscape
Naturalness / Natural Science
Factors
Perceptual / Associative Values
Aesthetic Values / 2D
Composition
3D Articulation
HIGH
• Land Forms
• Perceived Naturalness
• 3D Spatial Structure / Layers
• Land Cover / Activities
• 2D Definition / Patterns
• Expressiveness / Legibility
• Vegetation Types(s)
• Vividness / Memorability
• Land marks
• Sea / Water Bodies
• Coherence / Unity
• Key Views
• Natural Processes
• Sense of Place
• Enticement into Landscape
LOW
THE LANDSCAPE AS A WHOLE
Wild Nature / Cultured Nature
Outstanding Natural Landscape
/ Feature Descriptors
Rating:
HIGH
AMENITY
• Naturalness / Endemicity
(Wild Nature)
OR
• Perceived / Relative
OUTSTANDING
• Remarkable / Exceptional
• Eminent
• Exemplary
• Conspicuous
LANDSCAPE UNIT 42
Naturalness (Cultured Nature)
LOW
• 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
Scattered offshore, northeast of Kauwera Point are a
cluster of conspicuous and prominent volcanic islands.
These highly weathered landforms range in size from
isolated rock features to significant island landforms, the
largest being Red Mercury Island measuring over 2km
across. Comprised primarily of basalt, the islands rise
sharply from the surface of the sea, gradually evening out
in to a rolling landscape. The coastal edges of the islands
feature exposed craggy rocks and stony beaches extending
to rocky shoals. Protruding bare rock surrounded by rocky
shoals characterise the numerous smaller island features
scattered among the more prominent islands, including
Great Mercury Island.
The islands are completely unmodified rocky islands with
a character that expresses both natural processes and
evokes a strong sense of being divorced from human
activity. Sculpted rocky landforms and battered vegetation
are both highly dramatic and expressive of the surrounding
coastal exposure.
Windswept coastal scrub desperately clings to the tops of
the islands, while the more exposed cliffs and escarpments
remain bare.
LEGEND
0
Outstanding Landscape
Amenity Landscape
ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT
STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 92
1
2
APPROXIMATE SCALE ONLY
4km
The open surface of the Pacific Ocean provides a dramatic
setting and defines the island landscape.
No human activities or structures exist or are apparent on
the Islands.
The dramatic interface between the rocky outcrops and
sea is expressive of coastal processes. Coastal erosion,
tidal processes, seasonal change, atmospheric conditions,
and windswept vegetation combine to create a dynamic
interplay between these landforms and the Pacific Ocean.
The exposed and sheer basalt cliffs marking the islands
coastline illustrate the landscapes formative processes.
The distinctive volcanic Island landforms, indigenous
vegetation, consistent weathering and patterning from
coastal exposure combine to create a cohesive group of
islands. The exposed landforms contrast markedly with the
vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
Due to cohesive nature of the islands as well as their scale,
the Mercury Islands, as a whole, is a landmark.
The Mercury Islands are highly exposed to the majority of
the northeast coastline, from the settlements of Tuteawa in
the north, to Opito Bay in the east.
Great Mercury Islands
LANDSCAPE UNIT 42
VIEWPOINT 42a. Panoramic view looking northeast from Opito Bay
VIEWPOINT 42b. Looking northeast from Opito Point showing the rugged and exposed island landforms covered in windswept manuka and coastal scrub - Green Is (left) Korapuki Is (centre) Kawhitu Is (right)
VIEWPOINT 42c. Close up view looking northeast from Opito Point showing
ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT
STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 93
Location Map
L A N D S C A P E VA LU E S
L a n d s c ap e U n i t N o . 4 3
Description:
Hole in the Wall Islands
KEY LANDSCAPE FACTORS / VARIABLES
Hole in the Wall Islands
The Bio-physical Landscape
Naturalness / Natural Science
Factors
Perceptual / Associative Values
Aesthetic Values / 2D
Composition
3D Articulation
HIGH
• Land Forms
• Perceived Naturalness
• 3D Spatial Structure / Layers
• Land Cover / Activities
• 2D Definition / Patterns
• Expressiveness / Legibility
• Vegetation Types(s)
• Vividness / Memorability
• Land marks
• Sea / Water Bodies
• Coherence / Unity
• Key Views
• Natural Processes
• Sense of Place
• Enticement into Landscape
LOW
THE LANDSCAPE AS A WHOLE
Wild Nature / Cultured Nature
Outstanding Natural Landscape
/ Feature Descriptors
Rating:
HIGH
AMENITY
• Naturalness / Endemicity
(Wild Nature)
OR
• Perceived / Relative
OUTSTANDING
• Remarkable / Exceptional
• Eminent
• Exemplary
• Conspicuous
Naturalness (Cultured Nature)
LOW
LANDSCAPE UNIT 43
• 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
coastline illustrate the landscapes formative processes.
Scattered offshore, east and south of Tahanga peak are
a cluster of conspicuous, prominent volcanic island
landforms. These highly weathered landforms range in
size from isolated rock features to significant islands,
the largest being Ohinau Island measuring approximately
1.7km in length and 300m in width. Comprised primarily
of volcanic rock, the islands rise sharply from surface of
the sea, gradually evening out in to a rolling landscape. The
coastal edges of the islands feature exposed craggy rocks
and stony beaches extending to rocky shoals. Protruding
bare rock surrounded by rocky shoals characterise the
numerous smaller islands scattered amongst the more
prominent islands, and near the coast.
Landscape Characteristics
Windswept coastal scrub including manuka, flax, and
coprosma desperately clings to the tops of the islands,
while the more exposed cliffs and escarpments remain
bare. Stunted pohutukawa are also prominent in places.
LEGEND
0
Outstanding Landscape
Amenity Landscape
ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT
STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 94
1
2
APPROXIMATE SCALE ONLY
4km
The open surface of the Pacific Ocean provides a dramatic
setting and defines the island landscape.
No human activities or structures exist or are apparent on
the Islands.
The dramatic interface between the rocky outcrops and
sea is expressive of coastal processes. Coastal erosion,
tidal processes, seasonal change, atmospheric conditions,
and windswept vegetation combine to create a dynamic
interplay between these landforms and the Pacific Ocean.
The exposed and sheer basalt cliffs marking the islands
The islands are completely unmodified rocky islands with
a character that expresses both natural processes and
evokes a strong sense of being divorced from human
activity. Their sculpted rocky landforms and battered
vegetation are both highly dramatic and expressive of the
surrounding coastal exposure.
The distinctive volcanic Island landforms, indigenous
vegetation, consistent weathering and patterning from
coastal exposure combine to create a cohesive group of
islands. The exposed landforms contrast markedly with the
open expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
Due to the cohesive nature of the islands as well as
their scale, the Hole in the Wall Islands, as a whole, are
landmarks.
The Hole in the Wall Islands are highly exposed to the
majority of the eastern coastline, particularly from Opito
Bay. On calmer days the Islands can be seen from beach
settlements lining Mercury Bay.
VIEWPOINT 43c. View from Opito Beach looking towards Tokarahu Point which appears as an island landform
VIEWPOINT 43e. View of Rabbit Island from Opito Bay beach
VIEWPOINT 43d. View from Opito Point showing Motukoruenga Island with Needle Rock behind
VIEWPOINT 43f. Rocky outcrops offshore from Motuhua Point
ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT
STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 95
Hole in the Wall Islands
VIEWPOINT 43b. Rocky outcrops west of Devils Point
LANDSCAPE UNIT 43
VIEWPOINT 43a. Elevated panoramic view looking east from Black Jack Road showing Rabbit Island just offshore from Opito Point and a collection of islands behind
Location Map
L A N D S C A P E VA LU E S
L a n d s c ap e U n i t N o . 4 4
Description:
Tahanga & Coastal Escarpments
KEY LANDSCAPE FACTORS / VARIABLES
LANDSCAPE UNIT 44
Tahanga & Coastal Escarpments
The Bio-physical Landscape
Naturalness / Natural Science
Factors
Perceptual / Associative Values
Aesthetic Values / 2D
Composition
3D Articulation
HIGH
• Land Forms
• Perceived Naturalness
• 3D Spatial Structure / Layers
• Land Cover / Activities
• 2D Definition / Patterns
• Expressiveness / Legibility
• Vegetation Types(s)
• Vividness / Memorability
• Land marks
• Sea / Water Bodies
• Coherence / Unity
• Key Views
• Natural Processes
• Sense of Place
• Enticement into Landscape
LOW
THE LANDSCAPE AS A WHOLE
Wild Nature / Cultured Nature
Outstanding Natural Landscape
/ Feature Descriptors
Rating:
HIGH
AMENITY
• Naturalness / Endemicity
(Wild Nature)
OR
• Perceived / Relative
OUTSTANDING
• Remarkable / Exceptional
• Eminent
• Exemplary
• Conspicuous
Naturalness (Cultured Nature)
LOW
• 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
Tahanga forms the eastern tip of a wider sequence of coastal
foothills, descending eastwards from the Waitaia peak.
The volcanic hill is a prominent feature within Opito Bay,
forming a high point above the Bays low lying depositional
landscape. Exposed, steep coastal bluffs and escarpments,
comprised primarily of volcanic rock, interspersed with small
stony beaches and rocky shoals characterise eastern coastal
escarpments. Opito Point is the most prominent feature, and
rising sharply from surface of the sea to form a distinctive
flat top, flanking the eastern end of Opito Bay. A dune system
backs a short length of Opito Bay beach at its eastern end and
abuts rolling hills to the south.
Pasture and exotic forestry dominates the majority of the
surrounding landscape.
LEGEND
0
Outstanding Landscape
Amenity Landscape
1
2
APPROXIMATE SCALE ONLY
4km
A belt of pine forest wraps around the mid to lower slopes
of Tahanga visually separating it from Opito Bay. Windswept
coastal scrub including manuka, flax, and coprosma desperately
clings to the coastal escarpments and features prominently on
Opito Point. Giant windswept pohutukawa precariously occupy
the eastern bluffs on Opito Point as well as exposed cliffs and
escarpments on along Red Bay and Matapaua Bay. The majority
of the eastern dune area is occupied by pastoral grasses and
various exotic species such as agapanthus, although patches
of native dune grasses still survive. A significant amount of
pohutukawa have also been planted on the dunes.
The open surface of the Pacific Ocean provides a dramatic
setting and defines the coastal landscape.
The vast majority of the surrounding landscape has been
severely modified due to farming and the establishment of
ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT
STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 96
exotic forestry. The settlements at Opito Bay and Matapaua
Bay abut the northern and southern end boundaries of the
landscape unit respectively.
Strongly expressed coastal processes are evident in the dramatic
interface between the coastal escarpment and the Pacific
Ocean. Coastal erosion, tidal processes, seasonal change,
atmospheric conditions, and windswept vegetation combine to
create a dynamic interplay between these landforms and the
Pacific Ocean. The sudden rise in elevation from the surface of
the sea illustrates the landscapes formative processes.
Landscape Characteristics
The steep cliffs and bluffs, presence of jagged rocky outcrops,
offshore islands, and windswept vegetation imbue the
landscape with a strong sense of naturalness, wildness and
remoteness despite the presence of exotic forestry and areas
of pasture.
The steep rocky escarpment running down this stretch of
coastline punctuated by rocky outcrops, and bluffs, and stony
beaches, topped and backed by windswept vegetation gives
this stretch of coast a strong sense of cohesion and unity.
Significant landmarks include a number of remote bays, bluffs
and points including Opito Point, Red Bay, and Humbug Bay.
Due to its scale, form, and orientation Opito Point is visually
exposed, particularly from local views across the Bay and
from Black Jack Road travelling east over the Kauwera Point
ridge. The local boating fraternity surrounding offshore islands
east of Opito Point gain views of the inaccessible and remote
eastern coastline.
VIEWPOINT 44c. Distinctive colours and weathering mark Crayfish Bay
LANDSCAPE UNIT 44
VIEWPOINT 44b. Pastoral grasses, flax, and windswept pohutukawa cover Opito Point – a boulder field marks eastern end of Opito Bay beach
Tahanga & Coastal Escarpments
VIEWPOINT 44a. Panoramic view looking south east showing Tahanga (far right) and the distinctive flat top landform of Opito Point enclosing the eastern end of Opito Bay
VIEWPOINT 44d. View showing Tahanga peak from Opito Bay beach and it dune system
VIEWPOINT 44e. View of the coastal escarpment enclosing Matapaua Bay
ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT
STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 97
Location Map
L A N D S C A P E VA LU E S
L a n d s c ap e U n i t N o . 4 5
Description:
Devils Point & H umbug Bay Headland
KEY LANDSCAPE FACTORS / VARIABLES
LANDSCAPE UNIT 45
Devils Point & Humbug Bay Headland
The Bio-physical Landscape
Naturalness / Natural Science
Factors
Perceptual / Associative Values
Aesthetic Values / 2D
Composition
3D Articulation
HIGH
• Land Forms
• Perceived Naturalness
• 3D Spatial Structure / Layers
• Land Cover / Activities
• 2D Definition / Patterns
• Expressiveness / Legibility
• Vegetation Types(s)
• Vividness / Memorability
• Land marks
• Sea / Water Bodies
• Coherence / Unity
• Key Views
• Natural Processes
• Sense of Place
• Enticement into Landscape
LOW
THE LANDSCAPE AS A WHOLE
Wild Nature / Cultured Nature
Outstanding Natural Landscape
/ Feature Descriptors
Rating:
HIGH
AMENITY
• Naturalness / Endemicity
OUTSTANDING
• Remarkable / Exceptional
(Wild Nature)
• Eminent
OR
• Exemplary
• Conspicuous
• Perceived / Relative
Naturalness (Cultured Nature)
LOW
• 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
Together Mauhuatawhiri and Waitaia form an expansive
sequence of coastal hills and escarpments stretching over
8 kilometres. The landscape combines steep rolling coastal
hills, exposed coastal escarpments, prominent headlands
interspersed by white sandy beaches, rocky shoals and
outcrops characterise the landscape.
Regenerating to mature podocarp forest covers the bulk of
the coastal hills, giving way to coastal scrub on exposed
ridgelines and coastal slopes, while remnant pohutukawa
line the coastal fringe. Pasture occupies the mid to lower
slopes of Mauhuatawhiri, punctuated by remnant forest
surviving within gullies and along its coastal fringe.
The headlands maintain a direct and expressive interaction
with the Pacific Ocean, providing a dramatic setting that
defines the coastal landscape. A number of tributaries
scour the coastal hills, the most significant being
Whauwhau, Woodcock, Waitaia, and Kohuraorao Streams.
LEGEND
0
Outstanding Landscape
Amenity Landscape
1
2
APPROXIMATE SCALE ONLY
4km
Wilding pines and several small pine plantations are
apparent above Waitaia Bay, the head of the Otama
River, and the west slopes of Waitaia (excluded from this
unit). Several dwellings are scattered along the coastline,
remaining relatively isolated due to the entire coastline
being inaccessible to the public. The landscape abuts large
tracts of exotic forestry along its northeastern boundary
and a band of farmland along its western and northern
boundaries.
The distinctive basalt peak of
ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT
STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 98
Mauhuatawhiri reveals
the landscapes underlying volcanic geology and is very
expressive of the landscapes formative processes. The
interplay of the vegetative sequence from coastal scrubland
on steep exposed escarpments to coastal forest sheltering
within enclosed bays, gullies and on the mid to upper
slopes of the coastal hills, combined with exposed rocky
coastline, reinforces the topography and pronounced relief
of the coastal hills. Coastal erosion, windswept vegetation
and rocky outcrops highlight the landscapes exposure and
evident natural processes.
Landscape Characteristics
Steep escarpments and bluffs, the presence of jagged
rocky outcrops and offshore islands, and windswept
vegetation imbue the landscape with a very strong sense of
naturalness, wildness and remoteness despite the presence
of exotic forestry. Motukoranga Island sitting just offshore
from Devils Point illustrates the historic connections with
the mainland.
The continuous steep rocky escarpment running down this
stretch of coastline punctuated by bluffs, stony beaches,
and topped and backed by windswept vegetation gives this
stretch of coast a strong sense of cohesion and unity.
Due to its scale and uniformity this landscape, as a whole,
is a landmark.
Key views of the headlands are afforded from Matapaua
Bay Road travelling south, particularly from more elevated
vantage points near the top of the ridge.
Devils Point & Humbug Bay Headland
VIEWPOINT 45a. Elevated view looking south east from Matapaua Bay Road showing the massive and sheer escarpment of Devils Point
LANDSCAPE UNIT 45
VIEWPOINT 45b. View looking east from the western point of Matapaua Bay showing the rugged and craggy tip of Devils Point – Motukoranga Island is visible behind
ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT
STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 99
Location Map
L A N D S C A P E VA LU E S
L a n d s c ap e U n i t N o . 4 6
Description:
Mauhuatawhiri & Waitaia Coastal Hills
KEY LANDSCAPE FACTORS / VARIABLES
LANDSCAPE UNIT 46
Mauhuatawhiri & Waitaia Coastal Hills
The Bio-physical Landscape
Naturalness / Natural Science
Factors
Perceptual / Associative Values
Aesthetic Values / 2D
Composition
3D Articulation
HIGH
• Land Forms
• Perceived Naturalness
• 3D Spatial Structure / Layers
• Land Cover / Activities
• 2D Definition / Patterns
• Expressiveness / Legibility
• Vegetation Types(s)
• Vividness / Memorability
• Land marks
• Sea / Water Bodies
• Coherence / Unity
• Key Views
• Natural Processes
• Sense of Place
• Enticement into Landscape
LOW
THE LANDSCAPE AS A WHOLE
Wild Nature / Cultured Nature
Outstanding Natural Landscape
/ Feature Descriptors
Rating:
HIGH
AMENITY
• Naturalness / Endemicity
(Wild Nature)
OR
• Perceived / Relative
OUTSTANDING
• Remarkable / Exceptional
• Eminent
• Exemplary
• Conspicuous
Naturalness (Cultured Nature)
LOW
• 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
Together Mauhuatawhiri and Waitaia form an expansive
sequence of coastal hills and escarpments stretching over
8 kilometres. The landscape combines steep rolling coastal
hills, exposed coastal escarpments, prominent headlands
interspersed by white sandy beaches, rocky shoals and
outcrops.
Regenerating to mature podocarp forest covers the bulk of
the coastal hills, giving way to coastal scrub on exposed
ridgelines and coastal slopes, while remnant pohutukawa
line the coastal fringe. Pasture occupies the mid to lower
slopes of Mauhuatawhiri, punctuated by remnant forest
surviving within gullies and along its coastal fringe.
The headlands maintain a direct and expressive interaction
with the Pacific Ocean, providing a dramatic setting that
defines the coastal landscape. A number of tributaries
scour the coastal hills, the most significant being the
Whauwhau, Woodcock, Waitaia, and Kohuraorao Streams.
LEGEND
0
Outstanding Landscape
Amenity Landscape
ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT
STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 100
1
2
APPROXIMATE SCALE ONLY
4km
Wilding pines and several small pine plantations are
apparent above Waitaia Bay, the head of the Otama River,
and the western slopes of Waitaia (excluded from this
unit). Several dwellings are scattered along the coastline,
remaining relatively isolated due to the entire coastline
being inaccessible to the public. The landscape abuts large
tracts of exotic forestry along its northeastern boundary
and a band of farmland along its western and northern
boundaries.
The distinctive basalt peak of Mauhuatawhiri reveals
the landscapes underlying volcanic geology and is very
expressive of the landscapes formative processes. The
interplay of the vegetative sequence from coastal scrubland
on steep exposed escarpments to coastal forest sheltering
within enclosed bays, gullies and on the mid to upper
slopes of the coastal hills, combined with exposed rocky
coastline, reinforces the topography and pronounced relief
of the coastal hills. Coastal erosion, windswept vegetation
and rocky outcrops highlight the landscapes exposure and
evident natural processes.
Landscape Characteristics
A strong sense of naturalness is derived from the diversity
of landscapes that comprise this dramatic coastal edge,
despite the presence of farming activities, settlement, and
forestry. The raw and exposed character of the landscape
is pronounced by windswept vegetation and the extensive
sequence of rocky outcrops shoals along coastline.
The landscape retains a collection of natural elements,
features and processes, which when combined with the
prominence of Mauhuatawhiri and Waitaia, provide a sense
of unity and cohesion.
Both Mauhuatawhiri and Waitaia are significant landmarks
within this landscape unit. The dramatic sequence of
prominent headlands interspersed by sandy bays is also
key landmark of the landscape.
Mauhuatawhiri is highly exposed to views from coastal
settlements lining Mercury Bay. Local boating fraternity
within Mercury Bay, particularly during summer months,
gains broad and key views of the inaccessible and remote
eastern coastline.
VIEWPOINT 46b. View down the southwest coastline from the western headland at Matapaua Bay
LANDSCAPE UNIT 46
VIEWPOINT 46c. Coastal forest covers the mid and upper slopes of Mauhuatawhiri - lower slopes create a pattern of interplay between pasture and forest remnants
Mauhuatawhiri & Waitaia Coastal Hills
VIEWPOINT 46a. View looking southwest showing the coastal forested escarpment above Matapaua Bay
VIEWPOINT 46d. Panoramic view of Mauhuatawhiri taken from Buffalo Beach
ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
COROMANDEL PENINSULA LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT
STATUS DRAFT . SCALE as shown @ A3 . DATE September 2011 . PAGE 101