Volume Three Appendix 1 14. Arapawa Island and Tory Channel including West Head Biophysical - Geopreservation site: Tory Channel East Head. Values Arapawa Island Reserves – nationally significant original cliff vegetation and rare - species. Possum free. - The eastern flanks of Arapawa Island support some of the best remaining examples of Cook Strait mixed broadleaf forests and are nationally significant. - Highly natural coastal cliffs and large southerly swells are typical of this high-energy coastline, which is minimally modified. - Steep coastal cliffs and rocky reefs dominated by high-energy wave action provide a unique coastal habitat. - Easternmost parts of Arapawa Island hold outstanding natural character due to the unmodified cliffs. Remaining northern parts of Arapawa Island and Kaitapeha hold high levels of natural character. Perceptual - Gateway to South Island and Marlborough Sounds from Cook Strait ferry route. Values Dramatic, narrow entrance to the Tory Channel between East Head and West Head. - - Dramatic coastal processes are highly legible along the length of the Arapawa Island’s steep coastal cliffs and rocky reefs. - Semi-exposed to very exposed coast. - Strong tidal currents on the outer edge of the Sounds. - Experiential and naturalness values high along Kaitapeha Peninsula and northern Arapawa Island, including East Bay and parts of Tory Channel. Associative - Early whaling stations including first shore whaling station at Te Awaiti and Values Fisherman’s Bay. - Pa sites and other archaeological evidence of early Māori settlement line the coast of Tory Channel. Overview Based on the above values, Arapawa Island and East and West Heads have been identified as ONF's due to the exceptional biophysical and associative landscape values and very high sensory landscape values. Dramatic coastal processes are highly legible along the length of Arapawa Island’s steep coastal cliffs and rocky reefs. The outer coast of Arapawa Island features nationally significant original cliff vegetation whilst the south-facing slopes of the island feature nationally significant regenerating coastal forest. Tory Channel features as the marine gateway to the South Island and Marlborough Sounds via the dramatic, narrow entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound between East Head (a geopreservation site) and West Head. Kaitapeha Peninsula, at the entrance to Tory Channel, is a legible forested landmark. The waters around East Bay have nationally significant ecological values, particularly for Hector's dolphin. There is considerable evidence of early Māori settlement/activity throughout the area, with sites particularly intense around East Bay, Arapawa Island. The first whaling station in New Zealand was established in Tory Channel, at Te Awaiti in 1827 by Londoner John Guard and is reputed to be the first European settlement in the South Island. Modifications include: cleared vegetation and pasture; power lines; tracks; buildings; and moorings. Modifications also include the heritage sites at Okukari Bay. Aquaculture is present in East Bay and isolated parts of Tory Channel. App 1 - 15