Appendix 1 Volume Three 22. The Limestone Coastline Biophysical - Geomorphology of limestone coastline includes several coastal geopreservation Values sites: Needles Point Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary, Flaxbourne River folds and thrusts, and the Chancet Rocks. - Broad and deeply incised mudstone shore platforms and offshore reefs characterise the marine environment around Cape Campbell. - Colonies of New Zealand fur seals at Chancet Rocks and the Needles. - Coastal platforms and ecological values of importance, with Marlborough endemic flora common, rocky areas (including the Marlborough rock daisy) and gullies. - All of these features are interlinked by beaches, cliffs and back dunes and hill country, which share the same geology and erosional and tectonic forces, culminating in an extremely impressive and legible coastline that clearly expresses its formative processes. Perceptual - Unencumbered, predominantly pastoral land retains a high level of visual coherence. Values Highly expressive coastline from the slender Cape Campbell to Waima/Ure River. - - Complex geology creates spectacular landforms and features that are particularly scenic along the coastline. Associative - A number of Māori archaeological sites are associated with this area, including two Values ancient pa sites on the coast, as well as a number of ovens and middens. - Possible European associations relating to the limeworks at Chancet. - High recreational values, particularly at Marfells Beach and Ward Beach. Overview Based on the above values, The Limestone Coastline has been identified as an ONL due to the exceptional biophysical and associative landscape values and very high sensory landscape values. The Limestone Coastline provides the greatest visual drama in the south Marlborough landscape. The spectacular rocky outcrops of the Needles and Chancet Rocks along the Limestone Coastline south of Cape Campbell are extremely memorable and display very high levels of naturalness. The State Highway 1 coastal road from the Waima Bridge to the southern point of the District contains high scenic values. The coastline of this ONL is largely unmodified and very exposed. The area has remote values and access is limited to a few locations, including Ward Beach and a small number of points south of the Waima River. Walks along the sandy shoreline to the impressive limestone outcrops of the Needles and Chancet Rocks are backed by steep terrain where views towards the open ocean are gained. Views from Cape Campbell lighthouse are spectacular, where panoramic vistas of the sweeping curve of Clifford Bay and the southern shores of the North Island are evident. Other than farm-related activity on the land, this coastline is unmodified, with no aquaculture or jetties/ wharves. The area, once visited, is extremely memorable. Prominent reef areas in the north (including Cape Campbell), give way to extensive sand/gravel shores in the south and large offshore Macrocystis (kelp) beds are also present off this coastline. The coastal cliffs and escarpments have small low indigenous forest remnants and unusual, highly distinctive herbfields with nationally threatened species. The dunes and coastal flats also contain nationally threatened species. The Canterbury Gully dunefield, located just south of Cape Campbell, contains nationally threatened ecosystem types and plant species. The coastal scarps and flats have nationally significant ecosystems, including dunes and salt turfs, and good sequences of native coastal vegetation. Several areas are set aside for conservation of natural values through QEII National Trust covenants. Modifications include: pastoral land, occasional fences, farm tracks, a gravel road leading to the lighthouse, a lighthouse and collection of small buildings (including a small overhead powerlin e), an airstrip, a sm all quarry, and the Ward beach buildings and road end. This area also includes the eastern extent of Marfells Beach Road. App 1 - 22