Volume Three Appendix 1 25. The Inland Kaikoura Range Perceptual - The rugged form, grand scale and sheer vertical prominence make the entire range a Values visually spectacular and dramatic landscape. - Range forms backdrop to the eastern side of the District from within the Awatere Valley. - Visually impressive peaks of Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku, Mount Alarm and Mitre Peak. Associative - Tapuae-o-Uenuku is the highest peak in Marlborough (and highest mountain in New Values Zealand outside of the Southern Alps). It is highly recognised as an icon by many trampers and climbers. - The Inland Kaikoura Range is imbued with spiritual and traditional values. Tapuae-o- Uenuku is acknowledged in Ngai Tahu Claims Settlement Act for cultural, spiritual, historical and traditional associations. Overview Based on the above values, The Inland Kaikoura Range has been identified as an ONF due to its exceptional biophysical and associative landscape values and very high sensory landscape values. The mountains of the Inland Kaikoura Range gain the highest elevation within Marlborough, with Tapuae-o-Uenuku at 2,885 metres a.s.l. being the highest mountain in the District. This mountainous range comprises a series of glaciated valleys, rugged mountain tops and major high country river valleys. The Inland Kaikoura Range denotes a visually impressive backdrop in views from the Awatere Valley. The Inland Kaikoura Ranges are imbued with spiritual and traditional values. Tapuae-o-Uenuku is significant to local iwi and was named as te ‘watcher’ h b y James Co ok. The area is also highly regarded by mountain climbers and trampers and is one of the first places on Earth to see in the new day. Modifications include: farm tracks, walking tracks, backcountry huts, pasture, sparsely- located farm related buildings and structures (i.e. stockyard), fencing, and trig stations. 26. The Main Divide and Leatham Conservation Area Biophysical - Geomorphological legibility of tectonic movement. Values Constriction of Wairau River by Hell’s Gate. - - Geopreservation sites include Upper Wairau landslide, Turkeys Nest Basin solifluction slope, Waterfall Stream and Cow Stream moraines, Barber Stream rock glacier/landslide. - Highly legible and impressive straight glacial-carved U-shaped valley of main divide. - Overwhelmingly indigenous beech forest covers the sides of the upper Wairau River valley. - Wairau River and tributaries provide braided riverbed habitats, important for several native bird species. Perceptual - Visual dominance of the large braided river, primarily in the upper valley. Values Surrounding steep slopes and skyline ridges are key features on the journey up the - valley. - Contrast of snowy peaks and dark indigenous vegetation on the mountain sides is highly memorable. - Openness and magnificent large-scale alpine character of elevated mountain peaks leads to high degree of visual coherence. - Highly natural appearance of upper Wairau River valley with human modification limited to the transmission line and road. - Very high levels of natural character in Leatham and Branch Rivers. App 1 - 25