Volume Three Appendix 2 Coastal Terrestrial Area 1: D’Urville General values and characteristics applicable to the whole of Coastal Terrestrial Area 1 This area is characterised by a unique combination of ultramafic dominated basement rock types. The sheltered coastal lagoons are regionally rare. Upland vegetation is largely intact. Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments Croisilles Harbour Very High Nationally important geological and Area with small landform features including Matarau parts High Point beach ridge gravel foreland. Regionally important landforms including: Pakiaka Point barrier island and lagoon; Taipare and Whangarae limestone outcrops. Island communities here are nationally important with distinctive biota, communities and habitats. Some mainland communities, especially tussocklands, rocklands, shrublands and stunted forests are endemic to the ultramafic “mineral belt” and nationally important, with the coastal ultramafic communities, being unique in New Zealand. Also present are dune, spit, beach, lagoon, freshwater wetland, estuarine and alluvial communities, which are all very distinctive and rare in the Sounds. Overall, natural biodiversity of communities and species is exceptional. High experiential values due to lack of modification. App 2 - 9