Appendix 1 Volume Three 3. Rangitoto Islands, Stephens Island and Trio Islands Biophysical - Highly exposed islands, which have steep and exposed sea cliffs and wind-swept Values rocky coastlines. - The islands are above-water remnants of ancient ridges and spurs directly associated with the drowned valley system, which formed the Marlborough Sounds; comprising of strata and schist. - Stephens Island is predator-free. - Jag Rocks/Nga Kiore support some of the largest habitats for the brachiopod community and is of national significance. - The isolated Trio Islands are habitat for tuatara, king shag and are also predator- free. - All islands hold very low level of modification. - Islands contain endemic herbfields and tussock communities. - All islands and their associated coastal waters harbour unique species and hold outstanding levels of natural character. Perceptual - Spectacular rugged coastal cliff features on Rangitoto and Stephens Islands. Values The outer islands are the most exposed to the sea of any areas in the Sounds and - act as visual reference points from Cook Strait. - Strong currents sweep through Stephens Passage. - Low modification of water environments. - Sense of remoteness. Associative - A radar station was established on Stephens Island during World War Two. Values Diving and fishing. - Overview Based on the above values, the Rangitoto Islands, Stephens Island, Trio Islands and Jag Rocks have been identified as ONF's within the Outer Sounds ONL due to their exceptional biophysical and associative landscape values and very high sensory landscape values. These isolated islands at the northern to north-eastern tip of D’Urville Island display exceptional characteristics that are clearly linked with the area's exposure to the sea. Their weathered sea-cliffs and hardy vegetation, tilted from the wind, are highly expressive of their exposed maritime position and are highly memorable. The area is visited by divers and fishing expeditions. Sea conditions range from very exposed around northwestern D’Urville and Takapourewa (Stephens Island) to exposed further south-east at Trio Islands. Stephens Passage between Stephens Island and D’Urville Island is noted for its extremely strong currents. Takapourewa (Stephens Island) is particularly noteworthy for its complex reef habitats and high diversity of macroalgae, invertebrates and fish. The island is predator-free and supports many nationally threatened species including New Zealand’s largest population of tuatara. The smaller Trio Islands are also predator-free, supporting populations of tuatara and king shag. Jag Rocks/Nga Kiore is one of many rock stacks off the coastline of D’Urville Island but is particularly noteworthy as the rocks support some of the largest New Zealand brachiopod communities, which are of national significance. Spectacular cliff formations are also clearly legible on the Rangitoto and Stephens Islands. Modifications (mostly on Stephens Island) include: some vegetation clearance; buildings; a lighthouse on Stephens Island; and occasional tracks and moorings. App 1 - 4