Part 1 - Land Information New Zealand

RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
• The presence of the recently upgraded Deep Creek Hut and the Meg Hut on neighbouring
conservation land in close proximity to the PL.
• A network of high altitude tracks on the PL which provide opportunities for mountain
biking, walking, horse riding and four wheel driving in a natural setting. Some of these
tracks link with tracks on adjoining public conservation land.
• The Pisa Range Crest and most of the Roaring Meg catchment are a spectacular natural
setting, provided by the natural vegetation cover and interesting landforms present,
including rocky tors, rocky gorges and rolling tops.
• Magnificent scenery, with outstanding 360˚ views towards Mount Aspiring National Park,
the Cromwell Basin, the Roaring Meg and Kawarau River catchments.
• The abundance of historic mining remains, particularly in the vicinity of Mitre Creek.
• The presence of both the Lowburn and Meg Pack tracks within the PL boundaries which lie
on or close to legal road lines. These tracks form part of an increasing recreational network
on the Pisa Range.
• The dry Central Otago climate and high frequency of fine weather amenable to both
summer and winter activities.
The PL is currently enjoyed by a range of recreational users including backcountry skiers,
mountain bikers, horse trekkers, mountain runners, hunters, walkers, natural history
enthusiasts, four wheel drivers and trail bikers (commercial tours). The majority of these
activities occur on the Pisa Range tops and along the Cardrona–Roaring Meg and Lowburn
pack tracks.
In 1992 DOC compiled a Recreation Opportunity Spectrum for the entire conservancy
whereby all areas, regardless of land tenure, were classified and mapped according to setting,
activity and recreational experience characteristics.
The recreational opportunities identified within and around the PL were Back Country Walk In
and Back Country Four Wheel drive in. Back Country opportunities are defined in the Otago
CMS as being characterised by a feeling of relative remoteness from populated areas, yet has
good recreational facilities. The highly natural setting is a valued part of the experience and
may be associated with motivations of “escape from town”, education, exercise, and/or a sense
of being close to nature.
The Otago Conservation Management Strategy (1998) identifies the Pisa summit ridge as
having remote recreational setting, especially in winter, when the area is inaccessible to
vehicles.
DOCDM-924126 - Lowburn Valley CRR - 2012
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