Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve Draft Management Plan

ecreational use and access that is relatively high. But there is a clear intention to
provide a predominantly natural visitor experience while still providing for easy
motorised and non-motorised vessel access to the Abel Tasman coast. Other
important qualities and visitor experiences also need to be protected, such as:
naturalness, including natural quiet; a sense of history; and an ability to appreciate
the natural environment. The balance between use and protection of the reserve
permeates this management plan and guides the visitor management approach,
Recreational Zones and concession management regimes described below and in the
following sections.
Local context
Tasman District Council seeks to provide recreation opportunities which meet the
expressed needs and aspirations of present and future communities. Tasman District
Council manages a number of reserves, such as esplanade, recreation and local
purpose reserves, including several reserves adjacent to Abel Tasman Foreshore
Scenic Reserve (see Appendix 2). Tasman District Council’s objectives for the
provision and management of reserves are contained in the Tasman District
Recreation Strategy (1996) and in reserve management plans.
6.1.1 Access and use
The reserve is used for access and for recreational activities by visitors to the
national park, and by residents of and visitors to private landholdings. The reserve is
also a destination for picnics, or a base for boating activities. The Coast Track within
the adjoining national park is the busiest Department of Conservation multi-day
track in the country, receiving approximately 150,000 visitors a year. More visitors
visit the reserve from the sea (by boat, kayak or other vessels) than from the land (by
walking), and over 90% of visitors to the national park use the coastal environment.
The beaches, and the Coast Track within the adjoining national park, are the main
attractions for visitors. During the busiest part of the summer holiday season there
are about 2000 people entering the southern part of the adjacent national park per
day, most of whom are likely to visit the reserve. There are approximately 1200
visitors to Totaranui per day at the height of summer, most also using the reserve.
From late December to early February Totaranui is full to capacity: 850 visitors per
night in the campground; 40 in the Great Walk campsite; and 40 in Ngarata
Homestead. Data for visitor use of the foreshore associated with the adjacent private
land (e.g. Torrent Bay/Rakauroa and Awaroa) are not available.
Most areas in the reserve, including some that are not readily accessible on foot from
the Coast Track, are accessible from the sea by commercial vessels, freedom kayak
rentals, canoes, private vessels and bareboat charters. The reserve is also accessible
by vehicles from road-ends at Wainui Inlet, Totaranui, Awaroa Inlet and Marahau,
and by foot from the adjacent national park or private land. Commercial vessel and
road transport services link with other regional transport services to places such as
Nelson and Takaka. Marahau and Kaiteriteri are the major departure points for
commercial vessels providing transport services into the reserve. Kaiteriteri,
Marahau, Totaranui and Nelson are also launching points for private vessels.
Use is highly seasonal with January, the busiest month, accounting for more than
20% of annual use. Overall, about 80% of use occurs in the six summer months
(November to April). The vast majority of visitors use the reserve as part of a day
trip. Most visitor activity occurs along the coast between Marahau and Totaranui as
6. People’s benefit and enjoyment 41