Important Natural Landscapes (Boffa Miskell, 2013)

71Terrestrial Biotic SystemsDovedale Stream is the main stream located in thiscoastal area. In its incised, relatively wide gully a combinationof indigenous hardwoods and regeneratingscrub can be found. A number of other gullies to thesouth of Dovedale Stream also show signs of nativeregeneration. However, in general the coastal slopesare extensively grazed with more intensive agricultureon the flat spurs and tops, while native vegetation issparse and confined to a few gullies. Tiromoana ScenicReserve has been established in the Ella Peak area onlow hills adjacent to the coast, near Glenafric Beach.The coastal hill slope included in the reserve is dividedby an incised gully running from the ridge top to sealevel, cutting through a raised marine terrace. Kanuka isthe dominant hardwood forest on the hill slope and inthe coastal gully.Land Cover and Land UseAgricultural land uses dominate in this coastal area.Settlements can only be found in the hinterland, sincethe coast is largely inaccessible. A large pine forestplantation covers several spurs north of the WaiparaRiver to the south of Mt Cass. This forms the endpointof Pegasus Bay and its sandy beaches.SECTION DRocky inter-tidal reef south of Motunau (image courtesy of P. Langlands).Glenafric settlement (right), broadleaved indigenous hardwoods in incised stream gully below Totara Peak andsandstone cliffs.Hurunui District | 2013