Important Natural Landscapes (Boffa Miskell, 2013)

74Coastal Area 12 : WaiparaNatural Character AttributesDegree of Natural Character Zone A Zones A & B Zone BWaterAbioticSystems &LandformsPerceptual/experientialTerrestrialBioticSystemsLand Cover& Land UseVery HighHighModerate to HighModerate Moderate to LowLowVery LowWaterOverall Natural Character Ratingfor Coastal AreaThe coast line south of the Kowai River is dominated bysandy beaches backed by low coastal dunes. North ofLeithfield, the sand beaches change to steep, erodingcomposite beaches, andmixed sand and gravelbeaches. These northernPegasus Bay beaches arecharacterised by upperforeshores composedof variable mixtures ofsand and gravel adjacentto sandy foreshores andswash zones. The sandypart of the beach is onlyexposed at low tide. Thenorthern boundary of theBanks Peninsula MarineMammal Sanctuary islocated at the WaiparaRiver mouth. Within the sanctuary, there are a number offishing restrictions and areas set aside for fishing.Abiotic Systems and LandformThis coast consists predominantly of composite, ratherthan mixed sand and gravel beach types. Gravel beachesare more stable than sand beaches and raised gravelridges have developed along the landward side ofthe beaches. While these areas are well drained, theyModerateare sometimes flooded by the sea, which can leadto erosion of unconsolidated gravel and sand. TheWaipara River mouth, which only occasionally opens,is usually offset tothe north behinda bar, forming acharacteristic hapuatypelagoon. Severalnotable hapua lagoonsare located in thiscoastal area, namelythose associated withthe Waipara and KowaiRiver mouths, andAmberley Beach andMimimoto Lagoonsbetween these tworivers.RAFTFTFTPerceptualThe coastline consists mainly of shingle beachesabove the tide mark with some low cliff faces. Whileaccess to the coast is relatively easy, these beachesare only rarely used for bathing. However, fishing,4WD/ motorbike use and some fishing occurs, andLeithfield Beach serves a local surf spot. The coastallagoons mentioned above are currently being restored(with willow removal) and walkways/ picnic areasHurunui District | 2013