Lake Sumner, Lewis Pass & St James - Canterbury CMS draft place
This draft place includes the high country north of Arthur's Pass National Park to the boundary with Nelson/Marlborough Conservancy. This includes Lake Sumner Forest Park, Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve, Hanmer Forest Park and St James Conservation Area, plus several smaller reserves.
The region is home to endangered species such as roroa/great spotted kiwi, mohua/yellowhead and native fish. Beech-clad mountains, wide river valleys, hot springs and high-country lakes make up a picturesque landscape, under threat from potential irrigation and hydro-electric power development.
Back-country cycle adventure in St James
This region is a backcountry recreation paradise with a huge network of tracks including the east-west traverse over Harpers Pass and the popular St James Walkway. The St James Cycle Trail is one of the country's Great Rides under the banner of Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail. An area is set aside as the Lake Sumner recreational hunting area.
The nearby town of Hanmer is a popular tourist destination and a good stopping point for information before accessing these conservation lands.
We want to hear from you
- There are multiple values over huge areas of land - how do we set management outcomes that balance the sometimes conflicting needs of use and protection?
- Can you see a future where all these different bits of land are managed in a more cohesive way? What would it look like?
- There is increasing pressure for irrigation and/or power development in this place - what concerns you most about the possible impacts?
For more information
Email canterbury.cms@doc.govt.nz
Call a member of the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board - contact Canterbury Conservancy office to be put in touch with board members.