Encompassing some of the highest mountains in New Zealand outside the Southern Alps, Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence is of national significance geologically and for the many rare, interesting and unique native plants and animals it harbours.

Landforms

Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence protects some of the highest mountains in New Zealand outside the Southern Alps. It is of national significance geologically and for the many rare, interesting and unique native plants and animals it harbours.

Due to its relatively dry climate, the area escaped extensive glaciation during the Ice Age. Instead of glacial features, landforms above the original bushline are a result of mass movement of rock and debris. In places, it seems the very bones of the mountains are revealed - chalky white outcrops of limestone, contrasting vividly with deep-red remnants of ancient underground volcanic activity.

Vegetation

The vegetation forms a complex mosaic of tussock grasslands, shrublands, forest, flaxes, screefields and bare rock. Several threatened plants, a number of species at their northern or southern limits and numerous plants endemic to the region are found here. These include the rare pink broom, New Zealand lilac, coral daisy and Marlborough rock daisy. Despite overgrazing, burning, spraying and damage by pests, the lower altitudes still support some important remnant communities. The many bluffs are goat-proof havens for plants, some of which live only on the limestone outcrops. Introduced weeds, such as hawkweed and briar, are also a major nuisance.

Wildlife

The Seaward Kaikoura Range is a very important area for a whole range of native animals. Eleven species of lizard have been recorded, including the threatened black-eyed gecko and scree skink. The New Zealand falcon occurs throughout the area; and kea live in the alpine zone. Blind Saddle is one of the most important areas known for large invertebrates in New Zealand: two weta species, a tussock butterfly and two speargrass weevil species survive there. Introduced animals, including rabbits, pigs, stoats, hares and possums, pose a threat to the native wildlife and vegetation.

Proposed international dark sky sanctuary

This area is renowned for its clear night skies. It’s a perfect spot for stargazing and astrophotography. Due to its position and location, and so little light pollution, you’ll have an amazing view of:

• the Milky Way (Te Ikaroa)
• the Southern Cross
• Large and Small Magellanic Clouds
• the magnificent globular cluster Omega Centauri.

Find out more about the best spots for stargazing in the area and read the proposal to make the area an international dark sky sanctuary at the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust website.

Maori living at the mouth of the Clarence River used the river valley as a route through to Waiau for at least 750 years. In 1857 the first sheep runs were taken up in the Clarence by Joseph Ward and C. F. Watts.

By 1890 no lessee could be found for the difficult runs, which were infested with scab, a skin disease in sheep. The area became part of the Crown’s reserve of unoccupied pastoral lands. Access was always a major obstacle. Horses were a valuable asset and the old pack track can still be seen in places. The modern vehicle track was only completed in 1969.

The leaseholders used materials at hand for building their homes and farm buildings. Trees, including introduced species, such as willow and elm, were used for framing. Cob was used for constructing walls; sometimes even the dog kennels and outside ovens were made from this mixture of mud and tussock.

There are several historic huts in the Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence area: Black Spur Slab Hut, Bluff Dump Hut, Horse Flat Hut, Old Willows Hut and Tent Poles Hut. Find out about historic huts in Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence area.