Northern Pegasus Bay Motor Vehicle Access Strategy

Sand dune damage, the safety of pedestrians and threats to plant and animal life prompted the move towards greater control of vehicle access in Northern Pegasus Bay. Environment Canterbury, in collaboration with the Hurunui and Waimakariri District Councils and the Department of Conservation, has been working on the strategy for the last three years.

What is the strategy?

A non-statutory document that looks at the beaches in the Waimakariri and Hurunui districts, and recommends restricted vehicle access to some of them. The strategy follows consultation in 2002 on its predecessor, the Northern Pegasus Bay Coast Draft Vehicle Access Strategy.

When will the strategy come into effect?

The strategy is not binding until the four organisations with responsibility for the Northern Pegasus Bay coastline (Hurunui and Waimakariri District Councils, Environment Canterbury and the Department of Conservation) adopt its recommendations and pass bylaws to enforce the strategy. Education, signage and rangers will also be used to implement the strategy, if adopted.

Why does the strategy recommend restricted access?

Canterbury people are active users of the coast, but the popularity of many of our beaches is causing stress. Many beaches in Waimakariri and Hurunui are showing signs of pressure from vehicle use, and erosion, pedestrian safety, dune damage and threats to plant, bird and animal life are emerging as problems. If we want to protect these beaches, we need to avoid damaging the dunes and their vegetation.

Why are vehicles a problem?

Sand dunes act as a natural barrier, and they protect farmland and coastal settlements from the sea. But our dune systems are fragile. Once small patches of the dunes lose vegetation, the wind can move sand creating an unstable dune system. Vehicles are the worst offenders, which is why the strategy concentrates on restricting their access to beaches. People who enjoy walking on beaches have also suggested they feel unsafe on beaches with high vehicle use.

What methods does the strategy recommend to reduce the impact of vehicles?

Ranger Service - A dedicated ranger service for the Northern Pegasus Bay coast to patrol beach areas, provide education, enforce vehicle access and maintain tracks.

Motor Vehicle Access Licence – Drivers will have to apply for motor vehicle access licences, to allow vehicles to travel below the high tide mark or on designated routes to beaches. Vehicles won’t be allowed on dunes, lagoons, estuaries and wetlands.

Signage - Signs at each access point in Northern Pegasus Bay.

Alternative Areas for Recreational Use of Motor Vehicles – Sites where vehicles can be used for recreation, without risk to the natural environment or to human life.

Motor Vehicle Access to Riverbeds - Signs at the Ashley, Kowai and Waipara Rivers, where motor vehicles commonly access the coast.

Monitoring – monitoring, particularly for Ashworths Beach, is recommended.

Beach Access – Restrictions on vehicle access are beach-specific (see next page).

What beaches have proposed restrictions on vehicle access?

Waimakariri River Mouth – Remains open to vehicles for fishing purposes.

Pines Beach – No access. Key access for surf club/emergency vehicles only.

Woodend Beach – No access. Key access for surf club/emergency vehicles only.

Proposed Pegasus Bay settlement – No access to beach.

Waikuku Beach – Access at northern end of beach via locked gate. Can only travel north.

Ashley River mouth – No access via estuary/mud flats/wet sand area. Vehicles discouraged.

Ashworths Beach – Access via locked gate except between months of July to February (bird breeding/nesting). Can still access via Leithfield Beach.

Leithfield Beach – Northern and southern access points remain open.

Kowai River – No access via estuary/mud flats/wet sand area. Vehicles discouraged.

Newcombes Road – Access remains open.

Amberley Beach – Northern and southern access points remain open.

Waipara River mouth and spit – Access restricted to beach area closest to sea.

Waipara River mouth to ‘The Rocks’ (just north of the Waipara River) – Access remains open.

Has feedback from the community been sought for the strategy?

More than 500 people submitted on the strategy’s predecessor, the Northern Pegasus Bay Coast Draft Vehicle Access Strategy. The draft strategy was open for public comment in 2002. Prior to this consultation, meetings were held over two years with coastal communities and four wheel drive representatives.

What is the process now?

The strategy will be discussed by representatives of Environment Canterbury, the Department of Conservation, and the Hurunui and Waimakariri District Councils in meetings in May 2003. The four organisations will consider whether to adopt the strategy in its current form, or modify it. Once a decision has been made, the public will be informed.

Where do I get more information?

Environment Canterbury
Customer Services Phone 03 353 9007
Fax 03 365 3194
email ecinfo@ecan.govt.nz

Participating Organisation Contact Details

Waimakarirri District Council
phone 03 313 6136 (Rangiora)
03 327 8039 (Kaiapoi)
03 312 4014 (Oxford)
email office@wmk.govt.nz
website www.waimakariri.govt.nz.

Hurunui District Council
phone 03 314 8816
email info@hurunui.govt.nz
website www.hurunui.govt.nz

Department of Conservation
Canterbury Conservancy
phone 03-379-9758
website: www.doc.govt.nz