West Coast Marine and Coastal Localities:
a Detailed Description of 14 Segments

5.6 Paparoa
(Morrisey Creek – Point Elizabeth, 52 km)

5.5.1 Summary
The coastline of the Paparoa segment lies along the western margin of the Paparoa Range, broken only by the coastal lowlands of Barrytown Flat. Several rivers of various sizes flow out to sea from heavily forested catchments. The seabed is mostly of a uniform shelf grading out to fine sediments but with inshore rocky reefs and a variety of beach types. The area supports marine life that is typical of such habitats in the northern West Coast. Access to and use of the coast is possible throughout most of this segment. Tourism, residential development and farming are predominant uses of the coastal strip. Most of the coastline is backed by national park which retains a natural character.

Notable features include: accessibility from settlements and roads throughout, unmodified forest and coastal habitats, coastal wildlife, highly scenic natural landscapes, protected catchments, diverse marine habitats, cultural and historic heritage and recreational uses.

Existing protection includes: Paparoa National Park, scenic reserves and other conservation land. Some waterways are closed to whitebaiting and there are several specified areas under the Regional Coastal Plan.

5.5.2 Natural Features

Coastal Land and Islands
The coastline of the Paparoa segment lies along the western margin of the Paparoa Range and is strongly influenced by the complex geology of the locality. The coastline is mostly dominated by tertiary sedimentary rocks (e.g. sandstones and limestone), and mostly unmodified karst (limestone-related) formations of the Paparoa Syncline are a significant natural and geological feature of the Paparoa National Park. Much of the coastline is rugged and scenic, with many cliffs, headlands and small bays. This is particularly so in the north from the Fox River mouth to Razorback Point and in the south from Seventeen Mile Bluff to Nine Mile Creek/Kotorepi.

Rocky Coasts at Fourteen Mile
Photo: D Neale, DOC 		Rocky Coasts at Sixteen Mile
Photo: D Neale, DOC

Between these two blocks of coastal hill country lies the 15 kilometre-long Barrytown Flat. The flat consists of groups of low beach ridges of marine sands and gravels among swampy ground, overlain along its eastern (inland) edge by a sloping surface of river gravels and landslip deposits at the foot of the Paparoa Range121. The major use of the flat is for farming and only a small proportion of the area has been protected from livestock. Nevertheless, a diversity of indigenous vegetation pockets remain on the Barrytown Flat: several rata-podocarp forest remnants (Nikau Scenic Reserve, 20 ha; ‘Coates’ Bush’, 45 ha; ‘Noble’s Bush’, 30 ha; and ‘Weir’s Bush’, 10 ha), as well as some wetland areas (Maher Swamp, 200 ha; Canoe Creek Lagoon). Three ecologically important plants – totara, nikau and northern rata – flourish here despite being almost at their southern limits on the West Coast.

The Paparoa segment contains the southern recorded limits on the West Coast for at least 12 coastal plant species, including the native iceplant at Ten Mile and the threatened coastal cress Lepidium flexicaule at Point Elizabeth.122 Pahautane Beach is one of the few areas of foredune habitat on the West Coast where the native dune plant pingao is dominant and marram grass is absent.

Overall, this segment has a diverse and scientifically important geological history. Sites of particular geological interest include the ‘pancake rocks and blowholes’ karst landforms at Dolomite Point123, seacliff landforms at Perpendicular Point, fossil sites at Woodpecker Bay, Perpendicular Point and Point Elizabeth, a mineral site at Whitehorse Creek, sedimentary rocks at Fox River mouth, Nine Mile and Twelve Mile and geological folding structures at Fourteen Mile, Sixteen Mile and Seventeen Mile124.

Motukiekie Rocks form a cluster of vegetated rock stacks (along with another near Ten Mile Creek) at which the threatened seal cress is found as well as burrowing seabirds and fur seals; Seal Island shares a similar range of natural features125. Rock stacks in the vicinity of Point Elizabeth also support a colony of fur seals, but their ecology is less well known. Small stacks occur elsewhere in this segment, including at Dolomite Point and Woodpecker Bay.

Threatened coastal cresses (Lepidium flexicaule and seal cress L.naufragorum) are found at Seal Island, Perpendicular Point, Dolomite Point, Motukiekie Rocks and Point Elizabeth.

Seventeen Mile Bluff
Photo: D Neale, DOC 		Point Elizabeth, with Rapahoe at the far left
Photo: D Neale, DOC

Coastal Wetlands and Waterways
The six main rivers and numerous smaller creeks which enter the sea within this segment have a variety of river mouth formations. The Fox, Pororari and Punakaiki Rivers drain mostly from the sedimentary limestone catchments of the Paparoa Syncline and emerge at the coast in semi-tidal river mouth lagoons that are often influenced (and very occasionally blocked) by the movements of beach sediments. The river mouth margins of these three rivers are partly modified by land and housing developments.

Three creeks to the south of the Barrytown Flat – Ten Mile Creek (Waianiwaniwa), Nine Mile Creek/Kotorepi and Seven Mile Creek (Waimatuku) – drain from partly forested ‘coal measure’ catchments. Of these only Seven Mile Creek/Waimatuku has a slow-flowing lagoon wetland at its mouth that is influenced by beach sediment movements, whereas the other two flow more steeply onto the beach and out to sea.

Many of the thirteen named creeks on the Barrytown Flat (the largest being Canoe Creek) have been highly modified by drainage and farm development126. There are several pond and lagoon areas, some in the south being the result of past goldmining activities. The largest ‘natural’ water body is the Canoe Creek Lagoon at the mouths of Collins and Devery’s Creeks. Canoe Creek Lagoon has been rated as moderate-high wildlife value as a good food supply for a variety of waterfowl and waders, and Maher Swamp has been rated as being of moderate wildlife value as a good feeding and loafing area for wetland species127. Nikau Scenic Reserve has some wetland features within its coastal forest habitat adjacent to Hibernia Creek.

Coastal farmland on the Barrytown Flats, with Barrytown in the distance
Photo: D Neale, DOC 		Big Rock, Point Elizabeth
Photo: D Neale, DOC

Seashore and Marine Areas
Overall the Paparoa segment has a rocky character, with intertidal rocky shores and shallow reefs. The form of the rocky shorelines in this segment varies considerably and includes: intertidal bedrock platforms and ramps, vertical cliffs, sea caves, boulder shores and complexes of these types. The rocky shore biological communities – including reef fish, seaweeds and benthic invertebrates – are typical of the northern West Coast; however, their overall extent, diversity and accessibility is notable relative to many other parts of that same area. The intertidal reef at Fourteen Mile Bluff is one of only two recorded sites for the recently discovered mottled clingfish. While it is considered likely that this fish occurs in some other places, the extensive surveys that have been done have not recorded it at any other sites128.

Numerous embayments and beach sections occur within sections of rocky coast, the largest continuous stretches of these being at Barrytown Flat, Rapahoe and Woodpecker Bay. The beaches comprise a mixture of coarse sand, gravel and cobbles. Barrytown Beach consists mostly of gravelly sediments129, and is locally known for its decorative stones (including pounamu) that appear to be more resilient to the grinding action of the sea as they drift up the coast from the larger river catchments in the south130.

Nautical charts mark a freshwater spring upwelling at 40 metres depth about five nautical miles north-west of Point Elizabeth131, probably arising from the limestone formations found along this coastline.

Offshore the seabed slopes gradually out across the inner shelf towards the Challenger Plateau at a gradient of less than two degrees within the territorial limit, reaching a depth of about 150 metres at the territorial limit132. Seabed sediments grade from coarse beaches of sand, gravel, pebbles and boulders to sandy mud offshore.

Dolomite Point blowhole
Photo: DOC 		Limestone cliffs at Dolomite Point
Photo: L.F. Molloy

Coastal and Marine Wildlife
The most significant coastal wildlife feature in this segment is the Westland petrel colony in the coastal hills behind the Barrytown Flat, where several thousand of these birds nest in burrows. It is the only known breeding site in the world for this species with a total population of possibly 20 000 birds and one of only two major mainland petrel colonies in New Zealand133.

Fur seals haul out at several sites including Seal Island and Motukiekie Rocks; several pups are often born each year at a small colony on Big Rock (Point Elizabeth)134. Hector’s dolphins are widespread throughout this segment and can often be seen (especially in the summer months) from several viewpoints such as Dolomite Point, Pororari beach and Seal Island.

Blue penguins nest in coastal forests, caverns and other suitable locations throughout the segment. Fairy prions and possibly other burrowing seabirds nest on some of the offshore rock stacks, including the Motukiekie Rocks and Seal Island135. Spotted shags nest on the rocky shelves of Perpendicular Point and in smaller numbers south of Nine Mile Bluff and roost on several offshore rocks. Several dozen white fronted terns are often seen roosting on rock stacks at Dolomite Point136.

Marine Fish and Other Species
The Paparoa coastal segment like the rest of the western coast of the South Island, supports a rich diversity of fish and invertebrate species that are fished both commercially and recreationally by a number of fishing methods including trawl, longlining, trolling, potting and set netting.

Inshore trawl fisheries are multi-species and are primarily based on flatfish (several species), red gurnard, red cod, giant stargazer, tarakihi and blue warehou. Other species taken as bycatch include arrow squid, dark ghost shark, ling, barracouta, jack mackerel, spiny dogfish, rig, school shark, sea perch, rough skate and smooth skate137.

As well as a significant trawl fishery along this coastal segment other commercial fishing methods are used such as trolling for albacore and set netting for rig and school shark.

A relatively low diversity of 20 coastal reef fish species have been recorded in this segment, which is a typical feature of the northern West Coast138.

5.5.3 Cultural and Archaeological Heritage
Archaeological sites occur in this segment mostly in association with caves and rock overhangs139. The gold rush towns of St Kilda and Brighton (near Fox River/ Woodpecker Bay) were adjacent to the shoreline and the partly sheltered harbour behind Seal Island, but have been mostly lost to coastal erosion. Old gold workings are common along the coastline on raised marine benches.

Dolomite Point
Photo: D Neale, DOC 		Fox River mouth
Photo: D Neale, DOC

5.5.4 Recreation and Tourism
Recreational fishing occurs at points throughout this coastline, especially where there is access from State Highway 6 and other roadways. A variety of recreational fishing activities are undertaken, including surfcasting from rocks and beaches, boat fishing, hand gathering and netting. Bobbing for crayfish is done at some places such as Seal Island and whitebaiting occurs, especially in the Fox, Pororari and Punakaiki Rivers and Seven Mile Creek/Waimatuku.

Recreational boats access this segment from launching sites at Fox River mouth and Woodpecker Bay, as well as sites outside the segment (such as the Westport and Greymouth Harbours). Point Elizabeth is notable as the closest diving site to Greymouth, and is often accessed by boats for crayfishing and other fishing activities when conditions allow.

Mussel gathering occurs especially in the vicinity of easy access points like Woodpecker Bay, Seal Island, Truman Track, Dolomite Point, Seventeen Mile Bluff, Fourteen Mile Bluff, Twelve Mile Bluff and Point Elizabeth. These sites are also popular for walking and shore exploration and paua gathering is also done at several rocky shore locations.

The scenic diversity of the coastal landscape and recreational attractions along the Paparoa coast provide opportunities for a wide range of tourism and recreational activities. The Dolomite Point pancake rocks and blowholes is one of the most popular tourist sites on the West Coast (with an average of 350,000 visitors per year140, with peak number during the summer months). Formed walking tracks with interpretation panels and high levels of use are also present at Truman Track and the Point Elizabeth Walkway. Managed roadside viewpoints and stopping places include: Kaipakati Point, Irimahuwhero Point, Coghlan’s Lookout, Pororari Beach, Fourteen Mile Bluff, Twelve Mile Bluff and Rapahoe. Walking routes to the coastline also occur at numerous other locations.

Surfing and swimming are possible at several sites including Pororari and Rapahoe Beaches and the Fox, Pororari and Punakaiki River mouths. Other recreational activities include beach walking and fossicking, motorcycling and driving, birdwatching, exploring and boating.

Coastal dwellings along State Highway 6 at Greigs
Photo: D Neale, DOC

5.5.5 Commercial Use
Like the rest of the inshore west coast of the South Island, the Paparoa marine segment is fished by commercial fishers using a variety of fishing methods, the most common being bottom trawl141. Vessels in this area mostly operate out of Westport and Greymouth, but vessels from Nelson and Motueka are known to frequent the coastal fishing grounds.

Farming and forestry are common land uses on the Barrytown Flat and some smaller coastal areas.

Seven mining licenses exist on the coastal strip of Barrytown Flat, and another at Rapahoe Beach. Gravels in the lower reaches of Thirteen Mile Creek are locally regarded as a high quality building aggregate. Gravels and stone are also taken from Canoe Creek.

Proposals for a port facility in the vicinity of Rapahoe have been considered for many years142 but no specific proposals are currently active.


Top Left: Limestone blocks in the surf at Irimahuwhero Point
Top Right: Kapiti Point and Seal Island, with Woodpecker Bay behind
Bottom Left: Maher Swamp on the Barrytwon flats
Bottom Right: Motukiekie Rocks, looking south towards Nine Mile Beach
Photos: D Neale, DOC

5.5.6 Other Public Uses and Facilities
All parts of the Paparoa segment lie within two kilometres of State Highway 6, which provides vehicle access to many coastal localities and roadside viewpoints, as well as access to the foreshore at Woodpecker Bay, Barrytown Flat, Nine Mile and Rapahoe. Foot access is possible to most parts of the coast from State Highway 6 via numerous tracks and routes to the shore, but public access is restricted in some places by private land and/or difficult terrain.

Residential buildings are mostly concentrated in and near settlements at Punakaiki, Rapahoe, Barrytown and Twelve Mile. Buildings include a variety of permanent housing, rental properties and holiday baches.

Coastal hazard protection works occur at numerous locations, including several sites in Woodpecker Bay, Pororari Beach, Punakaiki River and beach, residential sites from Seventeen Mile to Twelve Mile, State Highway 6 north of Rapahoe and at Rapahoe township. Most of these works comprise dumped rock, rock retaining walls, or concrete walls.

The accessibility, size and natural features of the Twelve Mile rocky shore platform makes it a suitable coastal site for natural science studies and it is often used by local schools and for university research. In particular, the University of Canterbury have used this site and others (at Nine Mile, Fourteen Mile and Woodpecker Bay) for marine biological research and monitoring143.

There are Resource Management Act coastal permits issued in this segment144 for:

Pahautane Beach and Motukutuka Point
Photo: D Neale, DOC 		Dolomite Point, Pancake Rocks
Photo: D Neale, DOC

5.5.7 Existing Protection and Management Areas
While many of the inland catchments of this segment are within Paparoa National Park and other conservation lands, the land along the coastline itself is mostly private land and legal road (formed and unformed). The National Park extends to or very near parts of the coast between about Hatters Bay and Pororari River and at Dolomite Point and Razorback Point.

Scenic Reserves are located at Seal Island and Kaipakati Point, Nikau Scenic Reserve and Rapahoe Range. Te Ana o Matuku Caves Historic Reserve is near the mouth of the Fox River. Other conservation lands extending close to the coast include areas around Whitehorse Creek, Maher Swamp, Canoe Creek, Seventeen Mile Bluff to Thirteen Mile Bluff and Nine Mile Bluff.

Several waterways in this segment are closed to whitebaiting145:

Whitebaiting is not permitted in non-tidal areas, nor upstream of ‘back pegs’ on the Fox, Pororari and Punakaiki Rivers.
The Pororari River is a significant water body which is closed to commercial eel fishing (on account of its protected land status)146.

Porari River
Photo: D Neale, DOC 		Point Elizabeth
Photo: D Neale, DOC

The area lies within Fisheries Statistical Area FSA 34, which is part of the Challenger Fishery Management Area (FMA 7). The adjoining land area is within the Buller District north of Punakaiki River and the Grey District south of this point.

The operative West Coast Regional Coastal Plan recognises:

Punakaiki River
Photo: D Neale, DOC 		Rapahoe Beach
Photo: D Neale, DOC

121 Bioresearches Ltd 1986
122 F. Overmars et al, unpublished DOC data
123 Coates & Laird 1988
124 Hayward & Kenny 1999
125 Neale 2006e
126 Bioresearches Ltd 1986
127 Morse 1981
128 Roberts et al 2005
129 Jones 1994
130 Neale 1990
131 RNZN 1958
132 RNZN 2002b
133 Marchant & Higgins 1998; Baker & Coleman 1977; Best & Owen 1976
134 Neale 2006e
135 Neale 2006e
136 Neale 2006e
137 Stevenson & Hanchet 1999
138 Roberts et al 2005
139 Hooker 1990
140 C. Jose, unpublished DOC data
141 Booth et al 2005
142 Pfahlert 1984, Simpson 1959, Blackett & Hector 1889, Coode 1880b
143 D. Schiel pers comm 2004
144 www.wcrc.govt.nz “Maps on the Web”, June 2006
145 Whitebait Fishing (West Coast) Regulations 1994
146 Tai Poutini Tuna 1999

Paparoa MapHabitats & Ecosystems People & UseAnimals & Plants Existing Protection & Management Plans Submission Form