Tourism Infrastructure

Case Study

Balancing Infrastructure Development with Landscape & Cultural Values

Background

The Kawatiri Cycle Trail (KCT) is a landmark infrastructure project designed to boost the West Coast’s economy while providing a 70-kilometer scenic route between Westport and Charleston. The trail winds through beach dunes, rocky headlands, and culturally significant sites to Ngāti Waewae, immersing locals and visitors in the region’s breathtaking coastal landscapes.

Challenge

Situated in a dynamic coastal environment, the project required careful assessment to ensure it aligned with the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) while protecting landscape values, natural character, public access, and rural amenity. A robust landscape assessment approach was needed to balance development with environmental and cultural preservation.

Our Role

We provided technical landscape expertise to support the consenting and implementation teams by:

• Assessing landscape and natural character impacts in alignment with NZCPS and district-wide studies.
• Developing hotspot mapping to identify and prioritize areas with significant environmental and cultural values.
• Applying ground-based controls to translate mapped values into practical design and management solutions.
• Evaluating long-term landscape effects throughout construction, use, and maintenance phases.

Through a collaborative approach, we worked closely with local communities and environmental experts to ensure the project honored both cultural heritage and ecological sustainability.

Impact & Results

Our landscape analysis provided a clear, actionable framework to guide the consenting and implementation process. This enabled the project team to:

• Develop targeted mitigation strategies to balance infrastructure development with environmental and cultural protection.
• Create a structured work plan addressing key landscape concerns.
• Deliver robust environmental assessments (AEE reports) for each project stage, streamlining approvals.

How We Can Help

Need landscape assessments that integrate local perspectives and regulatory compliance? We specialize in:

• Aligning infrastructure projects with environmental and cultural priorities.
• Developing assessment models that reflect community values and long-term sustainability.
• Streamlining consent and implementation processes for complex developments.

Get in touch to explore how we can help shape your project with a balanced, landscape-sensitive approach.

Grounding development projects in a local landscape lens to improve long-term harmony post decision-making