Inventory of coastal areas of local or regional significance in the ...

Bell Block Beach and Waipu Lagoons
Number: 20 GPS: 2608254E
6241951N
General description
A boulder beach backed by 20 m high cliffs and sand dunes that are mostly covered in rough
scrub and marram. Construction of seawalls, fencing and planting of dunes has been
undertaken in an attempt to combat erosion 4, 2 . Waipu lagoons are two natural coastal
lagoons (approximately 4.5 ha) that are a rare dune swamp/lagoon system valued for its
wildlife habitat 5, 10 .
Location
Just south of Bell Block.
Land tenure
Site: - Crown Land: Foreshore (administered by the Department of
Conservation)
- District Land: Esplanade reserves (administered by the New Plymouth
District Council)
Site access: - Crown Land: Recreation reserve (administered by the Department of
Conservation)
- District Land: Recreation reserves and Sewerage and Drainage reserves
(administered by New Plymouth District Council).
Values
Amenity High - regionally important amenity values 1
Recreational High - popular recreation area 2 with variety of uses including
surfing
- facilities include a small boat ramp, carpark, and toilets
Cultural/ High - pa and midden/pit sites 3
Historical
Ecological/
Scientific
High - threatened bird species (Australasian bittern), and habitat
4, 5, 7
for other wetland birds
- relatively natural state 4
Public access
Excellent - Direct access to the lagoons from Ellesmere Avenue, and direct access to the
beach from Mangati Road in Bell Block. A walkway exists through the
recreation reserve areas.
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