CARDRONA VALLEY: ENVIRONMENTAL HARMONY AND COMMERCIAL SUCCESS

Abstract

Cardrona Valley is 40 km long, running in a north/east, south/west direction. It is 30,000 hectares in area, with a native plant cover of silver tussock and matagouri, running into blue tussock and snow grass as you ascend the valley sides. Annual rainfall averages 600 mm on the valley floor, and altitude increases from 300 metres at the north/east end to 1100 metres at the south/west. The mountain peaks along the valley sides reach an altitude of 1900 metres. Cardrona is a valley that normally has long, hot, dry summers and in winter the snow line is down to 900 metres. Several snow falls cover the whole valley, but remains only a few days on the valley floor. Cardrona is a pleasant valley, sheltered from the prevailing winds by its aspect. It has no geographical features that are unique, and nor do the plant species lack cousins throughout Central Otago. Man's activities have impacted on the valley in many ways over the years and yet it has lost none of its appeal. It is as well clad as it ever was, and we are given the past's fascinating rich history to build on into the future.