There are concerns one of our most popular national parks is at risk of losing its pristine image.
Silt and debris brought down in ex-cyclone Gita has smothered rivers near Abel Tasman and is now spilling out into the ocean. It's also causing harm to a range of habitats.
"It's totally destroyed the ecosystem here," says Split Apple Rock resident Guy Baker. "You put your hand in and you'll be like feet deep in dead cockles."
The Marahau township is described as the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park and has some of the last remaining wetlands in New Zealand.
Rivers in the area are home to the Giant Kokopu, Inanga, eels and other streamlife. But six weeks on from ex-cyclone Gita, the streams' rocky bays and deep waters have gone and the life beneath has vanished.
"The rivers around here should be running crystal clear and we've had a whole month now of mud just perpetually spilling into the sea," says Abel Tasman EcoTours owner Stewart Robertson.
"Even on the calmest day out here, if you go diving about 20 metres, most divers will find that the bottom two metres are permanently choked with suspended sediment."
Mr Robertson, a marine biologist, has begun a NIWA funded study comparing the environmental damage done in Marahau with nearby Torrent Bay and Kaiteriteri.
All three catchments share the same rock type, but the national park has regenerating and native forest.
"Even after the largest rains, we might get a few slips but the water generally clears up within less than a day," says Mr Robertson.
The Marahau hills are covered with pine forests for logging, and the land is used for a number of urban activities.
"If we continue to go down the business as usual track, we're going to get another rain event and another rain event. And that's not just going to affect tourism, but it's also affecting industries like fisheries and aquaculture," says Mr Robertson.
Three iwi act as the caretakers of the land. Ngati Tama says a long-term plan is currently being reviewed.
"We know there's erosion, our view is Kaitiaki based and that is obviously all about managing assets in the most sustainable way," says Tama Asset Holding Company Chairman Waari Ward-Holmes.
"We will be working with the forest managers who will be deciding what trees should be replanted."
In the meantime, local Marahau residents are replanting some of the 5000 seedlings that were lost in a torrent of silt.
"I've seen three major events since we've lived here and the wetland has recovered fine each time," says resident Terry Stanbridge.
It's hoped further action could stop the land's wounds from reopening.
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