Landscapes and features are important because they contribute significantly to our well-being and quality of life. They provide the broader context within which we live our lives. Living within aesthetically pleasing and culturally meaningful landscapes enhances our sense of wellbeing. Visiting largely undeveloped landscapes enables people to re-connect with nature, to refresh their minds and bodies and to gain a greater appreciation of New Zealand's natural heritage. Accessible natural landscapes within close proximity of urban areas, such as the Waitakere Ranges in Auckland and Banks Peninsula in Christchurch, play an important role in increasing the quality of life within those cities. Iconic features such as the volcanic cones in Auckland also contribute to the visual identities of New Zealand's cities and settled areas. For tangata whenua, the ongoing ability to associate with valued cultural landscapes and to access natural resources within these landscapes for cultural harvest are important elements of cultural well-being.
