Our Climate

The average annual rainfall is about 650mm, with rain falling on an average of 80 days per year, fairly evenly distributed but with slightly higher rainfall in summer. Fogs often occur in the valley, particularly from dawn to mid morning and although no data are currently available, we expect that fog drip may add substantially to the precipitation, particularly in the forested areas, as does dew on the pastured areas. Low clouds that come in from the coast are common and we expect they are a significant factor in reducing evaporation and transpiration. We also frequently see afternoon thunderstorms in summer and a south easterly breeze on hot evenings is common and very welcome.

Frosts are very common from late autumn, through winter and into spring and cover the slopes and valley floor with thick crystals. These make the valley a crystal white wonderland in contrast with the green forest and a clear azure sky.

Our soils are mainly shallow, fine sandy loam to clay loam with light to medium clay down the profile. There are frequently large proportions of gravel to depths of 60cm. On the upper slopes the colours in the surface few centimetres are dark brown changing to brown and yellow down the profile. The texture contrast soils occur extensively across the area having developed on granitic, volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Our hills consist of rolling terrain with stony crests and minor rocky outcrops. Some slopes are steep but most are moderately inclined between 7 and 16%. The mid slopes contain gentle sloping land forms with simple slopes and depressions. The alluvial flats consist of deep soils that were subject to flooding.