Compiled by Jeremy Foster -> mailto:jjfoster [snail] xtra [period] co [period] nz, August 2019.
The information is laid out in the following style:
was a 19th century settler in the Featherston area.
It is also known as Otauira Creek.
The origin of the names of various topographical features, tracks, huts and other sites of the Remutaka Ranges, excluding road and street names.
Remutaka means edge of his cape touching the ground on that spot. Remu means edge. Taka means ground. Also a noted iwi ancestor HaunuiaNanaia of the Kurahaupo people was resting or sitting on the pass while looking over Wairarapa when he first saw these ranges. It was named as part of his journey of discovery across the southern North Island. In 2017 the name changed from Rimutaka to Remutaka.
The Remutaka Ranges extend approximately 47km from SH2 in the north to Turakirae Head in the south.
The area in scope covers is from the SH2 road southwards where it crosses the Range.
- on the East side that is Wellington it is from the SH2 road to Whitemans Valley.
- on the West side that is Wairarapa it is from the SH2 road to Turakirae Head.
Other documents that relate to the area are:
- for Ōrongorongo place name origins see Ōrongorongo Place Name Origins.
- for Wainuiomata place name origins see the Wainuiomata Place Name Origins.
See also the Wikipedia page on the Remutaka Forest Park.
For more history about the Māori naming and their association with the Remutaka Ranges see:
- A Guide to Rimutaka Forest Park by Bill Sewell.
- Built Heritage Of The Orongorongo Valley by Chris Cochran, Chris Maclean, Allan Sheppard.
- The History of the Orongorongo Valley and Environs by Joanna LaneTaylor.
- Tararua The Story of a Mountain Range by Chris Maclean.
The huts that are mentioned in the document are the ones that were / are located from Corner Creek to Turakirae Head area.
Also the huts administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
The Map sources are from various topographical maps as stated in the Bibliography.
See the Bibliography for further sources of information.
Abbots Creek Water
William Abbott (1784 1877) was a 19th century settler in the Featherston area. The creek becomes Otauira Creek when it reaches Featherston.
Source Map. Information Electoral Roll. Time Frame 1880s.
Back Road Road / Track
A secondary road that does not have much traffic. The track starts from near The Summit rail settlement and goes to the Ladle Bend Bridge on the Remutaka Rail Track.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1950s.
Barneys Stream Water
Barneys Whare Hut
Frank Barnes (1859 1941) was a sailor and later became a shepherd at the Ōrongorongo / Riddifords Station. He was also an artist.
He lived in the hut from 1895 to 1936. The private hut is owned by the Ōrongorongo Station.
Source Map. Information The History Of The Orongorongo Valley And Environs by Joanna LaneTaylor. Time Frame 1900s.
Battery Stream Water
Battery Stream Bivouac Hut
Where battery were used to power electricity. The hut was in existence from the 1960s to 2009. It was a DOC Hut.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1840s.
Bawbaw, Mt High Point
Echo. It is from the area located on the boundaries between the Central Highland and Gippsland regions of Victoria, Australia. In the Aboriginal Woiwurrung language the name for the mountain was thought to be variously bo-ye, meaning ghost; or bo-bo, meaning bandicoot. In the Bunurong language, the mountain was thought to be named Bore Bore and in the Gunai language, Bo Bo, both meaning echo. Topographical maps prior to the 1950s show this as named BauBau.
Source Map. Information Internet Search. Time Frame 1882.
Black Whare, Mukamuka Hut
The hut was built of malthoid sheeting over a wire netting frame which was black. The hut was in existence from the 1920s to the 1960s. It was a private hut owned by Eglinton / Wharekauhau Station but visitors were allowed to use it. It was situated on the left bank of the Mukamuka and Hinakatika Streams.
Source The History Of The Orongorongo Valley And Environs by Joanna LaneTaylor. Information The History Of The Orongorongo Valley And Environs by Joanna LaneTaylor. Time Frame 1900s.
Blaikie Stream Water
The origin of the name is unknown.
Source Map. Information ??. Time Frame 1880s.
Bocketts Stream Water
Charles Frederick Bockett (1857 1913) was a 19th century settler in the South Wairarapa area. It has also been known as Brocketts Creek / Stream.
Source Map. Information Electoral Roll. Time Frame 1870s.
Boundary Creek Water
Geographic term in that it is marking the separating of an area. In this situation it is a water source.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1880s.
Breakwind Stream Water
A windbreak design to stop severe wind gusts. On the 11 September 1880 a train was overturned in the area due to strong winds.
Source Bridge Name. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1880s.
Burling, Mt High Point
Burlings Stream Water
Henry Burling (1801 1911) was a 19th century settler in the Featherston area.
Source Map. Information Electoral Roll. Time Frame 1840s.
Centre Ridge Track Road / Track
Geographical term in that it is the middle of a nearby series of ridges. The track starts from near the intersection of Pig Gully Track and Back Road and goes to near Ladle Bend Bridge.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1950s.
Climie Creek Water
Climie, Mt High Point
James Daniel Climie (1850 1928) was a surveyor in Wellington.
Source Map. Information Built Heritage Of The Orongorongo Valley by Chris Cochran, Chris Maclean, Allan Sheppard. Time Frame 1882.
Colletts Stream Water
Thomas George Collett (1843 1930) was a 19th century settler in the Mangaroa Valley area. He was a farmer of section 165.
Source Map. Information Upper Hutt Street AZ Master Themes by Lynly Yates. Time Frame 1870s.
Collies Track Track
John Middleton Collie (1834 1893) was part of Collie, Scott, and Wilkinson contractors who won the Summit Contract.
It may have been of short length, but was perhaps the most difficult as it included the 576 metre Summit tunnel.
The contract terminated a short distance downhill of the tunnel.
It is also known as Kellys Track. The origin of this name is unknown. The track starts from about halfway down the Remutaka Hill Road on the Wellington side and goes to Ladle Bend Bridge on the Remutaka Rail Track.
Source Map. Information Internet Search. Time Frame 1870s.
Collins Stream Water
James Collins (1806 1861) was a 19th century settler in the Te Marua area.
Source Map. Information Electoral Roll. Time Frame 1840s.
Cooley Stream Water
James Edmund Cooley (1843 1911) was a 19th century settler in the Mangaroa Valley area.
Source Map. Information Electoral Roll. Time Frame 1870s.
Cone, The High Point
A fruit of a conifer, typically tapering to a rounded end and formed of a tight array of overlapping scales on a central axis which separate to release the seeds. It is located near the head of the Wharepapa River.
Source Tararua Story Tararua Tramping Club by B. D. A. Greig. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1880s.
Corner Creek Water
Corner Creek Campsite Campsite
Geographical term in that two sides or edges meet. The campsite was officially established in the 1980s though people were camping in the area for many years beforehand. It is located at 44 Ocean Beach Road. This road is also known as the Western Bay Road. Corner Creek was also known as Oruamotoro / Oruamatoro Creek.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1900s.
Cross Creek Settlement / Water
Lot Cross (1837 1891) was a 19th century farmer in the vicinity of the Cross Creek Railway settlement.
He was farming in the area before it was decided that the railway was going to go through. There is also a stream named after him. The track to Cross Creek starts from the end Cross Creek Road and goes to the former railway settlement.
Source Map. Information A Guide To The Rimutaka Rail Trail by Graeme Jupp. Time Frame 1870s.
Cross River Water
Geographical term in that the stream intersects with a river. It is now known as Papatahi Stream.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1940s.
Deraa, Mt High Point
A fortress. Named after the Syrian city of the same name.
Source Map. Information Internet Search. Time Frame 1882.
Dog Hill High Point
A domesticated carnivorous mammal that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, non-retractable claws, and a barking, howling, or whining voice.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1900s.
Didet, Mt High Point
A Latin word meaning spread out, disseminate.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1882.
Drakes Elbow Geographic Feature
James Charles Drake (1821 1865) was a surveyor.
He was part of a surveying team to build a road over the Remutaka Ranges in the 1850s. It is now known as Hairpin Bend.
Source Map. Information Internet Search. Time Frame 1850s.
Echo Gully Geographic Feature
A deep valley where a sound is repeated or reverberated after the original sound has stopped.
Source Map. Information Internet Search. Time Frame 1900s.
Eglinton Whare, Mukamuka Hut
Henry Eglinton (1838 1904) was a 19th century settler at Wharekauhau, Wairarapa. The hut was in existence from the 1900s to 1920s. It was a private hut owned by the Eglinton / Wharekauhau Station but visitors were allowed to use it. It was located north of Mukamuka Stream along the Pack Track that ran from Turakirae Head to the Southern Wairarapa.
Source The History Of The Orongorongo Valley And Environs by Joanna LaneTaylor. Information Electoral Roll. Time Frame 1880s.
Fern Creek Water
Fern Hill High Point
The area has many ferns which are feathery or leafy fronds.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1882.
FiftyEight Stream Water
The origin of the name is not known. However a possibility is that it is a corruption of 158. Section 158 is one of the designated land blocks in the Whitemans Valley area. Another possibility is that someone from the British Army 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment of Foot settled in the area. It was called 58 Stream.
Source Map. Information Upper Hutt Information Centre. Time Frame 1882.
Fishermans Rock Headland
The rock where fisherman noted that was used to mark an area that the entrance to Wellington Harbour was near.
Source Map. Information Internet Search. Time Frame 1840s.
Goat Rock High Point
The goat is a surefit animal so it is steep and suitable for them.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1900s.
Gooden / Goodin, Mt High Point
Philip Gooden (1822 1897) was a 19th century settler in the Greytown area.
Source Map. Information Electoral Roll. Time Frame 1880s.
Govt Gully Water
A shortened version for government. It is a system or group of people governing an organised community, often a state. In the case of its broad associative definition, government normally consists of legislature, executive, and judiciary.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1882.
Gravel Gully Water
A loose aggregation of small waterworn or pounded stones.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1882.
Hairpin Bend Geographic Feature
A bend in a road with a very acute inner angle, making it necessary for an oncoming vehicle to turn about 180° to continue on the road. It was known as Drakes Elbow.
Source Map. Information Internet Search. Time Frame 1940s.
High Maunganui High Point
A large mountain that catched the sun in the morning. Maunga means mountain. Nui means large, big. It was also known as High Monganui.
Source Map. Information Māori Place Names Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
High Misty, Mt High Point
A cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere at or near the earth's surface that limits visibility.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Hinakitaka Stream Water
A place that is good for setting eel traps. Hinaki means eel. Taka means place. The area is Maori land and is associated with the Wellington Tenths Trust in particular with Ngati Tama, and Pipitea Pa.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Hinau Flats Geographic Feature
A tall native tree with long leaves, whitish underneath and producing masses of white flowers and edible berries, the pounded kernels of which form a meal from which hinau bread is baked, while the bark is used for dye for the initial stage of producing the black of muka.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Hiwawa Stream Water
To babble. There was also a Maori settlement located here.
Source Map, William Colenso His Life And Journeys by A. G. Bagnall and G. C. Petersen. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Horseshoe Gully Geographic Feature
It is shaped like a shoe for a horse formed of a narrow band of iron in the form of an extended circular arc. It is also known as Siberia Corner / Curve.
Source Map, A Guide To The Rimutaka Rail Trail by Graeme Jupp. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1870s.
Huia Stream Water
A native bird with beautiful black and white tail feathers used by the Māori for decoration. It is now extinct.
Source Map. Information Wikipedia. Time Frame 1880s.
Johnsons Stream Water
James Johnson (1819 1901) was a 19'^th^ century settler in the Whitemans Valley area.
He was a farmer at Section 54 of Whitemans Valley.
Source Map. Information Upper Hutt Street AZ Master Themes by Lynly Yates. Time Frame 1860s.
Kaitoke Stream Water
A meal of earthworms. On occasions only worms could be found in the poor soils in the area.
Kai means eat, food. Toke means worms.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Karaka Rocks Geographic Feature
A native tree with glossy leaves and orange berries.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Kaumatua Ridge Ridge
A respected elderly person. The Kaumatua Tramping Club who 'pioneered' the route, cut and marked the track along the ridge.
Name is used locally by all of the local Wellington tramping clubs, Forest and Bird branches and Search and Rescue. It was named in 1990.
Source Map. Information Māori Place Names Dictionary. Time Frame 1990s.
Kawakawa Bay Water
A shrub of the pepper family with aromatic leaves, cultivated as an ornamental. It was visited by Kupe and that one of his daughters fashioned a garland or chaplet from the leaves of the kawakawa. It is also known as Palliser Bay.
Source Map. Information Māori Place Names Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Kotumu, Mt High Point
Kotumu Stream Water
A stump.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Ladle Bend Creek Water
A large longhandled spoon with a cupshaped bowl, used for serving soup or sauce. It is situated on the curve of the Pakuratahi River.
Source Map, A Guide To The Rimutaka Rail Trail by Graeme Jupp. Information Internet Search. Time Frame 1870s.
Lucena Stream Water
William Lancaster Lucena (1839 1902) was a 19th century settler in the Featherston area. It is also known as Owhanga Stream.
Source Map. Information Electoral Roll. Time Frame 1880s.
Mahers Stream Water
James Joseph Maher (1888 1964) was a 20'^th^ century farmer in the Mangaroa Valley area. He was also a member of parliament representing the Otaki electorate from 1945 to 1960.
Source Map. Information Upper Hutt Street AZ Master Themes by Lynly Yates and Wikipedia. Time Frame 1920s.
Manganui Stream Water
A great stream. Manga means stream. Nui means great. It was also known as Monganui Stream.
Source Map. Information Māori Place Names Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Mangaroa River Water
Mangaroa Tunnel Tunnel
A long stream. Manga means river or stream. Roa means long. Mangaroa has also been spelt as Mungaroa and Maungaroa. The length of the tunnel is 253 metres and was built between 1876 and 1877.
Source Map. Information Upper Hutt Street AZ Master Themes by Lynly Yates. Time Frame 1800s.
Manuka Hill Vegetation
A flowering native tree that has aromatic, prickly leaves and many small, white, pink or red flowers. There were lots of manuka in the area.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1860s.
Matarua Stream Water
A reddish water, from the iron oxide in the local swamp.
Source Map. Information Māori Place Names Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Matthews, Mt High Point
Charles Matthews (1811 1892) was a 19th century settler first at Wharepapa and later at Wairongomai in the Wairarapa.
It is the highest point in the Remutaka Range at 940 metres. It was originally called Mount Francis. The origin of this name is unknown.
The Māori name for this is unknown.
Source - Map. Information Internet Search. Time Frame 1850s.
Maunganui, Mt High Point
A large mountain that catched the sun in the morning. Maunga means mountain. Nui means large, big. It was also known as Mt Monganui.
Source Map. Information Māori Place Names Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Maungaroa Ridge
A long mountain. Maunga means mountain. Roa means long. It is a early Maori name for the area. Maungaroa has also been spelt as Mungaroa and Mangaroa.
Source Map. Information Māori Place Names Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Miro Creek Water
Miro Creek Road Road / Track
A evergreen coniferous native tree. It grows up to 25 m high, with a trunk up to 1.3 metres diameter. The track starts along the Back Road and goes up Miro Creek.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Misty Hill High Point
A cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere at or near the earth's surface that limits visibility.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1880s.
Morris, Mt High Point
The origin of this name is unknown. It is now known as Tapokopoko, Mt.
Source Map. Information ??. Time Frame 1882.
Mukamuka Point Headland
Mukamuka Stream Water
A lot of inner flax fibres. It is a tassel made from muka formed around a smaller knot.
Muka means flax fibre.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Mukamukaiti Stream Water
A lot of small inner flax fibres. It is a tassel made from muka formed around a smaller knot. Muka means flax fibre. Iti means small. It is also known as Little Mukamuka Stream.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Mukamukanui Settlement
A lot of large inner flax fibres. It is a tassel made from muka formed around a smaller knot. Muka means flax fibre. Nui means large. A Māori settlement was located here.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Muldoons Corner Geographic Feature
Robert David Muldoon (1921 1992) was a New Zealand Prime Minister.
It was named because of a knobbly bit on the overlooking cliffface that came right down on the road.
It looked just like Muldoon's grin.
It was eased in 2012 by removing several tight curves, which improved visibility and provided barriers along the valley side of the road.
Source Newspaper article[[http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/5199202/Muldoons-Corner-a-danger-no-more|#]. Information Wikipedia. Time Frame 1970s.
Munitions Bend Geographic Feature
A storage area was established during the First World War.
This location was chosen as it was isolated and accessible only by official persons.
Source Map, A Guide To The Rimutaka Rail Trail by Graeme Jupp. Information A Guide To The Rimutaka Rail Trail by Graeme Jupp. Time Frame 1914.
Narrow Neck Stream Water
Geographical term in that the stream is narrow or small.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1882.
Nicholl, Mt High Point
William Nicols (1815 1890) was a 19th century farmer in the Featherston area.
Nicholl is a misspelling of Nicols.
Source Map. Information Electoral Roll. Time Frame 1880s.
Oruamatoro / Oruamotoro Creek Water
Of the place acquired by stealth. O means of. Rua means place. Matoro means stealth. It is now known as Corner Creek.
Source Map, William Colenso His Life And Journeys by A. G. Bagnall and G. C. Petersen, Information Valley And Bays Origins Of Street Names In Lower Hutt, Including Eastbourne, Petone And Wainuiomata by Alison Carey. Time Frame 1800s.
Oreore Stream Water
To shake, quiver or move. It is also known as Oriori Stream.
Source Map. Information The Great Harbour Of Tara by G. Leslie Adkin. Time Frame 1800s.
Ōrongorongo, Mt High Point
It is a shortened version of Te Wai O Rongorongo. The waters of Rongorongo. Te means the. Wai means water. O means of. Rongorongo was the wife of Turi Kaihautu of the canoe Aotea. Rongorongo is a female name. Also Orongo was an ancient deity of Hawaii. Rongo is the Māori god of agriculture, and father of the kumara.
Source Map. Information Built Heritage Of The Orongorongo Valley by Chris Cochran, Chris Maclean, Allan Sheppard. Time Frame 1800s.
Otaiura Stream Water
Where water rushes. John Alexander Wilson (1838 1909) recorded a tradition that a tribe, known as Te Tauira, formerly lived at Te Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, that they were expelled from that district by Rakaipāka and fled southward to Wairarapa.
A tradition states that Otauira, a stream near Featherston, was named after them. Prior to the stream entering Featherston, it is known as Abbots Creek.
Source Map. Information Māori Place Names Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Owhanga Stream Water
A nest. It is also known as Lucena Stream.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Pack Track Track
A path that was suitable for animals that was from Southern Wairarapa to the road end at the Coast Road, Wainuiomata. Its origins is that it was also a Māori Track. It is now known as the Wild Coast Track.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1840s.
Pakuratahi, Mt High Point
Pakuratahi River Water
Pakuratahi Tunnel Tunnel
A first swamp hen. Pakura means swamp hen. Tahi means first. The Greater Wellington Regional Council owns the forest and the area covered is about 8,000 hectares and is a future water collection area. The length of the tunnel is 73 metres and was built in 1876.
Source Map. Information Māori Place Names Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Palliser Bay Water
Hugh Palliser (1723 1796) was a patron and friend of the explorer James Cook (1728 1779). It is also known as Kawakawa Bay.
Source Map. Information Wikipedia. Time Frame 1770s.
Papatahi Crossing Track
Papatahi, Mt High Point
Papatahi Stream Water
A flat area. Papa means flat. Tahi means area. Papatahi Stream was also known as Cross River. Papatahi Crossing starts from about 3184 Western Lake Road, Wairarapa and goes to the mouth of the North Boulder Creek and Boulder Creek that feeds into the Ōrongorongo River.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Peak, The (formerly The Hump) High Point
Geographical term in that it is a pointed top.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1882.
Pig Gully Track Road / Track
A omnivorous domesticated hoofed mammal. The track starts from near the Summit Railway Settlement and goes to the Remutaka Rail Track.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 2000s.
Pigeon Bush Reserve Reserve / Park
A native pigeon which has mainly greenish metallic plumage with white underparts and a purplish crimson bill and feet. The Native Forest Restoration Trust owns the reserve and the area covered is about 1,175 hectares.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 2000s.
Plateau, Mt High Point
Geographical term in that it is a level high ground that overlooks the surrounding area.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1882.
Point, The High Point
Geographical term in that it is a top part of the range and that it sticks out. It is located between Mt Topokopoko and The Peak.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1882.
Pounui, Lake Water
Pounui Stream Water
South wind. But pou means post. Nui means large.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Portal High Point
A entrance to a tunnel.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1950s.
Prices Tunnel Tunnel
Thomas Price (1838 1906) was the manager on the Incline Contract between the Summit tunnel and Featherston in the midlate 1870s, working for the contractor of that section, Charles McKirdy (1839 1914). He later operated timber tramways in the Akatarawas. The length of the tunnel is 98 metres and was built in 1876.
Source Map, A Guide To The Rimutaka Rail Trail by Graeme Jupp, . Information Electoral Roll. Time Frame 1870s.
Prince Stream Water
Prince of Wales (1841 1910) who was born Albert Edward, was the son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He later became King Edward VII.
Source Map. Information Wikipedia. Time Frame 1880s.
Railway, Mt High Point
A track made of steel that trains run along. Named after the Upper Hutt to Featherston railway that use to run in the area before the Remutaka Railway Tunnel was built in the 1950s.
Source Map. Information Internet Search. Time Frame 1880s.
Red Hut, Mukamuka Hut
The hut was built of corrugated iron painted with the red roof paint used frequently at the time because it was known for its durability. The hut was in existence from the 1920s to the 1960s and used by the musterers of Eglinton / Wharekauhau Station. It was a private hut owned by the Eglinton / Wharekauhau Station but visitors were allowed to use it. It was located on the left bank of the Mukamuka Stream fairly near the shoreline but inland.
Source The History Of The Orongorongo Valley And Environs by Joanna LaneTaylor. Information The History Of The Orongorongo Valley And Environs by Joanna LaneTaylor. Time Frame 1920s.
Redington Stream Water
Roger Redington (1931 2017) owned land in the Mangaroa Valley area.
He was also a builder and worked for Odlins Timber Company.
Source Map. Information Electoral Roll. Time Frame 1960s.
Remutaka Forest Park Reserve / Park
See the Remutaka definition. The Department of Conservation owns the park and the area covered is approximately 22,000 hectares or 220 square kilometres along the Remutaka Ranges between Wellington and the Wairarapa plains. It was established in 1972 and has expanded since.
Source Map. Information Wikipedia. Time Frame 1800s.
Remutaka Incline / Rail Track Road / Track
Where the railway line crossed the Remutaka Ranges before the tunnel was completed in 1955. It is now a public walkway. The track starts from Cross Creek and goes to Kaitoke.
Source Map. Information Wikipedia. Time Frame 1950s.
Remutaka, Mt High Point
Remutaka Pass Geographic Point
Remutaka Railway Tunnel Tunnel
Remutaka Range Ridge
Remutaka Stream Water
Edge of his cape touching the ground on that spot.
Also a noted iwi ancestor HaunuiaNanaia of the Kurahaupo people was resting or sitting on the pass, while looking over Wairarapa when he first saw these ranges.
It was named as part of his journey of discovery across the southern North Island.
In 2017 the name changed from Rimutaka to Remutaka.
Remu means edge. Taka means ground.
The length of the tunnel is 8.798 kilometres and was built between 1951 and 1955.
Source Map. Information Māori Place Names Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Rimutaka Range Ridge
It is a misspelling of the word Remutaka.
Source Map. Information Māori Place Names Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Rochforts Pass Geographic Feature
John Rochfort (1832 1893) was a surveyor and engineer. It was him that identified a lower pass than the road so that the railway could cross the Remutakas Ranges. This is where the Summit Tunnel is.
Source Map, A Guide To The Rimutaka Rail Trail by Graeme Jupp . Information A Guide To The Rimutaka Rail Trail by Graeme Jupp. Time Frame 1870s.
Siberia Corner / Curve Geographic Feature
Siberia Tunnel Tunnel
A cold, inhospitable place known for its wind. A windbreak was built here after a locomotive was blown over in strong winds. It is also known as Horseshoe Gully. The length of the tunnel is 108 metres and was between 1875 and 1876.
Source Map, A Guide To The Rimutaka Rail Trail by Graeme Jupp. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1870s.
Sinclairs Creek Water
Alexander Sinclair (1819 1886) was a 19th century settler in the Whitemans Valley area.
Source Map. Information Upper Hutt Street AZ Master Themes by Lynly Yates. Time Frame 1870s.
Slip, Mt High Point
A movement of geological features present on either side of a fault plane. It was here that difference between two fault lines are easily seen.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1900s.
Summit Settlement
Summit, The High Point
Summit Tunnel Tunnel
Geographical term in that it is the highest point of the railway line that used to run over the Remutaka Ranges.
It also refers to the lookout at the top of the Remutaka Hill road. The length of the tunnel is 576 metres and was built between 1874 and 1878.
Source Map, A Guide To The Rimutaka Rail Trail by Graeme Jupp. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1870s.
Swansons Creek Water
Charles Swanson (1839 1917) was a 19th century settler in the Whitemans Valley area.
Source Map. Information Electoral Roll. Time Frame 1882.
Tanes Track Track
The God of Forests and Light. The track starts from the picnic area in Tunnel Gully and returns back to the starting point.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Tapokopoko, Mt High Point
Tapokopoko Stream Water
To sink into mud or get bogged down. It was also known as Mt Morris.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Te Ara Tirohanga Track Track
The place where the view improves as you climb the ascending pathway.
It was renamed in May 2012 from the Rimutaka Trig Track.
Te means the. Ara means path. Tirohanga means view. The track starts from just the below the road summit on the Remutaka Hill Road on the Wellington side and goes to the crest of the Remutaka Range.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Thrust Creek Water
Geological term in that there is a break in the Earths crust, across which older rocks are pushed above younger rock. It is also known as Wharekauhau Stream.
Source Map, Reading The Rocks A Guide To Geological Features Of The Wairarapa Coast by Lloyd Homer and Phil Moore. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1990s.
Tramway Gully Water
There were a number of timber tramways in the area that were built to extract timber.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1900s.
Tunnel Gully Valley
Tunnel, Mt High Point
Where there is an artificial underground passage through a hill.
Named after the Mangaroa, Pakuratahi and Remutaka railway tunnels that are in the area.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1870s.
Turakirae Head Headland
Turakirae Head Scientific Reserve Park / Reserve
Turakirae Hut Hut
A headland where the Remutaka Range descends southward and meets the sea. Turaki means to push down. Rae means headland. The Department of Conservations owns the Turakirae Head Scientific Reserve and the area covered is about 127 hectares. It became publicly owned in 1969 and has since expanded. The Turakirae Hut was in existence from the 1920s to the 1960s and used by musterers of the Ōrongorongo Station. It was a private hut owned by the Ōrongorongo Station but visitors were allowed to use it. The hut was located between Turakirae Head and Barneys Whare on a plateau near the beach with a large shingle fan behind it.
Source Map. Information Māori Place Names Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Uawa Settlement
Rainy season or to land at a river valley. There was a Maori settlement located here. Ua means rain. Wa means season. Or U means to land. Awa means river valley. There was also a Maori settlement located here.
Source Mr Colensos Wairarapa Twelve Journeys 1843 1852 by Ian St George. Information Māori Place Names Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Via Dela Rosa Road / Track
A Spanish word meaning of the rose. The track starts from about halfway down the Remutaka Hill Road on the Wellington side and goes to the Ladle Bend Bridge on the Remutaka Railway Track.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1990s.
Waimarara, Mt High Point
Waimarara Stream Water
Moon over shinning water.
There are various interpretations of Waimarama which are moon over shinning water, clear water, name given to a fresh water spring and the sight of the full moon rising from the sea on a clear summers evening.
Topographical maps prior to the 1990s had Waimarara Stream on the west side, that is the Wellington side of Mt Waimarara.
After 1990 Waimarara Stream was on the east side, that is the Wairarapa side of Mt Waimarara.
Wai means water. Marama means moon, light or enlighten.
Source Map. Information Māori Place Names Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Waiorongomai Hut Hut
Waiorongomai River Water
Waiorongomai Saddle Geographic Feature
Waiorongomai Track Track
A peaceful water. Relates to a Māori Legend of the giant bird Rongomai (bird of peace) who stopped to drink from Lake Wairarapa on his way up the North Island from Wellington. Also waters of repute. Wai means water. Rongo means peace. Mai means for ages. The hut was built in 1980. It is a DOC hut. The hut is located on the south side of the corner of Oreore Stream and Wairongomai River. The Waiorongomai Track starts from 2232 Western Lake Road, Wairarapa and goes to the Hut. The Waiorongomai Track has its origins in that it was also a Māori track.
Source Map. Information Māori Place Names Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Whare Hill High Point
A house or hut. Named after a house / hut that was located in the area.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1900s.
Wharekauhau, Mt High Point
Wharekaukau Stream Water
A place of knowledge. Whare means house. Kauhau means knowledge. Wharekauhau Stream is also known as Thrust Creek.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary. Time Frame 1800s.
Wharepapa Hut Hut
Wharepapa River Water
A house built of flat planks or boards. Whare means house. Papa means flat.
The hut was built in 1962 by possum hunters. It is also known as Joes Hut. This is named after Herbert James (Joe) Houghton (1940 present) who was a farm manager at Wharekauhau Station. It is a DOC hut.
Source Map. Information Māori Dictionary, DoC. Time Frame 1800s.
White Stone Hill High Point
White stones are present.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1900s.
Whitemans Spur High Point
Edward Whiteman (1855 1927) was a 19th century farmer in the Mangaroa Valley area.
He is a descendant of George Whiteman (1828 1905) who discovered Whitemans Valley while pig hunting in 1846.
Source Map. Information Electoral Roll. Time Frame 1900s.
Wild Coast Track Road / Track
Geographical term in that it is a uninhabited, uncultivated and inhospitable coastline by the sea. The track starts from the Corner Creek Campsite and goes to the road end at the Coast Road, Wainuiomata. Its origins is that it was also a Māori Track. It was known as the Pack Track.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 2010s.
Windy Point Headland
Geographical term in that it is always windy and exposed at this point.
Source Map. Information Internet Dictionary. Time Frame 1840s.
Bibliography
Maps
- A Guide To Rimutaka And Haurangi State Forest Parks 274/4 Edition 1 1984.
- Featherston BP33 Edition 1 2017.
- Featherston Camp Manoeuvre Area, Topographical Survey Section, Defence Department 1916.
- Hutt N160 1943.
- Hutt N160 3rd Edition 1965.
- Hutt N160 4th Edition 1977.
- Lake Wairarapa BQ33 Edition 1 2015.
- Lake Wairarapa S27 Edition 1 1980.
- Lower Hutt BQ32 Edition 1 2017.
- Onoke N165 1st Edition 1953.
- Onoke N165 3rd Edition 1973.
- Paraparaumu BP32 Edition 1 2017.
- Park Map Rimutaka And Haurangi 27402 Edition 2 1989.
- Rimutaka N161 2nd Edition 1968.
- Rimutaka N161 3rd Edition 1974.
- Trentham Manoeuvre Area, Topographical Survey Section, Defence Department 1916 and 1929.
- Turakirae R28 Edition 1 1978.
- Wellington BQ31 Edition 2 2016.
- Wellington N164 2nd Edition 1962.
- Wellington N164 3rd Edition 1967.
- Wellington N164 4th Edition 1974.
- Wellington R27 1st Edition 1979.
- Wellington R27 and part Q27 2nd Edition 1983.
- Wellington R27, R28 and part Q27 2006.
- Wellington R27, R28 and part Q27 3rd Edition 1996.
Other sources
- Surveyor Field Books from Land Information New Zealand.
Birth and Deaths dates have been obtained from:
- Birth, Death and Marriage Indexes from New Zealand, England and Ireland.
- Other genealogy sources such as Ancestry and Find My Past.
- All Trails website.
- Department of Conservation (DOC) website.
- Greater Wellington Regional Council website.
- Internet Dictionary.
- Internet Searches.
- Maps Past New Zealand website.
- New Zealand Electoral Rolls from the 1860s to present.
- Papers Past Website.
- Stream names that are on bridges from personal visit along the Western Lake Road, Wairarapa.
- Tararua Tramping Club Trip Reports and website.
- Trailforks website.
- Upper Hutt Information Centre.
- Wikipedia
Books
- Adkin, G. Leslie. The Great Harbour of Tara.
- Bagnall, A. G. and Peterson, G. C. William Colenso His Life and Journeys.
- Barnett, Shaun and Maclean, Chris. Leading the Way: 100 Years of the Tararua Tramping Club.
- Best, Elsdon. The land of Tara and they who settled it.
- Cameron, W. N. A Line of Railway.
- Carey, Alison. Valley And Bays Origins of Street Names in Lower Hutt, including Eastbourne, Petone and Wainuiomata.
- Cochran, Chris and Maclean, Chris and Sheppard, Allan. Built Heritage of the Ōrongorongo Valley
- Greig, B. D. A. Tararua Story Tararua Tramping Club.
- Homer, Lloyd and Moore, Phil. Reading the Rocks A Guide to Geological Features of the Wairarapa Coast.
- Jupp, Graeme. A Guide to the Rimutaka Rail Trail 3rd Edition.
- Kerr, Ross. A Chronology of the Tararua and Rimutaka Ranges 6th Edition.
- Lane-Taylor, Joanne. The History of the Orongorongo Valley and Environs.
- Maclean, Chris. Tararua The Story of a Mountain Range.
- Reed, A.W. A Dictionary of Māori Place Names.
- Sewell, Bill. A Guide to Rimutaka Forest Park.
- Sheehan, Grant. Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate New Zealand.
- St George, Ian. Mr Colensos Wairarapa Twelve Journeys 1843 1852.
- Yates, Lynly. Upper Hutt Street AZ Master Themes.
- Yates, Lynly. Upper Hutt District and Topographical Features.