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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Mountains

Mountains.

Although the district does not contain the highest mountains in New Zealand, it has a considerable area of mountainous country, among which is included the largest active volcano in the Colony—Mount Ruapehu. The volcanic belt, of which this mountain is the most southern vent, extends to White Island in the Bay of Plenty. The principal mountain ranges in the district are the Kaweka, Kaimanawa, Ruahine, Tararua, and Rimutaka, all more or less connected. The Kaweka attains an altitude of 5,700 feet, and is situated on the eastern boundary to the north of the Ngaruroro River. The Ruahine, which varies from 3000 feet to 6000 feet in height, extends from Ngaruroro to the Manawatu Gorge. South of the Gorge the range is known as the Tararua. It extends to the shores of Cook Strait, dividing into two main ranges some forty miles north of Wellington City, the western range retaining the name of Tararua, the other being called the Rimutaka. Both ranges average about 3000 feet in height, the highest point being attained at Mitre Peak in the Tararua Range, which is 5154 feet high. The Kaimanawa, an offshoot from the main Ruahine, is situated near the northern boundary, and rises 4500 feet above the sea level. Further to the westward, and separated by a large valley, where flow the Wangaehu and Waikato Rivers, is the volcanic chain of mountains which includes Ruapehu, 9008 feet high, and the cluster of volcanoes known generally by the name of Tongariro, the principal cone of which is Ngauruhoe, 7515 feet. Several of the vents are in a state of activity, and it is unsafe to approach near the lips of the craters. Mount Ruapehu, famous on account of the lake at its summit, has recently burst into eruption. The lake is now one of boiling lava, and it is anticipated that this will overflow down the steep sides of this mighty mountain, destroying all the vegetation in its course.! Fortunately, there are no farms, or, indeed, any signs of cultivation for many miles round; nor is it likely that the overflow will be so rapid as to destroy life.