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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 1 (May 1, 1932.)

Lake and Ranges

Lake and Ranges.

The descent through the wind-swept gorge gives the traveller a series of views of Highland wildness. Then, leaving the defile, the train sweeps out into the plain, and the waters of Wairarapa Lake open out on the right, somewhat diminished in area by the process of drainage, but still shining in the sun as of old in the days when the Maoris first sighted its bright glistening surface. It is a welcome foil to the sombre mountain view. Due east, across the Wairarapa Plain, we see the Maungaraki Range and the steep hills curiously called Nga-waka-a-Kupe (“Kupe's Canoes”) celebrated in local Maori mythology. South-east rise the forest-clad Aorangi Ranges (popularly miscalled Haurangi); they rise to altitudes of over 3000 feet, and are seamed with many a wild glen and corry, the haunt of the red deer.