3. Rapaki.

A reserve of 856 acres of hilly fern and bush land. Pleasantly situated in a grove of Ngaio trees, on the northern side of Port Victoria, and about three miles from Lyttelton, is the small village of Rapaki. The houses, fifteen in number, are for the most part of wood and clay, and much in the style of the whaler's cottage. All are tolerably clean and comfortable, one in particular presents a most neat appearance, having a thatched verandah, painted doors, and whitewashed walls. The principal article of trade is firewood, which is obtained in the neighbourhood in gullies, and from its general scarcity, realizes a high price.

About a mile further up the harbour is the smaller village of Taukahara, commonly known as Little Rapaki. The houses are few and rather dilapidated.

Total population, 27. Land under cultivation, about 10 acres.

Rapaki is the favourite halting place for parties of Natives on their journey between Kaiapoi and Banks' Peninsula.