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Story: Nelson places

Waimea Plains: looking north-west

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Waimea Plains: looking north-west

In 1875 John Gully painted this view of the Waimea Plains and its cultivated land, seen from the Barnicoat Range. Lack of flat land that could be cultivated was one of the major factors that limited Nelson’s early development. Behind Waimea Inlet are the low-lying Moutere Hills. Beyond them is the higher, snow-covered Arthur Range.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library

Reference: PUBL-0010-08

by John Gully

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Carl Walrond, Nelson places – Richmond and the Waimea Plains, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/29003/waimea-plains-looking-north-west (accessed 10 June 2026).

Story by Carl Walrond, published 31 August 2010, updated 22 April 2015.