View Te Ara in

Story: Perceptions of the landscape

The Drop Scene

The Drop Scene

The Drop Scene near Pipiriki on the Whanganui River became known as an iconic beauty spot in the early 20th century. A paddle steamer took tourists up the river to enjoy the ‘Rhine of New Zealand’. The name 'Drop Scene' was given to the view because it looked like a painted theatrical landscape, although there was an existing Māori name, Aratira.

About this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: PA1-f-179-17-4
Photograph by Thomas Pringle

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

How to cite this page:

Jock Phillips. 'Perceptions of the landscape', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 25-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/perceptions-of-the-landscape/6/1