Story: Whenua – how the land was shaped

Southern Alps

Southern Alps

The Southern Alps extend the length of the South Island, and are the longest and highest range in New Zealand. It is said that an early ancestor, Rākaihautū, walked across the range digging out the lakes in the mountains with his stick.

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Photograph by Christina Troup

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How to cite this page:

Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, 'Whenua – how the land was shaped - Lakes, rivers and harbours', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/6746/southern-alps (accessed 3 May 2024)

Story by Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, published 12 Jun 2006