Story: Wellington region

Ōtaki River gorge (1st of 2)

Ōtaki River gorge

The Ōtaki River carves a gorge through hard sandstone known as greywacke. This scene is typical of river valleys in the Tararua Range. While tectonic processes are lifting the rock up, rivers are cutting it down, forming gorges and valleys.

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Photograph by Chris Maclean

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How to cite this page:

Chris Maclean, 'Wellington region - Creation stories and landscape', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/13178/otaki-river-gorge (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Chris Maclean, updated 1 Aug 2015