Gapes Valley

Gapes Valley is a valley in the Canterbury Region in the South Island of New Zealand. It is about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) west of Geraldine and located on the Geraldine Fairlie Highway. The valley is nestled between the Waitohi Hill and the Rocky Ridges[1] and is described as being 4 miles (6.4 km) long with the flat land of exceptional quality.[2] Today Gapes Valley consists of a sparse grouping of houses, the hall and a recently established brewery.

History

The valley was named after William Gapes (born in Saffron Walden, Essex, England; twin brother of James Gapes[3]), who after working throughout the region settled on an 123 acres (50 ha) farm in the valley.[4] The valley was once home to a small post office. The Gapes Valley School was opened in 1882[5] though would later close with students moving to the nearby Hilton School.[4]

Many roads in the area bear the names of pioneer families, such as: Halls, Loves, Patricks, Slacks and Wells.[1]

References

1. "Gapes Valley, Canterbury – NZ Topo Map". NZ Topo Map. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
2. "'Cyclopedia of New Zealand' Gapes Valley". www.rootsweb.ancestry.com. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
3. Macdonald, George. "Macdonald Dictionary Record: William Gapes". Macdonald Dictionary. Canterbury Museum. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
4. Geraldine: The First 150 Years. Geraldine 150 Committee. 1 January 2006. ISBN 9780473110925.
5. Journals [and Appendices]. 1 January 1882. p. 75.

44°6′46.16″S 171°8′5.11″E