The English name first appears on a map in 1863 but the reason for it being used is unknown.[2]Nimrod was a biblical hunter which has led to speculation.[2] The Hunters Hills are named as they were a significant hunting area for the local Māori at the time of European settlement. Known in the Māori language as Te Tari a Te Kaumira meaning "the long range of Te Kaumira" who perished there in a snowstorm, hence the Māori name for Mount Nimrod.[5]: 1
Geology
The uplifted Hunter Hills are built on greywacke basement with overlaying sediments including coal deposits.[6] The uplift is related to the predominantly reverse Hunter Hills fault.[7] The fault zone is not particularly active and has been mapped for 62 km (39 mi), with a slip rate of less than 1 mm (0.039 in)/year, an average displacement at events between 3–6 m (9.8–19.7 ft) that occur more than 10,000 years apart.[8]
Recreation
Hunting
The western slopes of the mountain are situated in public conservation land with hunting permits being required.[5]: 5 [9]
Mount Nimrod Reserve
On the mountains north eastern slopes is the Mount Nimrod Reserve northwest of the White Rock River. This is a haven for bird life and contains a 15 m (49 ft) waterfall.[5]: 17 Access from the reserve to the hunting conservation areas on the far side of the mountain is not possible as the land in between is in private hands.[5]: 6, 17