Nelson Historical Society Journal, Volume 3, Issue 1, October 1974

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Canaan and Canaan Downs. Amidst the weird outcrops and sink holes of the "Marble Mountain" region of the Takaka Hill road a side road leads northwards through the mountainous Canaan Valley. After about eight miles of rough road it ends in a prehistoric dry lake bed, now an area of rolling native pasture known as Canaan Downs.

It must indeed have seemed a "Land of Promise" to early European settlers about a century ago, so they named it Canaan and found other landmarks for contemporary biblical names including Pisgah Mount (3,526 feet)—after the peak from which Moses was permitted only to view his long sought country—and a miniature Jordan "Creek" as well.

Maoris appear not to have inhabited the Canaan region, the valley having a damp, cold climate for much of the year. There is an air of mystery about it too, probably enhanced by the strange noises from rock falls and water movements in numerous underground limestone caverns; and these holes give a forbidding appearance to the many large sink holes into which livestock can easily fall and be killed.

The valley, however, has great interest and charm for those keen on nature and who are prepared to walk and explore.

In addition to the many birds there is a wide variety of plants, some, especially shrubs, being of unusual interest; and smaller animals, notably the large native land snails (Paryphanta) are still to be found.

As well as the strange marble outcrops, there are many mineral deposits in the granite region, some being uncommon and of real beauty, but most are not plentiful enough to be of real commercial value. There are numerous fossils.

There are many large caves, notably Harwood Hole with its shaft over 650 feet deep and awesome in its immensity. For details see "Abel Tasman National Park" Handbook.

C.R.B.