Early Exploration.

In the old colonial days of 1849 Lieutenant - Governor Eyre, when Governor of the Middle Island, led an expedition to discover a route overland from Wairau to the Canterbury Plains via a pass in the Snowy Mountains (Kaikouras). From the eastern approach the snow-capped cone soaring above its surrounding satellites offered a challenge to the exploration party, and His Excellency planned the first ascent. From their base camp the party climbed for thirteen hours and when within reach of their goal they were reluctantly compelled to retreat in the gathering darkness. Their descent was marred by tragedy, for a member of the party fell to his death from the precipitous heights of the virgin peak.

On their return the “Wellington Spectator,” dated 24th November, 1849, reported their interesting discoveries: “It is believed that no serious obstacles exist to a communication overland from Wairau to Port Cooper. The country is free from timber and though in the neighbourhood of the Snowy Mountains (Kaikouras) the country is hilly and broken by ravines, it would not be difficult to find a pass between the lower ranges; the natives say there is a good ‘road.’ Two very singular facts were observed. Towards the summit of the range, at an elevation of 6,000 feet above the sea, were found remains of large totara trees (many of them charred), some of which belonged to trees originally five feet in diameter, affording proof of the former existence of extensive forests before the upheaval of these mountains, which must have taken place at a comparatively recent period. No vegetation now exists on this spot save a few mosses and lichens. On the lower ranges, also, are sharp pinnacles of conglomerate gravel, which have the appearance of being forced through the surrounding gravel by the mighty agencies which have upheaved them from their original position.”

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