Weka Pass

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The Weka Pass is a gorge in the northern part of the Canterbury region on the South Island of New Zealand between the villages of Waipara and Waikari .

The canyon was cut by the Waipara River , which eroded soft limestone and claystone here . The erosion formed some characteristic limestone formations in the Weka Pass , which were given names such as "Frog Rock" (frog stone) and "The Seal" (the seal). Different species of birds live at the pass, including wekaralle , kaka and kiwi . The moa , which is now extinct, also used to occur here.

There are Māori rock carvings under the overhang of a limestone cliff . These are the main attractions of the Weka Pass Historic Park. The Māori explored the area about 1000 years ago and used the limestone overhang as protection. Early European explorers used the overhang for the same purpose.

State Highway 7 and the Waiau Branch run through the pass . This branch line was built in 1882 and was originally intended to be part of the Main North Line from Christchurch to Nelson and Blenheim . The main line then followed a route along the coast via Waipara, the section through the Weka Pass became part of the Waiau Branch. After ceasing operations on January 15, 1978, the section through the Weka Pass was maintained by an association. The railway is operated as a tourist railway under the name Weka Pass Railway .

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