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