It refers to a Māori legend about a group of warriors who were cornered on a rocky pinnacle in the valley, and flung themselves over the bank to avoid being captured.
A small settlement sprung up around the Pioneer Hotel, which provided accommodation and alcohol for gold-miners passing through by stage coach.
[4] Many people came to the area to mine gold and silver, including unusual characters like the South American Black Doctor.
[4] An Auckland syndicated established a company in the valley in 1898, installing a 15 head stamp battery and cyanide plant.
[5] Remnants of old mines, an old telephone line, and a fence from an old cattle holding pen can still be found in the valley.