Morison's Bush was one of the earliest outposts in the Wairarapa, taking its name from Duncan Morison (originally Morrison) who settled there in 1856. At first it was an isolated place, not for ten years connected, and then only precariously, by a coach service to Wellington over the steep mountain range of the Rimutakas. One hundred years later modern transport made light of miles and mountains, and from North and South dancers gathered to make Morison's Bush famous as the venue of the first Scottish Country Dance Balls ever held in New Zealand.