MOTOR CAMPS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 269, 13 November 1928, Page 22

MOTOR CAMPS.

GUIDE WHEN TOURING.

SITES NORTH AND SOUTH OF

AUCKLAND,

The" list of camping sites and grounds available for the use of motorists on tour which appeared in these columns a fortnight ago is now made complete. It was compiled from the booklet issued by the Auckland Automobile Association to whom we are indebted for an advance copy. Mercury Bay.—Buffalo Beach, which is situated half a mile beyond Whitianga Post Office at Mercury Bay, affords , an ideal camping site. There is an abundance of fresh water and firewood, while supplies can be obtained from the rocks at the end of the beach, or off the beach itself in the surf. The beach was named after H.M.s. Buffalo, which dragged her anchor and sank off the entrance to the bay in the very early days of the settlement. There are no charges for camping sites.

Mariwai Beach. —Situated 30 miles from Auckland, on the West Coast. Good fishing and bathing, nice grounds, well sheltered, water laid on to camping sites, store, telephone and post office. Thirty-five miles of sandy beach where motor racing championships are held.

Okaiawa. —A very fine camping ground is available at Okaiawa, in Taranaki, a short distance from Eltham, Normanby and Hawera. It is on the site of one of the most historic engagements in the Maori War in this district. In the ground a monument is erected to the famous Major Von and his men. The major was killed jus't through the fence to the rear of the monument, and the natives who were killed were buried in the bush between the monument and the caretaker's house. There are beautiful gardens, children's playground, and a tennis court. There is good shelter, water and the usual conveniences. No charge.

Onaero Bridge (Taranaki). —Fifteen miles north of New Plymouth. Motorists may draw in here and camp. See Taranaki A.A. sign for direction. Sole stipulation: Motorists must undertake to keep gates closed. Opotiki.— eigns lead to ground near river and within few minutes of post office. All conveniences, well sheltered, water. No charge^ Palmerston North.—l. Situated on the banks of the Manawatu River, in the Borough Esplanade, a camping ground is available. Fireplaces and all usual conveniences are available. 2. Another Borough Council ground has been opened on the Waterworks Reserve. Follow the Levin Road over the Manawatu River Bridge, and then follow the signs. Good shelter, conveniences. No charge. Pandora, Spirits Bay.—Situated on the extreme north coast of New Zealand, this encampment affords an ideal spot for a quiet holiday. Thatched huts are available, and a motor road -extends to the beach. The route is via Ahipara and Ninety-mile Beach, thence up Te Paki Creek and through the Te Paki station. Supplies should be obtained and carried from Kaitaia. A new road also provides access via Houhora.

Otorohanga.—A fine site has been prepared at Otorohanga for motor camping. Situated just off the main road on the bank? of the Waipa River, there is good shelter, plenty of Water and firewood. Otaki.—A fine camping ground is available at the Rangiuru Beach, one mile and a -half from the Otaki P.O. Excellent shelter is provided by a pine plantation, and sea swimming and the usual conveniences are available. No charge. Patea.—The Patea Domain, situated about half a mile from the Post Office, affords, splendid and well-sheltered accommodation for touring motorists. Good water supply. The Domain Training Shed, which is lit by electricity, is available in case of wet weather.

Taumarunui.—Oround situated at end of Turaki Street, on bank? of Wanganui Rivera .shelter, water, no charge. Taupo.—Two distinct camp sites are available for motorists, both being under the control of the Taupo Domain Board. Th'e one lying along the shores of Lake Taupo is in an elevated position, from which magnificent view? of Lake Taupo, the active volcano Ngauruhoe, and Mount? Tongariro and Ruapebu may be seen.

The other site is alongside the sheltered banks of the Waikato River. The charges in each case are 2/6 for the night, and 6d for each additional night. The Domain Board also ha? hot baths under its control, which are available for a moderate fee. __ L^

Tauranga.—(l) Tauranga Domain: Water, conveniences, shelter, electricity for lighting and cooking if required; bathing, bowls, tennis and croquet handy; one minute from Post Office. (2) Fifth Avenue Site: Harbour front; safe bathing for children; water, conveniences; electric light and cooking if required. Handy to bowling and tennis club. Under control of Borough Council.

Te Aroha.—A new ground is being established on the Paeroa side of the town, close to a running stream, and handy to the mountain and hot baths. Under control of Borough Council.

Te Awamutu. —The Te Awamutu Borough Council has set aside an area on the old Mission Station on the Great South Road opposite the English Church. Water is laid on, and the ground is sheltered with trees. There is no charge at the present time.

Te Kuiti. —A delightful ground is situated in the Waitite Valley, by the Mangakewa River, some two miles and a-half from the town. The river provides an excellent swimming pool and fresh water. Sheltered cookhouses and conveniences are provided, but campers must provide their own tent poles and firewood, and are asked to respect the request to preserve shrubs and native bush. The controlling body, the Te Kuiti Borough Council, makes no charge.

Thames.—There is a camping ground at Tararu Beach, within the borough, and about a mile from the centre of the town. No charge is made. Water is laid on, and there is plenty of shelter, and the beach provides good bathing. The camp is just off the Thames-Coro-mandel Road, and is marked by A.A.A. signs. From this point, stretching northwards, there is a fascinating array of beaches where tents can be-pitched.

Trounson Kauri Park. —The camping ground at the Trounson Kauri Park is on the western side of the park, and can be reached by turning off half a mile south of the Aranga Store, on the western side, or taking a road, half a mile south of the Trounson Park on the eastern side. There is good shelter,, a beautiful stream, and plenty of firewood. There is no charge, and this ground, being on the main road from Dargaville to Kaikohe, via Waipo.ua Kauri Forest, forms a splendid site for stopping overnight safely. Waihi.—At the Waihi Beach, some six miles from the town, camping sites are available. The beach is a beautiful resort, and most popular with residents. The road to. the resort has now been metalled and rolled, and is in excellent condition for motor traffic. Wairakei.—Opposite the Geyser Hotel at Wairakei the hotel authorities have established a camping ground for the convenience of motorists. Water is laid on, and there is good shelter. The hot mineral baths are Just Handy, and application can be made at the hotel to visit the many wonderful thermal sights.

Whangarei.—Grounds are provided close to the town, at Central Park, also at Kensington Park. Water is laid on, and there are the usual conveniences.

Waitara.—The only camping site in the borough is at the beach, on south side of river, where there is shade and plenty of firewood; good bathing.

Wanganui.—Aramoho Park: Beautiful reserve on Wanganui River; electric light, tea rooms, children's playground, shelter sheds, special cookhouse, with gas rings, and shower for use of motorists only. Store right opposite. Cars can be parked on the site, and camp pitched alongside. Tents ready pitched are available to motorists. Four miles from centre of town, on tram line. Pollow town side-of river bank road, past Oramoho, about one mile and a-half. Park is opposite cemetery, at tram terminus. (W.A.A. signs at all important corners.)

Woodville.—At the recreation ground at the western end of the main street accommodation has been provided for motorists to camp. Plenty of shelter, water supply, conveniences, slot gas meter, also swimming baths next to recreation ground.