THE ROUTE NORTH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 27, 1 February 1934, Page 9

THE ROUTE NORTH.

ALL-WEATHER SURFACE. A.A. RECOMMENDATIONS. Hundreds of motorists are expected to travel north during the next few days, on their way to the Waitangi celebrations. The recommended route from Auckland to Waitangi is on the main arterial highway, via Warkworth, Wellsford, Maungaturoto, and Waipu to Whangarei. The shortest road northward is then via Kawakawa, 10 miles north of which all southern traflic is being detourcd during the rush period, between Pakaraka and Puketona, where tho main highway between Waimate North and Waitangi is joined about 10 miles from the scene of the celebrations Part of this short cut has been in a very rough state, but recent improvements have been carricd out, and in view of tho congestion which may be expected eastward of Waimate North, it has been found advisable to recommend tho Pakaraka route. An allweather surface has been provided right through to Waitangi, and although the gravel is a little loose and heavy in places, tho rain which has fallen during the past few days has assisted considerably in consolidating the new metal. Tho last 10 miles of road leading down to the Bay of Islands is of a rather narrow and winding nature, with some fairly steep hills, and tho A.A. draws particular attention to the need for careful driving. Motorists will be well advised not to attempt to negotiate the Waimate-Paihia road against the stream of traffic which may ibe expected on Monday and Tuesday travelling in the mornings in the direction of tho Bay, and in the evening returning back towards Waimate. It is understood that if necessary the road will be closed for a few hours each day for all but one-way traffic. Further attention is drawn by the A.A. for .extreme vigilance and slow driving on the mile of waterfront road running through the settlement of Pailiia, as the danger will be accentuated by the crowds of visitors, including children, crossing the road which runs between the residences and the camps and the beach itself. To avoid congested conditions, and to provide possibly more comfortable travelling, the route from Whangarei to Kaikohe, via. the . Mangakahia, can be recommended. Waitangi is then reached via Ohaeawai and Waimate North. Numerous itineraries have also been provided by the A.A. for the trip through the Waipoua kauri forest, visiting the Troimson Kauri Park and Opononi en route. Owing to. the hotel accommodation in the neighbourhood of Waitangi being somewhat limited, many motorists are making their headquarters at various North Auckland resorts within a few hours' run of the Bay of Islands. Motorists travelling north should have no difficulty in locating the routes, which are well signposted, but it should be kept in mind that after. leaving Kawakawa or Ohaeawai that the direction to be followed is indicated by signs worded "To Paihia,"