THE IDEAL VACATION

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21354, 22 December 1934, Page 20

THE IDEAL VACATION

" ♦ Care-free Days in the Open WEALTH OF ATTRACTIONS IN CANTERBURY In a few days the holiday season will begin, and many people are now deciding how to enjoy it to the utmost. But such are the attractions of the province that the holidaymaker in Canterbury need on ly go a few miles to receive great benefits. The experience of past years has shown without doubt that for variety, beauty, pleasure, and convenience the province is as richly endowed as any other part of the Dominion. Christchurch holiday-makers are fortunate to have a wide choice of pleasure resorts that are so easily reached, and are indeed lucky to be able to go away with the sure anticipation of being comfortable and enjoying themselves thoroughly. Few people will find it impossible to satisfy their tastes, and a health-giving holiday in the sunshine can be planned to meet almost anyone's purse. No one needs lose valuable time in travelling by boat or train. To reach many of the beauty spots of the province a car is necessary, and, indeed, no one looks forward to the summer with more pleasurable anticipation than the motorist, but with the fine beaches close and handy and the varied delights of Banks Peninsula, just as much enjoyment can be had by those without their own means of transport. For it cannot be denied that the rich wealth of Can terbury's attractions is such that by travelling only a few miles t he average man and woman can spend as beneficial a holiday a s can be obtained in any part of the Dominion. 1

The holiday-maker of average means will find Christchurch more fortunately placed than most cities in the Dominion, for within easy

reach are many fine beachrs that are very popular in the summer for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. For only a comparatively small ex-

make the journey from the city by rail and launch, via Lyttelton, or by J road direct. It is well sheltered, and offers shady nooks among the trees that grow on the surrounding hillside, while delightful swims may be enjoyed with safety, either in the open bay or in the enclosed portion. Another of Canterbury's chief watering-places which is growing more and more popular is Waikuku Beach, but a motor-car is necessary. It is reached by a pleasant drive j along the Main North road of 18 j miles. The Waikuku Beach Improvement Association has for some years been active in making the most of the attractions, and the appointments and conveniences fojpicnickers and holiday-makers will now satisfy most people. The attractions include sea-bathing, freshwater bathing, boating, and fishing. There are well-kept spacious grassed picnic grounds. j From the Main North road the motorist may turn off to a number of delightful beaches. Kairaki is one of the most frequented, and the approach by an avenue of tall poplar trees makes an impressive entrance to this healthy resort. Fur- i

penditure these beaches offer an exI cellent holiday, for few more invigorating combinations could be found than that of the sun, salt water, and a breeze off the sea. To those who are not in the fortunate position to be able to travel by motor-car, the most easily accessible beaches are those at New Brighj ton, North Beach, and Sumner. All ! are within three-quarters of an | hour's trip from Christchurch by I tram, and they undoubtedly offer ! a fine variety of attractions. Anj other excellent beach, but more difficult of access, is Taylor's Mistake. It is, though, well „ worth the extra trouble and time taken to get there. Two Pleasant Bays For good swimming and a restful holiday, many people have found Diamond Harbour entirely satisfactory. It is only 10 minutes by launch from Lyttelton, and is often the destination of many picnic parties. Its beach is both" clean and safe. For a day's outing Corsair Bay has many admirers among residents of Christchurch, and during the holiday season large crowds

ther on are Woodend. Leithfield, Amberley, and Motunau beaches, and finally, one of the prettiest spots of all. Gore Bay. Few more pleasant holidays could be had than a trip round all these beaches. Outside the province is Kaikoura, where the attractions include fishing, sea-bathirig, walking, and shooting. It is excellent for a quiet, restful holiday which gives the maximum of benefit. Goose Bay, 10 miles south from Kaikoura, is justifiably extending its appeal, for the Hundalee Scenic Reserves Board has .done a great deal in recent years to make it as comfortable as possible. i Charming Akaroa Banks Peninsula is rich in scenic resorts, and to those who do not mind travelling, the run,to Akaroa, a distance of 52 miles, will end in a delightful holiday. The road traverses flat country until Little River is reached, and after that it runs over the Peninsula hills. From the upper reaches there is a fairly steep descent into the upper reaches of Akaroa Harbour. For the driver who is going to Akaroa for the first time, the service-car route is the best to follow. There is a wellappointed camping-ground in Akaroa. With good weather one could hardly have a more enjoyable holiday, for this historic spot with its French associations provides delightful views and pleasant walks, as well at boating, fishing, and swimming.