The Finest Scenic Drive new Zealand

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22337, 26 February 1938, Page 12

The Finest Scenic Drive new Zealand

Midland Luxury Buses to Operate

Daily Sight-Seeing Tours Over New Summit Road

"VJTTINDING along near the iop of the Port Hills and providing at jf every few yards of its route truly uieath-taking panoramas of the City and the broad plains below, or glorious glimpses of the many bays that nestle at the foot of the hills, the Summit Road, which will be opened to-day by the Minister for Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple), must be considered an invaluable addition to the scenic attractions of the Dominion. From to-morrow the luxuriously appointed Midland observation buses will operate an every-day service over the new route, providing a splendid opportunity for the attractions of the road to be enjoyed in the utmost comfort.

IT IS almost impossible to describe the wonderful experience that the trip over the new Summit Road provides. Irl "the most unexpected places are revealed unparalleled scenes of the numerous little bays that surround the upper reaches of the harbour, while the view at different points of the city and the plains beyond, are a sight to be long remembered. Every minute of the two-and-a-half hours that the bus trip occupies is crammed full of interest, and the 30 mile trip seems all too short.

THE buses used for the sight-seeing tours easily maintain the standard of "living room luxury" for which Midland buses are noted, and the quiet efficiency of the drivers should dispel any fears of the timid travelling on hills. Throughout the whole trip there is never a moment of insecurity, for the bus travels on the inside of the road aD the way.

THE trip over the Summit Road begins at Sumner. Slowly the road climbs round the face of the hill, and looking back, the borough and seashore of Sumner are seen at their best. A little higher up Brighton, Pleasant Point, and the Estuary come into view, with the Brighton pier a mere pencil mark in the distance.

AT THE crest of the road can be seen a glorious view of the entrance to the Lyttelton harbour, and out towards the Heads. As the road curls round the face of the hills the scene below is an everchanging one.

A PLACE of great historic interest is where the road crosses the Bridle Path at a spot where less than ninety years ago, the pioneers stood and gazed for the first time down on the plains of Canterbury.

This will undoubtedly become a favourite place for photographers to secure views frpm—and here, as well as at any other place of interest along the way, the bus will stop so that photographs may be taken. At this spot an excellent view of Port Lyttelton is available. The scene looks right down on to the harbour. To the right can be seen Quail Island, with Diamond Harbour, Charteris Bay, and many other smaller bays across the other side of the Peninsula.

Above—Looking: out over the Peninsula towards Governor's Bay. During the bus tour, stops are made at vantage points to enable passengers to enjoy the beautiful scenery and to take photographs. »

Left—Looking from the Summit Road towards the Kaikoura mountains. Plainly marked by lines of white-crested breakers, the entire coastline up as far

as Kaikoura can be seen on a fine day.

A SERVICE that never fails to be appreciated is the habit of the drivers of the buses to explain the points of interest along the route. To be told the names of the small bays, and to have pointed out places of historic interest, or those mentioned in Maori folk-lore, is to have the pleasure of the trip increased a hundredfold.

WHAT is perhaps the greatest scene of all is not far from here. Looking out over the City and along the coastline, Brighton and the Estuary look compara-

tively close, and it is easy to see by the apparent discoloration of the water, where the River Waimakariri enters the sea. All along the coastline up to Kaikoura, the seashore is marked by lines of white breakers. Inland, the oft snow capped tops of the Kaikoura mountains are usually plainly discernible, and westward the plains extend away to the Southern Alps.

Fare 5/-. Buses leave Cathedral Square at back of main tram shelter every day at 10 a.m. and Z p.m. For reservations 'phone 40-110.

THE Summit Road joins the Dyer's Pass Road at the Sign of the Kiwi. Further on, nearer the City, the bus stops "At the Sign of the Takahe," a remarkable stone building noted for its interior carvings and armorial bearings of special historical interest. Afternoon tea is available here. The tour then continues down the suburb of Cashmere and round the City's parks and colleges, concluding in Cathedral Square.