WEEK-END EXCURSION TO THE LAKES DISTRICT.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXIX, Issue 1676, 16 January 1903, Page 5

WEEK-END EXCURSION TO THE LAKES DISTRICT.

By One op the Party,

The inauguration of cheap week-end excursions to Queenstown is being largelytaken I advantage of, and the marvellous wonders of Lakeland are becoming more generally known and appreciated. A party of eight from Balclatha took advantage of the fares last week, and the following descriptive account has been supplied to oar representative. The party left Balolntha by Saturday's ' express, and arrived at Gore at 1 35 p.m., where they changed trains for Kingston, via Waimea Plains. The plains seemed in a very poor condition, and the crops are very backward. The train Bhunts right to the wharf at Kingston, where it arrives at 5.30 p.m. No time is lost in getting aboard the Government paddle steamer Mountaineer for the ran to Qneenstown—a distahoe of 24 miles, occupying two and three-quarterhours—the scenery along the route is wonderful, the mountains being capped with snow, while in the setting snn the Bemarkables looked their beßt. The touts for the different hotels meet the boats at Queenstown. The town, it may be incidentally mentioned, is picturesquely situated at the foot of Ben Lomond, on the shores of Lake Wakat'pu; the lake in some places being of a depth of 1260 feet. After securing accommodation the party spent the remainder of the evening in visiting the parks and waterworks, and in listening to the Queenstown band, which gives en air concert twice a week duririg the snmmer months. Astir early on Sunday morning some of the party availed themselves of the steamer excursion to Glenorohy, at the head ! of the lake—a distance of 36 miles, the re-jj turn fare being ss, while meals may be objli tained on board at a cost of 2*. The journey j occupies two and a-balf hours, and the scenery is on a similarity with that between Kingston and Queenstown. Traps met the boat at Glenorchy, and the excursionists were diiven to Diamond Lake, or Paradise as i it is called—the distance being 13-miles, and ' the return fare 7s 6d. The scenery here is far superior to any already met with. After driving along a fairly level road for four or five miles the Beece Biver is forded, the current of which is very swift, and the width is similar to Pueruastream; the "Garden of Eden " is shortly afterwards reached, and the place does not belie its title ; red birch growing to a height of 50 feet and upwards, with lovely foliage and no undergrowth, the whole practically forming an avenue. Along portion of the drive the rocks overhang the road, while innumerable waterfalls may be seen, and several streams have to be forded. The Diamond waterfall in particular is a sight that once seen can never be forgotten; owing to the great height from which the water falls it seems to the eye as a spray, and the sun's rays transform it into all the colors of the rainbow. It is said that one of the party stood entranced at the sight, and had to be forcibly dragged away. After arrival at Paradise the pirty -took a walk around Mr Aitken's property, which is Bituated at the foot of Mount Earnslaw, the highest mountain in the district, and is to a large extent covered with snow. After a look at the Dart Biver and a substantial refreshment at Mr Aitken's accommodation house beads were turned for home, leaving Paradise at 3.45 p.m., Glenorchy 5.30, arriving Queenstown about 8 p.m. Some of the party had preferred to climb Btn Lomond, and were rewarded for their arduous labours by an unrivalled view of snow-clad mountains and stretches of lake and forest as far as the eve ' could discern. For those who do not wish to make the Glenorchy trip or ascend Ben Lomond other excursions are available, viz., drive to Skippers, 16 miles, 10s return; or a drive to Arrowtqwn and Kawarai Falls, via Shotover Gorge, 255. Although 200 took advantage of the cheap fares last Saturday there was ample accommodation for every-! body, and the tariff is very reasonable, rang- j ing from 4s 6d per day upwards. The party left Queenstown at 6.30 a.m., arriving at Bal- : clutha by the af ternoon'B express on Monday/ and express themselves in terms of the high- . est praise of the' wondets of the Cold Lakes District.