VISIT TO MOUNT COOK

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 54, 27 November 1929, Page 12

VISIT TO MOUNT COOK

A WONDERFUL DRIVE “I have seen many of the beauty spots in and around the Pacific, but I can truthfully say 1 have never enjoyed anything more than my visit to Mt. Cook.” declared the executive secretary of the Hawaii Tourist Bureau (Mr. G. T. Armitage), when he returned to Wellington from his first visit to the Hermitage. Mr. Armitage, who was accompanied by Mrs. Armitage, said that they found every mile of the route from Timaru ‘to the Hermitage full of interest. The road was uniformly good, and better than they expected. "To Americans,” said Mr. Armitage, “the countryside such as is seen near Timaru is a source of endless delight. The 130-mile drive to the Hermitage, negotiated easily in live hours, was to us a marvel from the beginning, and when rve got into the lake country with mountains ami snow all around, our enthusiasm knew no bounds.” “I have heard some of your own people complain that New Zealand hotels are not sufficiently up to date to cater to critical American tourists,” he Ridded, “but our own impressions have been very favourable. There is- an individual charm and a homeliness about your hostels that many large hotels lack." Mr. Armitage was enthusiastic over the ease and pleasure of his “hike” to the Ball Hut. and the unique USffiU .QVfii’ the

largest single glacier in the world outside the Bolar regions. Mr. and Mrs. Armitage were in .New Zealand six years ago, when they visited Rotorua, Wairakei, aud Lake Taupo, besides visiting the principal cities of both islands. On this occasion, in addition to seeing Mt. Cook, they intend to see the Tongariro National Bark and Waitomo Caves, Hr. Armitage stated that information regarding New Zealand’s many tourist attractions will be given visitors in the Hawaiian islands. During his visit in New Zealand Mr. Armitage is renewing acquaintance with steamship and booking agents, and with tlie Government tourist and publicity officers. with a view to stimulating a greater interehange of visits between Hawaii and New Zealand. He is arranging for a larger Hawaiian advertising campaign in this country to present a more widespread picture of the pleasures of a holiday in Hawaii. He declares that as New Zealand’s advertising and publicity efforts are increased, more Americans will undoubtedly tour New Zealand, and that New Zealanders visiting the islands will receive a very cordial aloha.