MECCA OF MOTOR TOURISTS

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 70, 15 December 1933, Page 8 (Supplement)

MECCA OF MOTOR TOURISTS

Modern Facilities at Napier GOOD ROADS TO ALL DISTRICTS

Two hundred and sixteen miles by road from Wellington, 140 miles from Gisborne, and 153 miles from Rotorua, Napier, the sunny and far-famed capital of Haw’ke’s Bay, is always a busy centre so far as motorists are concerned. Situated as it is within easy reach of Wellington, Gisborne, Taupo and Rotorua, it is only natural that it should become a favourite stop for tourists. The roads, especially from Wellington, are all that one could wish for, the result being that travellers always reach Napier fresh and ready for a tour of the beautiful city and its equally beautiful environs.

So attractive is Napier and the surrounding country that few, indeed, are the travellers who do not spend a little extra time there. For those who prefer to spend the night at an hotel, there is a choice of several first-class establishments, run on the most modern lines. In fact, the Napier hotels, all of them very new, are considered as being the most up-to-date in the Dominion. For those who prefer the outdoor life, and who like to put up at a motor-camp, Napier can again offer the very latest. The motor-camp, situated in George’s Drive, J-inile from the post office, is equipped with all modern facilities. It is electrically lighted, wellsheltered, has water laid on, a cookhouse, with ld.-in-the-slot gas cookers, bath rooms, wash basins, sanitary conveniences, electric irons, and a diningroom with tables and seats. Huts may be hired, if desired. These hubs consist of a long building partitioned into 14 rooms. They are W'ell-built, the partitions being heavy enough to ensure reasonable privacy. The entrances to the individual huts are fit-

ted with post and rail fences, between which eacli occupant’s car may be parked. This is a convenience, as the car is just outside each door. Most of the huts are equipped with stretchers, but for those that do nob have them, it is advisable for motorists to bring mattresses. One of the most popular trips, on which Napier is a halting place, is that to Lake Taupo and Rotorua. The road from Napier is good, but is winding and very hilly. However, the magnificence of the scenery more than compensates for everything else. Leaving Napier, the road strikes inland through beautiful country until, after about 28 miles, the long steep ascent of bhe Titiokura Range commences. The view from the summit is unsurpassed, tier upon tier of mountain ranges stretching away in the distance. Later, one climbs Turangakuma Mountain, from the top of which there is another glorious view. A halt may be made at Tarawera, after which the Waipunga Hill is climbed, a stretch of plains crossed, and Taupo is reached. A 55 mile journey over perfect roads brings the traveller to Rotorua.

Those wishing to go to Waikaremoana and Gisborne continue northwards after leaving Napier, and travel through beautiful and interesting country. After leaving Wairoa (80 miles from Napier), the Gisborne road continues north, and at Frasertown, 5J miles north of Wairoa, is the turn-off for Waikaremoana, one of the most wonderful scenic resorts in New Zealand. Lake Waikaremoana is 40 miles from Wairoa. The Wairoa-Gisborne road (66 miles) is full of interest and contains many scenic gems.