OTAKI BY THE SEA

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 70, 15 December 1933, Page 9 (Supplement)

OTAKI BY THE SEA

Popular Health Resort BRACING CLIMATE ' Situated near the mouth of the Otaki River on the east coast of the North Island, Otaki, a progressive borough of approximately 2000 inhabitants, enjoys a warm and salubrious climate and is one of the most popular health resorts in the Wellington province. Otaki is famed for its warm and sunny climate and the value of its bracing atmosphere is evidenced by the fact that the district has been selected as the location of a sanatorium for the care and treatment of women tubercular patients from the North Island. Further proof is found in the establishment of health camps at the Otaki beach each summer for the poor children from towns and cities in the Wellington province. The district enjoys abundant sunshine, and is wafted by the healthful sea breezes, these two amenities combining to form an ideal Climate for many diseases and complaints. The Otaki beach is situated a mile and a half from the township. The beach Is clean and sandy, and is admirably suited for swimming at all times. The beach is a popular holiday resort, and throughout the summer months is visited by many thousands of people from all portions of the Wellington province. There is an automobile association camping site Situated in a sheltered spot midst a pine plantation on the beach. The Camp, which is ideally situated, has hot and cold water installed, and all conveniences are laid on. A private camping ground, provided with every necessary convenience, is located on the main Wellington highway between the Otaki traffic bridge and the township. . Otaki is one of the few remaining homes of the Maori race, and is still rich with the stories and traditions of the race. Situated in the town is an historic Maori church which is a popular attraction with visitors to the district. A missionary school was erected in the township away back in 1839, and at this school Amihana, son of the famous and picturesque war chief Te Rauparaha, was educated and went out among the members of his race to preach the gospel to them in their native tongue. From Otaki, a track leads over the Tararua Ranges to Greytown in the Wairarapa district, up through the picturesque Otaki Gorge and over Mount Hector. Passing through beautiful virgin bush, the track is a popular one with members of tramping clubs and those interested in native flora and in birdlife. The Otaki River is an excellent trout stream and from its water some excellent fish have been taken. In the, foothills of the Tararua Ranges at the back of Otaki there are deer, pigs and goats, and good shooting is available there.

Sport enthusiasts are well catered for. In the town there are tennis courts, bowling greens, croquet lawns, and a nine-hole golf course.