Making The Most of That Annual Motoring Holiday FORTNIGHT ON THE ROAD

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

Making The Most of That Annual Motoring Holiday FORTNIGHT ON THE ROAD

Of all forms of holiday-making, touring in one’s own car is most carefree and independent. Every year the number of vehicles on the road becomes greater, and this year, from what one can gather, there will be more than ever.

OST people have extremely U varied ideas as to what conI rev/i! Stitutes the ideal motoring !j vu/ Is holiday. Some like to amble along at about 25 miles an hour and do comparatively short distances each day. L— l " '■ Others prefer to race around the countryside and cover as much territory as possible in the time at their disposal. Some stop and camp when and where they like, while others w'ould not consider it a proper holiday unless they could spend each night in a comfortable hotel. Each enjoys himself in his own particular way, and that, after all, is the main thing. Wellington : people should have no difficulty whatsoever in decidng in a motoring holiday, for there are so many places to be visited. Many have made < up their minds for a long time, and already the roads are start- i ling to take on' a holiday air. < The Manawatu and the Wairarapa I [roads will carry more than their usual quota of holiday makers this Christ- ‘ inns, for it looks as though everyone i ttiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiitiiitiiiiiiiitiiiiiiiiiiniiiiitiiiiii (inn mu in

who can manage it is’going to purr out of town. For the driver who has, say, 14 days at liis disposal, one might suggest a round tour, including the west coast, Auckland, Rotorua, Napier and back to Wellington, or back home via National Park. The trip is brimful of interest, and the roads throughout are excellent. The countryside can be seen most' comfortably in a fortnight. The first lay’s trip can be made to New Plymouth, via Levin, Foxton, Sanson and Wanganui. New Plymouth will probably be reached late in the afternoon (the distance is slightly more than 230 miles), and the traveller can spend the, night there' and part of the following morning. New Plymouth is a picturesque town, and provides many pictures for those who never travel without a camera. The second day’s trip will be from New Plymouth to the Waitomo Caves, a run of about 130 miles. The road is excellent, and passes through some wonderful scenery, especially on Mr. Messenger and in the Tongaporutu and Awakino Valleys. No true New Zealander should ever make a tour of the North Island without going to the world-renowned Waitomo Caves, which, if New Plymouth is left somewhere about 11 a.in., should be reached in the late afternoon. The journey from Waitomo to Auckland is about the same length as that from New Plymouth to Waitomo, and is both interesting and pretty. It is well worth while making a short stop at Hamilton, one of the most flourish-

ing of the North Island towns. From ■ Hamilton the road goes through Ngaruawahia, Taupiri, Huutly, and Mercer, and follows the beautiful Waikato River. Auckland should be reached late in the afternoon. Allowing-three days in the northern city, the traveller sets off for Rotorua, and if he is wise, will call at Arapuni to Inspect the sights. Arapuni is really marvellous and should not be missed. In order to save re-traversing the road from Auckland to Hamilton, the motorist is advised to go to Rotorua via Paeroa, Te Aroha and Matamatn. This route is a few miles longer, but is more interesting, and the road is splendid. It is well to leave Auckland soon after breakfast. After having seen Arapuni, the driver cuts through to Rotorua, via Putaruru. When approaching Rotorua the road goes through the celebrated Mamakn Gorge, once the nightmare of motorists, but now traversed by a first-class road. The stay in Rotorua must be limited to two days, unless, of course, a day less is spent, in Auckland. Assuming injiiiiiiuiiiiiiiuitiiiiiiiiiiiitiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiii ■

that the eighth and ninth days are to be passed in the thermal regions, the first thing to do will be to go to Whakarewarewa. The morning can be spent admiring its thermal wonders, after which a brief visit can be paid to Ohinemutu. In the afternoon one might suggest a trip: to Hamurana,. ■with its crystal spring. The famous Fairy Spring is passed en route to Hamurana, and most: certainly should, be visited. The glorious spring nestling in the shade of trees, and clear as crystal, is one of the ‘'show’’ places of the whole district. The next morning could be spent at Tikitere, and the afternoon at the village of Wa'iroa. This trip is one that should not be missed under any' circumstances. It is on this trip (15 miles) that one sees the world-renown-ed Blue and Green Lakes, and the beautiful Tikitapu Bush. From Wairoa can l>e seen Lake Tarawera and the famous Mount Tarawera. The next day can be spent en route to Taupo. Although the journey is but 55 miles in length, there is so inueh to be seen that it is advisable to make an early start. Twelve miles from Rotorua a branch road takes the traveller to Waimangu. and a few miles’ drive brings one bo the ruins of the accommodation house, overlooking what was once the celebrated Frying Pan Flat. Returning to the main road, the route passes the beautiful, many-hued Rainbow Mountain until it reaches. Waiotapu, This thermal reserve is particularly interesting. A halt may be made here for lunch. Leaving Waiotapu, the next stop is

the famous Aratiatia Rapids, on the Waikato River. They are of such extreme beauty that it is hopeless to try to describe them. Next comes the one and only Wairakei, the thermal gem of the district. A considerable portion of the afternoon will be taken up “doing” the geyser valley and inspecting its countless wonders. The night may be spent either at Wairakei or at, Taupo, six miles further on. The eleventh day will be spent en route to Napier, a distance of OS miles. The route is, for the most parti very winding, and three high ranges have to be crossed. Lunch is available at

Tarawera, where motorists can till up their petrol tanks and also their radiators. Petrol pumps are few and far between on this road. The scenery, especially on Turangakumu Mountain and the Titiokura Range, is as magnificent as it is aweinspiring. Napier should bo reached in the late afternoon. Since Napier has been rebuilt, it is prettier than ever, and it is well to spend the following day in this beautiful city. There are numerous places of interest to be visited, especially since the 1931 earthquake, which changed much of the countryside. Hastings, a flourishing town,

thirteen miles from Napier, is also well worth a visit. Hastings has also been rebuilt since the disastrous earthquake, and, like Napier, is the last word in everything that is modern. The trip to YVellington comprises the journey for the thirteenth day. That will give the driver and his passengers one day to get over the tour, and get ready for business once more. Of course, there are many who like to stay away until the very last minute, and for those who do that, the best thing to suggest is the extra day in Rotorua.—“SPAßE WHEEL.”