HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Evening Star, Issue 23727, 7 November 1940, Page 8

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

PERFECTS FOR CHRISTMAS PERIOD POPULAR RESORTS WELL BOOKED . M ore now than ever before the strain and stress of the war make it imperative that people should not lorgo their holiday. Even in England, where conditions for travelling are most difficult, the authorities arc iin pressing _ upon workers and others the desirability ol their taking holidays, even though in some cases these have to be spread over a period to meet the exigencies of the moment.

An idea of the position in regard to tho coming holiday season was given to a ‘ Star ’ reporter to-day by the district tourist manager (Mr R. G. Sincock), who stated that travelling this year promises to be exceptionally heavy, and most of the best-known tourist resorts, including tho Lakes district, aro already well booked. Queenstown, Wanaka, and Stewart Island are in considerable demand and numerous bookings have been made. Queenstown, which seems to grow in popularity every year, is attracting even larger numbers of Dunedin people than usual, no doubt its proximity, allied with its natural beauty, being the main factors contributing to this state of affairs. It is almost impossible to obtain private hotel accommodation there, but accommodation is still available in tho larger hotels. Stewart Island, which is gradually coming into its own, is one of the most delightful holiday spots in New Zealand, and it is invariably the case that those who go there for the first time return to enjoy further its charms. Accommodation is available at the island, but bookings are heavy. Accommodation may still be had at Lake Wanaka, where the climate is recognised as being one of the most equable in tho Dominion.

Many more inquiries than usual have boon made concerning Milford Sound, Milford Track, and Eglinton Valley trips. Several parties who- usually make fairly extensive motor tours in tho north are doing the Milford Track walk this year, partly as a result of the petrol restrictions; and probably in tho long run the return in good health aud enjoyment will amply repay them. Bookings for the North Island are again fairly heavy, indications being that train accommodation over the holiday period will bo fully taxed. Rotorua is attracting many travellers, and Lake Waikaremoana. which is in the Urewcra country, midway between Wairoa and Rotorua, is becoming better known, being probably the nearest approach the North Island has to the most beautiful of the South Island lakes. Its shores are heavily bushed, there is an abundance of bird life, and the district is rich in historical interest. New Plymouth, Napier, Auckland, and Waitomo Caves always draw a regular quota of southern visitors. Although it goes without saying that overseas bookings have dropped almost to a minimum, there are occasionally parties from Pacific countries or the East who take their furlough in New Zealand instead of in England. Recently visitors have come from the Malay Staes, Australia, India, and the United States. , Summed up, it may he said that, in spite of the stress of the present situation, wartime New Zealand will still enjoy its usual holiday period next month.