EGUNTON VALLEY

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 February 1935, Page 5

EGUNTON VALLEY

NEW TOURIST ATTRACTION.

[PER PBESS ASSOCIATION.]

INVERCARGILL, February 25

“It may be safely predicted that the new route, given proper publicity abroad, will attract at least 25,000 tourists during the season from November to April.” This statement was made by Mr. J. W. Collins, New Zealand Trade Commissioner and representative of the Tourist and Publicity Department in Canada and the United States, when he was asked for his opinion of the Eglinton Valley highway as an attraction for overseas visitors. The new road, Mr. Collins considered, would prove most popular with tourists, unfolding, as it did. marvellous views of lake, fiord, forest and river scenery, with specially majestic panorama towards the end of the present. formation. The last ton miles of the 5-1 miles already constructed were described as equalling the best of its kind in New Zealand, and as rivalling the grandeur of the southern West Coast and the Clinton Valley on the Milford Track. The wealth of flora was amazing, and the surrounding lofty mountain peaks, closing in on all sides of the valley pierced by the Hollyford River, gave a scene of noble grandeur. When the road was eventually completed, Mr. Collins stated, it would prove to be one of the most frequented highways in the Dominion, and if proper facilities were provided bv way of accommodation and transport it would logically become the route of entry anti departure via Milford Sound for thousands of overseas tourists.