A HOLIDAY TRIP TO MATAKANA AND KAWAU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7222, 10 January 1885, Page 1 (Supplement)

A HOLIDAY TRIP TO MATAKANA AND KAWAU.

At the invitation of Mr. E. Mitchelaon, several families residing at ftemuera, and others, made a trip to Matakana, Kawau, and Waiwera during the Christmas k week. The party, numbering about forty, the larger proportion being children, left Queen-street Wharf about half-past ten o'clock on Tuesday morning, December 29, in the smart steamer Neptune, Captain A. Marshall. The sea was a little lumpy at Tiritiri, and, as a natural result, there was sea-sickness, which, however, was almost entirely confined to the elders, the little ones, both girls and boys, being all capital sailors. Matakana was reached about half-past four, after a rather long passage, caused by a stout rope having become twisted round and round the propeller. Rain fell-rather heavily for a while near Tiritiri, hut ample shelter for all was obtained in the cabin of the Neptune. On reaching Matakana, several of the party procured poles from the bush, and a tent was pitched on the beach. As the weather was unsettled, and the ground was wet, owing to the rain which had fallen, shelter and accommodation for the night was found for the ladies and girls in the neat schoolhouse, about a quarter of a mile from the landing-place. This prove;! an unspeakablo boon, for the sleeping accommodation on board was limited (to say nothing of cockroaches), and the tent covering was insufficient, A settler in the vicinity kindly forwarded some fresh milk each morning. This was very acceptable, as the supply brought

from town could not very long be called "sweet milk." Matakana is situated at the junction of two streams, and at the wharf the water is very deep, so that large vessels can be berthed there. There is also at this place a considerable rise and fall of the tide. The view all round ia very pretty. The land, however, is not as a rule of good quality, and farms and homesteads are few and far between. In a north-westerly direction from Matakana is the Tangihua Range. It was the highest peak of these hills on which the Maori prisoners who escaped from Ivawau Island built their pa. In their early morning, when the sun is rising, and the air is clear and cold, it is delightful to take a walk towards the hills near the wharf, and view the surrounding country and the ocean dotted with numerous islands to the south-east.

After breakfast on Wednesday steam was got up, and a start was made for the Kawau, the residence of Sir George Grey. The trip to Kawau was made in a little over an hour. The scenery in thoroughly characteristic of this part of New Zealand. The cliffs are studded with pohutukawas in full bloom, the rich crimson forming a striking and ploasaut contrast with tho dark bush in the background. Along the coast, ftrasscovered hills and valleys are seen at intervals, while hore and there a settler's house nestles amongst the trees in a sheltered spot near the sea shore. On landing at Kawau, the party was met and welcomed by Sir George Grey, who hurried down to the steamer, which had arrived, of course, quite unexpectedly. Sir George courteously conducted the party into his house, and showed them the valuable manuscripts which he possesses, the rare books, and the paintings on the walls. A stroll was then taken round the garden, Sir George pointing out the various trees, shrubs, and plants of interest. The garden is situated in a sheltered valley, and is somewhat like a triangle in shape, The fence along the beach in front of the house is almost hidden with aloes and garcrceas; botween it and the house is a grass lawn. To the right of tee lawn are rare flowering and ornamental shrubs, and, as Sir George passed through these, he pointed out a specimen of the beautiful strelitzia gigantca, which he remarked was his favourite tree. In this section of the garden, and that adjoining it, are to be found choice flowers aud shrubs from all parts of tho world. * Behind the house are two kitchen gardens, well stocked with all sorts of vegetables. To the right, and along the foot of the hill, for several hundred yards, one passes flowering shrubs, limes, guavas, the ginger tree, oranges, Japanese evergreen oak, tho cork tree, &c. On the hillside above these are American pines, conspicuous amongst which Are fine specimens of pinus canadensis and pinus congifolia. To the left, on the flat ground, are fruit trees of all sorts, taros, the cinnamon tree, camphor tree, oranges, limes ; also clumps of palms, including the date and the fibre palm, and black and yellow bamboos. To the left of tho house, and near the shore, there are a number of handsome cypresses, which afford shelter from the sun. Lunch was taken under these trees. Ono of the prettiest sights at the Kawau is the hillside to the north, planted with pines. At the end of the garden, a winding carriagedrive runs inland through the valley, and close to it, for a long distance, is a creek, and here and there ponds of water. Clumps of the larger varieties of bamboo grow beside the creek. Some of the bamboos must be between 30 and 40 feet high. Pines, poplars, oaks, &c., vary the scene along the diive. The house and garden are supplied with water from a reservoir' about half a mile off. Sir George conducted the party up the hill to tho right of the bay. On either wide of the path are pohutukawas in bloom, and on the stems are several specimens of the staghorn fern. At the summit is a grass plateau, from which beautiful glimpses are obtained of Matakana, Mahurangi, and the adjoining coast. This spot is said to bo a favourite resort of Sir George Grey's. The start was made for Matakana in the afternoon, three cheers being given for Sir George as the steamer cast off. A pleasant day had been spent at the Kawau. Some distance out, the anchor was dropped for about half an hour, during which time enough fish were caught for breakfast next day. A dance was held in the evening, and games were started for the amusement of the children. The fish and potatoes for breakfast next morning were cooked in a hangi, or, as the old settlers called it, a " copper Maori." The return trip to Auckland was begun soon after. Three cheers were given as the vessel steamed off, and Matakana was left with regret by all, especially by the children, who had enjoyed themselves immensely. On the trip to Auckland, the Neptune ran in past Mahurangi Wharf, to give those on board an opportunity of "seeing this lovely harbour. Another stoppage was made at Waiwera, all going ashore to take a hot bath. Outside Rangitoto the vessel anchored for an hour, and a number of fish vvero caught. Auckland was reached between G and 7 o'clock on Thursday evening. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. On leaving the steamer, cheers were given for Mr, and Mrs. Mitchelson.