THE TOURIST TRAFFIC AT TOKAANU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9322, 27 March 1889, Page 5

THE TOURIST TRAFFIC AT TOKAANU.

A GREAT many tourists are now making their way to this side of the Lake to view the wonders of this district, which are many and varied. One party of ladies and gentlemen proceeded by boat to the Waihi Falls and settlement, where they had a charming little picnic, and were courteously received by the natives of the kainga and shown everything of interest Maori weapons, curios, etc., including the magnificent mere " Pahikaure," the grandest one in New Zealand, and owned by the Heuheu family. They all expressed themselves as surprised beyond measure at the beauties and wonders of this end of tho Lake. Those who have ascended the Tongariro mountain (which ladies climb easily) are in ecstacies over the surrounding majestic scenery and the marvellous handiwork of Nature. There is nothing more aweinspiring than to stand on any one of those noble mountains —Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, or Ruapehu. There is nothing more grand to be seen in New Zealand than those same mountains, and there is nothing more calculated to make one feel one's utter insignificance, especially when viewing the lava flow from Ngauruhoe, which alone is well worth travelling hundreds of miles to see. It is the universal opinion of those who have been in this district, and seen all the sights, that it is far more interesting than anything they have seen in the iiotorua district or Taupo side of the Lake, and that ultimately it will become one of the greatest tourist resorts in New Zealand. There is a splendid coach road of very easy grade to the foot of Tongariro mountain, where there is an accommodation house for travellers. Two steamers ply from Taupo to Tokaanu, cither of which can be chartered reasonably, so that there is every convenience for persons who wish to do the mountains. —[Occasional Correspondent]