A TRIP TO WAIRERE FALLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8842, 2 April 1892, Page 1 (Supplement)

A TRIP TO WAIRERE FALLS.

[BY B. E. M.J

Among the many attractions which are now brought under the notice of the tourist who is doing the pretty township of To Aroha, is a visit to the Wairore Falls, situate 16 miles from the township, in a southerly direction. These falls comprise two distinct falls, one 273 feet, the other 200 feet in height. To tho sightseer these present a most picturesque view, as the water makes its way from ledge to ledge, sending sprays of foam in all directions, and ultimately reaching the base of the hill flows in a troubled stream into the Waihou. Though the journey can bo accomplished on horseback, it is generally made in one of Messrs. Bradley and Co. 's fine coaches, and occupies about hours. Starting from the Palace Hotel, Te Aroha, at half-past eight a.m., wo are soon passing Waiorongomai in a parallel direction, then changing our course westerly we are before long in view of the Waihou, winding its way in its well-known snake-like fashion. But forty minutes driving along the banks of the river, and at an elevation of 100 feet above it, brought before our delighted gaze the most beautiful part ot the river wo had yet seen. One might perhaps travel along many a picturesque flowing water without finding an equal to it in the magnificence of the view presented. Here tho river, meandering along in its sluggish and chequered course has formed a delta of about two acres in extent, which together with the beauty of the scenery immediately behind, and the green hills in the distance, presents a picture worthy of the brush of any landscape artist. But our driver tells us that our destination is still some three miles distant, and with a crack of the whip we are again on our way, and in due time arrive at a little hamlet where our appetites, whetted with our long drive, were satisfied with an excellent luncheon which had been provided for us. The repast over we leave the farm house for the present, and together with a guide work our passage through the scrub towards the foot of the falls. Though the volume of water was not at its greatest on account of the drought experienced during the summer, it was sufficient to call forth the loud praises of those present. In fact a finer sight is not often seen than this body of water as it emerges over the precipice, and precipitates itself on to the boulders below, throwing silvery showers around to the bottom of the falls, and dashing over the rocks. It then tears its way through

he rivulet, and soon joins the waters of the main river. After a sufficient time for reflection on the panorama before us the guide directed the more energetic portion of our party to the top of the hill to see the falls from the summit. The view from the peak well repaid us for our climb, as the country being open, wo could see for miles around us. To the west the guide pointed out to us the well-known estate of Matamata, while the river running from south to north was not by any means the least beautiful object of the surrounding scenery. After a further walk oi about fifteen minutes through a forest, we reached the summit of the falls. , Peeping over the falls from a rock, which presented a safer appearance than the neighbouring ones, we for the first time realised their actual height, and a cold shudder ran through us on watching the passage of the water bounding in all its fury to the ground, near the place where the rest of our party awaited us. Following up the stream, we come to a small lake whsre the falls, which had so entirely elicited our applause, obtained their supply of water. With a last lingering look on this majestic scene we began our descent, and, soon rejoining our party, we started on our homeward journey, and ere long were snugly ensconced in our comfortable quarters at the Palace Hotel. Perhaps it will interest those who are intending a visit to learn that there is a hot spring in the ground adjacent to tho falls, which, added to the wonders of nature exhibited, cannot but entice tourists to an exploration of that locality.