THERMAL WONDERLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18325, 15 February 1923, Page 10

THERMAL WONDERLAND.

A FAMOUS TRAVEL REG Mm: THE MECCA OF THE TOURISTi It is however an a mecca for the tourist i that Rotorua is best known. In this comparatively compact area are* healing springs which have not their equals- in the great and famous watering! places of the older world. Flowing in never failing medicated fountains from the underworld* they spring'to the surf in si thousand places' in ' the ' enchanted region, bearing' strength and . healing : to all who seek their virtues. For generations they were the healing waters of the simple natives; To-day they are the resort of thousands' from all parts of the civilised* world. The large and handsome bath building built by the Government some years ago at a : cost of something like £40,000 are furnished with all Jihe appliances that med-1 ical science can devise for the purpose of •using the healing waters to the fullest advantage. For many afflictions those waters taken in comfortable baths with attendants and skilled masseurs to minister to every want, offer the only euro, and many of the - most obstinate diseases are treated also with electricity. The addition of an X-Ray equipment has made it possible for the resident Government; bsilneologist to observe the deepest symptoms before prescribing treatment. The ever-increasing number of patients and visitors making use of the baths has rendered extension a matter of urgency. Surrounding the bathing establishment is a great domain of nearly 300 acres of which about 120 acres are laid out as* beautiful park, with o,rnament)al lakelets and ponds alive with trout aftd native wild-fowl—-a park which extends to the lake edge and is in itself a little wonderland with its geysers, boiling springs and warm lagoons. There are tennis and croquet lawns, bowling greens, golf links and other facilities for those who revel in wholesome outdoor sport, all interspersed with sleek lawns and colourful flower beds. Then there is the tea-kiosk with wide, cool verandahs, where, in the summer evenings, open-air concerts awe given, a feature which the residents m their newly acquired control intend <to extend and improve for the entertainment of their visitors. Close to the European town is the picturesque Maori village of Ohinemutu, where amidst , a maze of boiling springs and warm bathing pools, are spread along the lakeside the numerous dwellings of the natives, a carved meeting house and a church of attractive design. Here the. Maori housewife need not kindle a fire fori nature has provided her with a substitute for ovens in the shape of ever steaming holes. Again at Whakarewarewa { on the other side of the town, are contained in a small space all coHoeiveable kinds of thermal activity. One of the charms of Rotorua is the soft beauty of the lake scenes as opposed to fie marvels of the surrounding geyserland... Fishing on the lake or journeying in the many fine launches which ply on these waters the visitor is afforded ample recreation. The charming Fairy-Spring, Makoia Island of romantic memories, the excellently organined trips to the Tikitapu Bush, Rotomahana (the Warm-Lake), Waimangu and the eerie boiling basin which was once Frying Pan Flat complete a series of wonders and sights at which visitors constantly marveL