A HOLIDAY TRIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19221, 9 January 1926, Page 10 (Supplement)

A HOLIDAY TRIP.

BAY OF PLENTY ATTRACTIONS, HAURAKI PLAINS ROUTE. The charms of tho Bay of Plenty arc often overlooked by the motorist, although this year a second number of motor tourists are venturing over tho muchmaligned highways of the district. Actually the roads are in a very good order, a rid visitors aro expressing amazement at tho comfort 'and attractions of the route. Certainly the clay roads aro almost impassible during tho' winter, and they are often condemned for nil tiino on their •winter reputation. Leaving Auckland tho Great South Road to Pokeno is well known. At Pokeno the road turns to the left for Paoroa and Miranda vi.-v tho Maungatawhiri Valley. Signposts pointing to tho left to the valley aro, however, passed by, as tho t".vo signs are only the ends of a crescent.. The Paeroa signs aro followed, and after 8A miles a turn is taken to the rig.ht when clay formation is encountered. Both roads hear signs to Paeroa but tho metal one straight ahead leads to Miranda, s.nd tho right-hand turn should taken. Keep to the left for two miles, when a new deviation, under formation, is mot. This will shortly link up with tho PokenoMiranda Road and render tho past two miles of clay travelling unnecessary. Metal is now encountered, and continues on through Maramarua and past a war memorial to a sharp turn to the left, 20 miles from Pokeno. Here clay again commences and continues to within a mile of Waitakururu. Road work is is progress, and it is hoped to have this etretch made passable for tho winter months. Tho road now enters tho Hauraki Plains over a small bridge to the right and runs down a long straight for 4 miles, when an unexpected turn to tho right to Ngatea is made. There is another long straight of four miles of good road when a turn to the left bring:; Ngatea within half a mile. Crossing the river by a high bridge another long straight is interrupted, by a signpost directing motorists to the left for Thames via the Kopu ferry or to tho right for Paeroa. The Paoroa road is followed, and aftar 13 miles a swing bridge is crossed to enter Paeroa. Continue down tho main street of Paoroa and keep straight ahead for Waihi. The road is unmistakable and passes through Mackaytown and Karangahako, where a railway viaduct crosses tho river. Through a small gorgo and over tha outlet of a railway tunnel a dam in the river is seen, the road continuing past Owharoa and Waikino to Waihi. At miles from Paoroa. thero is a dangerouu double bend where the road runs under a railway Inie. Careful driving and a long toot of tho horn aro necessary. Half way up the main street of Waihi, turn to tho right and, passing the Post Office, bear away to tho left at the cross roads. Two miles out is tho turn off to the Waihi Beach. This road turns to the left, and a run of a few mileii brings a beautiful camping 'sit« into view. The beach itself is easy of access. Construction on tho East Coast railway la mot, the road continually twisting and turning, first over and then under the line, but never is a level crossing encountered. After nine miles, 1 a viow of tho sea is obtained while on a down hill grade, and after topping the next rise the road bears to the, right; , Passing Athenree, railway woi'Ks.aro again visible, and Bearing Katikati metal re-commences. At the far end of the' township is the hotel, the dairy factory being another four miles along the road. Here thero is a stream which makes a gfood spot for boiling the billy for a roadside -lunch. Half a mile further a viow 'of the Mount at the. entrance of Tauranga Harbour is obtained. The country is undulating, .'with winding descents and ascents in the road, which, however, becomes more level when within 10 miles of TaurangaV There are patches of metal, but the main hard surface is not met for another 44 miles. Tauranga is a beautiful spot, where soverai camping grounds havo been provided. The township is on a peninsular, and the sajtie road which leads in is taken on the outward journey for miles-, whon the Whakatane road runs straight ahead. After another half-mile turn to tho left toward tho harbour. The road straight ahead goes to Rotorua (40 miles), via Oripi, but is only fit for summer travelling. The Paengaroa road is better, although longer, but it does not turn off until past To Puke. Continuing along the waterfront and across a long bridge, tho road winds up hill over sandy formation. At 12 miles the road to the Mount turns back to tho left. At Papamoa railway station (13 miles) metaß commences, and continues into Te Puke (18 miles). 'The country is fresh and well cultivated, occasional glimpses of the sea making the trip picturesque. Leaving Te Puke, bear to the left over two bridges, and after miles take the lower road and not the one running over a bridge to the left. At miles the Whakatane road turns to the left, and crossing the railway line metal continues for 2A miles. /The road straight ahead is to Rotorua, via Paengaroa, and it joins the Whakatane-Rotorua road eight miles before reaching the therrnul township. Half a mile before the metal ends a road turns to the left for Maketu Beach. This is a fine resort, and well worth a visit. The cone-shaped summit of Whale Island, which lies off the coast at Whakatane, can shortly be seen peeping out above tho plains, and this acts ais a landmart throughout the journey. Passing the railway stations of Pongoknwa and Ohinepinea, the road joins tho sea coast. A stream has to be forded before, Matata is passed. The roads are good, and gradually improve as Whakatane is approached. On the right is Mount Edgecombe, in tho top of which is a freshwater lake. As an attraction to motorists, Whakatane offers tho Ohope Beach. Hero again is an ideal camping spot. To Opotiki tho road follows the hills on the left over the low lands, which are subject to flood, and passes through Taneatua. ' At tho far end of the town, turn to the left to shortly enter the Waimana Gorgo. The scenery is beautiful, and the