IMPROVED ROAD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21793, 7 May 1934, Page 11

IMPROVED ROAD

TOKAANU TO NATIONAL PARK AVAILABLE NEXT MONTH The formation of 13 miles of new road between Tokaanu and National Park will be completed and opened for traffic next month. This road, which shortens the distance to the Chateau by this route, was started two and a-half j-ears ago, and was wholly done by prison labour from near by prison camps.

The old road from the Wnioru turnoff has presented difficulties to motorists for many years, .the road twisting a tortuous and narrow course through the manuka as far an the Otukou native village. The new route, which represents the third side of a triangle, now cuts out the village and brings the traveller two miles nearer the Ketatahi Blowhole on the slopes of Tongariro. The Heretoa Hill, which bad several sharp corners and overlooked Lake Roto Aira, has also been eliminated, the now cutting taking the road behind the native village, starting at this point. Three new bridges have been erected on the new section of the route. Although the grade has been steepened in plac,es, the alignment will not require to be altered, and as soon as traffic increases sufficiently it will be a simple matter to ease the grades. The new route will be appreciated generally by all travellers and nothing has been lost from the scenic point of view of the journey. Splendid views arc obtainable of Lakes Roto Aira and Taupo, besides a nearer view of Ketatahi Blowhole. The Kaimanawa Ranges can also he seen from the road. The highest point reached on the road is .SO.">Oft. It will make access to the Ketatahi Blowhole much easier, and in time it is hoped to improve the road toward the blowhole.