OUR SOUTHERNMOST TOURIST RESORT.

Southern Cross, Volume 10, Issue 37, 20 December 1902, Page 1 (Supplement)

OUR SOUTHERNMOST TOURIST RESORT.

Stewart, Island, the most southern of the three islands forming New Zealand, and also the most southern tourist resort in the world, was puicbased by deed from the Maories on 29th June, 1864, and has since gradually come into favour as a resort for those in search of a quiet spot for a holiday. Its coast line is extremely rugged, its surface also rugged, 'with its many peaks and chains of peaks, numerous sparkling streams emptying themselves on its shores, and last but not least, thousands of acres of bush in all its natural beauty and glory, covering hill and dell. Stewart Island is an ideal spot to spend a holiday. Fishing, both deep sea and trout, shooting, boating, sailing, climbing, and exploring are the pastimes always at hand, while in time to come deer-stalking will be one of the many attractions that ilakiura will offer her guests. The name Rakiura in Maori implies “ a red sky,” and it is surmised that when the ancient Maories first saw the island it must have shown on the sky-line on a particularly brilliant sunset. Until quite recently the island was only connected with the main land by a weekly service by the s.s. Theresa Ward, but now the 22 miles of water separating it from the mainland has a cable across it, and in Half Moon Bay the little township of Oban has the distinction of being the most southerly telegraph station in the world. Last season during the four months ending 31st March, 1902, 1642 persons visited the island, besides the large number that availed

theraselees of the excursion steamer that ran from Dunedin direct to the island. Taking this into consideration the number must have been over two thousand, or at the rate of over 600 a month. These figures are rapidly growing, and each year its boat ding-house keepers (for Stewart Island is a “ no-licensed ” district) have to add to their establishments. The scenery is the finest of its kind in the colony, its many little bays and nooks providing fairy views that cannot be surpassed in the world and, equalled only by few places. The climate, too, is all in favour of the island as a holiday resort, and is invariably mild and equable, accounted for by some owing to a warm sea stream that flows round its shores. From the moment of landing on—aye, almost sighting—the island, one is in pretty scenery. All round the entrance to the favourite rendezvous (Half Moon Bay) there are many little islands, all famous for their beauty, and many for some old Maori tradition, which will be told with the true native embellishments, that make all these old legends so interesting to the pakeha. At Oban, the little town situated at the head of this pretty bay, a favourite anchorage for numerous fishing craft and pleasure boats, are situated the various boarding establishments capable of housing comfortably about 200 guests at one time, and from there all excursions can be started. Quite close is Lee Bay, where the cable comes ashore, a pretty walk of an hour through lovely bush. Paterson’s Inlet is to the south, about three miles by water, but less than a mile across tde strip of land separating the two arms of

water. In the'latter the scenery is very fine, and in describing a trip round the Inlet space will only allow the leading places of interest to be mentioned. Ringaringa is a point on the northern shore ot the Inlet where the dogs fur the Antarctic expedition are kept. Then comes Native Island, noted for the great Maori battles which were fought there in the early part of last century. Ulva is a small island of great beauty, and made notable by the late Mr Chas. Traill by his splendid botanical collection on the island. Deep Bay and Golden Bay are two little baylets which look very pretty as one approaches them from the sea, with lona Island standing guard at the entrance. Faith, Hope, and Charity are the names given to three little islets, having Thule Bay for a background, and make a charming subject for a camera. The famous kidney fern island is at the entrance of Kaipipi or Price’s Inlet, which is fairly dotted with numerous fern-clad small islands. The one-time ofttraversed track to Pegasus starts from the head of South-West Arm, and the Rakeahua river enters the sea here. The bead of the Inlet was called Kamoanaerua by the Maories. It has extensive sandy beaches and flats which are dry at half tide, and are literally covered with all sorts of wild towl. Fresh-water River is one of the prettiest of all places on the island, and is gradually becoming a favourite haunt of the angler. The river is shallow at the entrance, but once inside there is plenty of water for nearly twenty miles, when the lagoons are reached. Here the scenery is particularly fine. Continuing on

up the river is the route to Mt. Anglern—a fiue climb of 3,200 feet. Coming back again into the Inlet, Brava Island, a favourite resort for all, is passed, and South-West Bay with Big Glory at the entrance comes into view. Close by is Sailor’s Rest, and these two places present charming views to visitors. Little Glory is a long strip of sand which divides a native settlement from Paterson’s Inlet, and is a favourite bathing spot. About eight miles south of the Inlet is Chew Tobacco Bay, or Kaonentu, as the natives call it, and is a tine deep fishing ground. Still further south is Port Adventure, with three streams emptjing into it. A very picturesque spot is still further south at Tikotatahi, and Lord’s river provides some excellent scenery. One of the falls on this river has been faithfully depicted on the new picture post cards recently issued by the Tourist Depaatraent. Close by the mouth of the river, which is wellstocked with fish, is the Devil’s Punch Bowl well worth seeing. Pegasus is almost at the extreme south of the island, and at one time had extensive tin mines, but now only one or two hatters are left there. This briefly brings under notice the most interesting spots in an interesting island, but no pen or brush can do full justice to the many charming pictures that move before the eye as one tours round the island, and to thoroughly appreciate the charm of a holiday at Stewart Island it is necessary to try it.