TOURIST ATTRACTION

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1934, Page 15 (Supplement)

TOURIST ATTRACTION

TARANAKI BEAUTY SPOTS.

MANY INTERESTING RESORTS. Continuing a series of talks from 2YB on topics of interest to tourists, Mr. F. Amoore on Wednesday night gave a comprehensive review of motoring tours in Taranaki that should have an appeal for visitors.

“For those who want a longer run through open country,” he said, “a tour can be taken round the mountain via Opunake and Hawera, and on the return journey through Eltham, Stratford and Inglewood. This is about 130 miles, and one travels through the famous Waimale Plains, which is some of the finest dairying land in the Dominion.” Mr. Amoore detailed trips into the hinterland of Taranaki and gave advice upon the best routes and time of the year to make certain journeys. There was the New Plymouth-Stratford-Matau-Kaimata-New Plymouth run, the New Plymouth-Mount Messenger-Ahititi-Wai-taanga saddle-Ohura trip, and many short runs up and down the coast to attract and refresh the tourist. When at Waitara a visit should be paid to the pa, shady natural bush, the river and bathing facilities made Everett Reserve, 17 miles from New Plymouth, well worth a visit.

“A first-class one-day lour can be taken along the Main South Road to Parihaka. This, of course, was the scene of many stirring events during the Maori War of the 60’s. It was well known as the stronghold of Te Whiti and Tohu, the Maori prophets. There is much here to interest the visitor, particularly if he happens to be there on the 18th of the month, when the whole pa is usually thrown open to the pakeha. Although the old-time Maori dwellings are now rapidly giving way to more modem structures, this should not be missed; it is about 30 miles from New Plymouth, while nine miles from New Plymouth is the old Maori fortification at Koru pa. SPLENDID BEACH. “About 40 miles from New Plymouth is Opunake. Here is a splendid beach, and it is usually thronged with picnic parties and campers during the summer. “A short drive of about five miles along Junction Road brings you to the junction of the Waiwakaiho and Mangorei Rivers. This is the public reserve called the Meeting of the Waters,” said Mr. Amoore. “Here is a beautiful piece of native bush fringing the rivers, and it is an ideal spot for picnic parties. Hot water, etc., can be obtained at this ground. “A little farther, about seven miles from New Plymouth, is Lake Mangamahoe, an artificial lake of about 70 acres. On a clear day if you "go on to the centre of the dam, there are many wonderful reflections to be seen, notably a beautiful view of Mount Egmont, which can be seen from summit to base. For a few chains back from the water all round thousands of trees have been planted. The lake is well stocked with trout, and good fishing may be obtained here in the season.”

The beauty spot at Lake Rotokare, the fine Ratapihipihi reserve, Huatoki domain and the Bendali walk were all extolled as possible tourist attractions and spots for campers to spend a few days in. '*Last but not least we come to Mount Egmont. I am one of those who think it is a pity that the Maori name of Taranaki was ever departed from and that it was named after an English earl who did not see it. We have Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu still retaining their native names, and, according to Maori lore, Taranaki once stood among them, and after an altercation was transported to its present site in one night. The first human being known to climb to the summit was Tahu Rangi, a Maori chieftain, who reached the summit in the 14th century. He told his followers that he would light a fire on the top. He carried material up and lit the fire, and his people saw the smoke signal from below. He climbed the northern side by way of the Waiwakaiho Gorge, and must have followed fairly close to the present route. For a long time the north side was known as Tahurangi, but the name fell into disuse, and now if one wants the north mountain house one must look in the directory for North Mount Egmont. ROAD TO MOUNTAIN. “Mount Egmont is reached from New Plymouth by a short run of about 16 miles on a good road, which brings us to the radius line. Here there is a picturesque lodge and gate, and the visitor must obtain a permit as the road is only a one-way road and no one is allowed to go up if anyone is coming down, and vice versa. This arrangement makes the road absolutely safe, and no one need to be afraid to take this, as it is a good asphalted road and an easy grade all the way. After leaving the gate the visitor enters the primeval forest. There is here 80,000 acres of virgin bush, preserved for all time. It abounds with bird life, and the notes of the tui and bellbird are heard on every hand. It speaks volumes for the farsightedness and vision of our legislators in days gone by that such a valuable heritage should have been preserved intact to us for all time. “After travelling a little over four miles the visitor arrives at a fullyequipped modern private hostel, situated 3200 ft up the slope. If it is desired to climb, competent guides are available, and the summit can be reached by anyone who is reasonably fit and well in about 3 J hours. The view from the summit is magnificent. On a clear day the South Island is plainly visible, as also practically the whole of the North Island. “Among the many glorious walks the visitor should take a stroll after tea as far as Humphries Castle. This takes a little over an hour, and if he can reach here in daylight and see all the twinkling lights of tire Taranaki towns after dark it is a sight never to be forgotten. The track is good and there is no trouble at all to reach this point.”