OVERSEAS VISITORS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20639, 30 January 1937, Page 10

OVERSEAS VISITORS

CLAIMS OF SOUTH ISLAND From time to time complaints are made that tourists coming to the Dominion spend all their time in the North Island, to the detriment of the South Island. It has even been suggested that many visitors are unaware of the attractions which the South Island has to offer, those concerned in the arrangement of the trips putting forward only the claims of the North Island. Such a contention is not borne out by the experience of one English person who was anxious to make a trip to New Zealand, and who called at New Zealand House in London to make inquiries. Writing to a friend in Timaru, this person stated that she went to New Zealand House and informed a clerk that a relative was desirous of visiting the Dominion, being interested in fishing and shooting. The clerk listened attentively and then said that he would procure some booklets which would give plenty of information. The writer of the letter said that she thought she would draw the clerk out a bit, so said: “Is it true that the North Island has many more attractions than the South Island? and he answered: "Oh no, they are both so very different, and both islands are well worth a visit. Of course, tire North Island has the advantage of the geyser valley and the hot springs, and if a tourist only has a limited time at his disposal, he invariably chooses the North Island, but for anyone with unlimited time, we certainly recommend a visit to the South Island also. There are many beautiful lakes and rivers and excellent fishing in the South Island.” From these remarks it would appear that so far as New' Zealand House is concerned, the South Island is getting fair treatment.