THE GEYSER COUNTRY.

Waikato Times, Volume LVII, Issue 8019, 27 September 1906, Page 3

THE GEYSER COUNTRY.

Mr G. W. C. Moon, cf the Tourist Department, being on a brief visit to Hamilton prior to proceeding to Chnstchurcb via the Wanganoi river, a representative of the Waikato Times had a few minutes' chat with hitn on the object of his visit to the North Island. Like all Government servants Mr Moon refused to give any information rsepecticg his department, except a brief resume of his trip through from Napier. The ( bj°ct of tho trip was to enable Mr Moon to make himself personally acquainted with the various tourist resorts in the province, so that more information could be supplied to the <xtra large number of travellers it is anticipated will be attracted by the Exhibition. Coming by the overland route from Napier to Rotorua, via Tmipo. VVairaki, »nd Orakei Korako, thence to To Aroha, and on to Auckland by way of Thames, Mr Moon bad exceptionable opportuiiity for gaining a serviceable knowledge of the conditions mling. Questioned a* to the traveling facilities between Napier and Rotorua. Mr Moon replied, "The-p is an exceedingly good coach service netwwn thesi towns, an . the road passes through s.ioij very inrnresticg country. At Taupo, where the like ami terraces, together with the Bpa, are tho attractions, we first tout h the hot, springs country, which is well worth anybody viiitieg." Mr Moon put in two days at Taupo, and on the journey to Rolotm visited the }!uka falls, concerning which the Government are inquiring with a view to utilising for electrical power, 'ihe Aratiatia rapids w<>re charseterised as b.-iog very fiat*. At VV'airaki is tho well Karapiti I low hole, said to be safety valve o' the North Island. "This," sail Mr Mo n, is one of Nature's greatest wonders—that \ud the geysers. The Wairoa valley is fui of strange weird sights, greatly inN> f .st ing to the visitor. Orakei Korako can t.e easily reached from the main road, the principal attration being tue alum cave, thestalactile cives on the banks of tne Waikato are sinip'y marvellous, and must be seen tJ be at all adequately conceived. Between this place and Estonia is the Waiotapu prison camp, some of the tiaest mui volcanoes in the colony being situated close to the road at this point. The accommodation, in Mr Moon's opinion, is go d all 'hrough. Five days would be occupied in journing from Napier t> Rotorua; the first day in reaching Taupo, with a day there; the third at Wairakij and, if Orafcei Korako was included another day there, with a day's travelling to reach the railway. To see all the sights would cost about from £i to £6 10s. Speaking of Rotorua, Mr Moon said, "'Tourists are batter catered for there than at any pace I know, and the services, steamers and c >aches are extremely good; you cannot give them too much praise." Then as was pointed out, the visitor is not put to any trouble as regards arrangements, for the guides simply ask at the hotels each evening, who wishes to do a certain trip. The number given all that remains is to be ready for the vehicle at the stated hour. Everything ;s left to the guides. And the charges are reasonable. Questioned as to the works in progress at Rotorua, Mr Moon said the finest bathrooms in the Australasian colonies were being erected, in conoiete, of two 3tories. Nothing could be better than the accommodation provided there. Many other improvements are under way, including the increase in the supply of electric light and the repairing of roads, which taken all round, are very good.