Nelson, Picton ...AND THE... Northern Sounds.

New Zealand Graphic, 25 December 1899, Page 5

Nelson, Picton ...AND THE... Northern Sounds.

scenery in the Nelson ami fi Marlborough provinces is, in r- -1 many respects, as fine as any L' 'A to be found in the North and South Islands. Here are the it Northern fiords, which, alj l though inferior in point of — —■ bx a majesty to those on the coast of Westland, have a subdued dfe. and placid beauty of their own. Their nearness to Wellington, which makes them easy of access, is one point in which they certainly score over the Southern Sounds. Both Nelson and Picton are favourite resorts of our colonial pleasure seekers during the summer. Pelorus Sound is within two hours’ steam, and one hour’s drive, of Picton, being reached via the Grove from the latter town. The drive from the Grove to Havelock by the Rahakipawa Sound (an arm of the Pelorus) is without doubt one of the most lovely in New Zealand. ( )ne may travel Australia and New Zealand without finding any scenery to surpass, if to equal, these beautiful and extensive fiords. Among the excursions to be made from Havelock, one of the most attractive is undoubtedly the climb to the top of Mount Takorika (3,000 ft.), from which a most perfect panorama of part of the Pelorus is obtained. It is an extensive view of the Sound for about 30 miles, but yet conveys only a small idea to one’s mind of the ramifications of this vast fiord, whose shore line is 900 miles. From this height portions of the fiord appear in the distance like large and small lakes. One of the features of this Sound is its bush-clothed hills, which are wooded to the water's edge with birch, rinui. rata, and other indigenous trees. This, and Rahakipawa. are both alike perfect yachting places, with deep water to the very shores. Pelorus Valley, extending towards Nelson, has much to interest those fond of the picturesque, as a glance at our illustrations will show. Canvastown, on the banks of the Pelorus and Wakamarina rivers, is associated with the early days of New Zealand and the gold rush in that district, and will, therefore, be known to many miners and others. 'Die Wakamarina alluvial mines and river dredges still find remunerative employment for a large number of men. Continuing up the Pelorus Valley, the river scenery is very bold and grand. 'Die Rai Falls are worth a visit, and there is good accommodation right on the spot for those wishing to stay there. The distance to Nelson from Havelock is about 40 miles along a well-kept road. The grand birch and rimtt forests so characteristic of this part of the world are here seen at their best. 'Die road is one of the best for cyclists in the colony, besides which there is an excellent coach service maintained from Blenheim, Havelock, and Nelson. Nelson, the “Garden of New Zealand.” has many attractions. The Wairoa Gorge is far-famed for its rugged beauty ami trout streams. Deer stalking in the season is also another great attraction in this neighbourhood, fallow ami red deer being found in great plenty. Among the interesting sights of Nelson is bt. Barnabas Church. Stoke, one of the most (plaint, old fashioned English looking buildings in the province. It is built of blue stone, and is nearly half a century old. Ihe charming suburb of Stoke is situated four miles from the town of Nelson, on the way to the West Coast.