THE GOLDEN COAST.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20103, 5 December 1930, Page 8

THE GOLDEN COAST.

MOTORISTS' PARADISE. | BEAUTY OF MOUNTAIN LAKE AND SEA. ( By JJominus Tho West Coast of tho South Island is a region that is incomparably grand in point of scenery, and is famous the world over for its great natural beauty and charm. Its verdant valleys and magnificent forests are overshadowed by tho majestic snow-capper] ranges of tho [Southern Alps, whose glaciated buttresses culminate in the fiordland of the soul h. The main gateways to the historic and wonderful West provide the -visitor with a foretaste of the varied attractions which annually draw thousands of tourists to this beautiful district. Thus, the route from the north via tho famed Puller Gorge, compels the interest of Ihe traveller. Every mile.— every turn in the road—opens up some new anil ever-changing vista of loveliness. Prom tlio tiuio that the George is entered near Murcliison, until it ends in the vicinity of Westport, the journey engages the admiration. The visitor who travels by the alternative route is likewise assured of outstanding scenery. Not a few there are who make the journey across Arthur's Pass and the Otira Gorge—a journey, every mile of which is packed with interest; a journey by "forest and ice," unequalled in its rugged grandeur, and a fitting introduction to the natural glories of the "Golden Coast." MITCHELL'S AND LAKE BRL'NNER. " . . . tflory of broad waters interfused . » . And over all the £reat wood rioting And climbing, stronk'd or starr'd at intervals With falling brook or blos.som'd bush—and lu.-t Framing the mighty landseajx? to the -west, A purple of mountain cones ..." —Tennyson Lake Brunner can be visited by means of two routes —that is, by going to Moana by rail or motor, or by car direct to Mitchell's on tho western shore. The twenty-six mile motor drive to Mitchell's is undoubtedly , one of the finest excursions that can be made, from Greymouth, providing, as it does, a wealth of scenic charm with a plenitude of historic interest. Tho tourist travelling by the Old Marsden Koad route finds himself, when only two miles out of Greymouth, iu the heart of the forest. Upon reaching the township of Marsden, the road commences the long ascent over No Name (Neinona). Tho first glimpse of the lake when nearing Mitchell's is a splendid picture -—the broad expanse of waters vignetted by the forest trees, and in the blue distance the serried ranks of the Southern Alps.

The beautiful Mitchell's Palls are within easy distance and are well worth a visit. The track commences immediately opposite the accommodation house, following the course of a bush stream, and the falls, which are remarkable for their lace-like beauty, are reached at a distance less than a quarter of a mile. Good fishing is to be obtained in the lake and the various tributary streams, notably the Orangi-Puka. Swan and wild duck abound, and excellent sport in the nature of wild pig and goat shooting may also be indulged in. The return journey from Mitchell's may be varied by proceeding via Westbrook and the old goldfields of Kumara, thenec by the Main South road to Greymouth, or lauach may be taken to Moana on the opposite shore and the remaining section of the trip down the Grey Valley completed by rail or motor.

COASTAL ROAD AND PUNAKAIKI. "... On the verge Of the tall cliff rugged and grey. At whose grnnite base the breakers surge, And shiver their frothy spray." —Gordon. The Coast lioad, Greymouth to Westport, presents the moat superb seascape scenery in the world. "An iron-bound coast with a road traversing it hundreds of feet above the surging sea, through magnificent natural beauty—beauty of virgin forest, foaming cascade, and wild, rocky promontory jutting out into the thundering surf. Such is the scenery of the Coastal road, which runs up hill and down dale, and occasionally inland, but mainly -within sight and sound of tho sea." Punakaiki, some twenty-seven miles north of Greymouth, and approximately mid-way between Greymouth and Westport, is an ideal scenic resort, and the .drive from Greymouth is becoming increasingly popular from year to year. Leaving Greymouth, the visitor proceeds through the coal-mining districts of Eunanga and Bapahoe, and at a distance of about seven miles the sea-coast is Toached near Point Elizabeth. From this point the road follows the base of the Paparoa Kange and skirts tho coastline, and at times rises sheer for hundreds of feet above the surf. The typical glorious bush and fern predominate, but this is relieved from time to time by groves of stately inkau palms, which lend an almost subtropical aspect to the general landscape. The nikaus are an especial attribute of this beautiful drive, and are a feature tint is entirely lacking on other forest routes oil the West Coast. Within about ten miles of Greymouth, the road turns abruptly up and across the picturesque gorge of tho Ten-Mile Stre-ini and seven miles further on descends 'sharply to the Barrytown Flat. Within a short time the old settlement of Harrvtown is reached. Barrytown -as once a veritable hive of industry, li ; s reputed to have boasted a population of about 10,000 during the days ° f 3 Paving Barrytown, the road eventually pluflgt' 3 into . lio ioreßt a Sam 4

through Joafv woodland avenues until Punakaiki ("The Bay of Good Plating"; is reach oil. Arrived at Punakaiki, the visitor may spend many interesting hours jimia novel arid picturesquo surroundings. The outstanding feature, and cnn that usually claims the premier attention of the U> 11 j- iis 1 ho fantastic dolomite formation ("Paneakc Kocks") in the immediate vicinity. j This curious freak of Nature is situated but a short distance off tho main road and less than n, quarter of a mile from the Punakaiki (headman's) River, and is reached by formed track through the bush. This rock formation is in itself a most wonderful sight and alone well worth the visit. It is situated on a jagged promontory (Care Point), a short distance north of Punakaiki Kiver, and consistn of strati fled rocks which have the appearance of piles upon piles of pancakes grouped together in the most e x t r a or d i n a r y manner. Close at lian<l are I.he famous blowholes, which in reality arc rock cavities into -which the sea rushes with tremendous force and is spouted up, to a great height, geyser-like, in showers of spray. The main blow-hole is, of course, seen to advantage when heavy weather prevails, and throws up columns of dazzling spray hundreds of feet to the aceompani-

mcnt. of a thunderous booming noise. A • truly weird and fascinating sight. i About a mile from Punakaiki bevond the-biuff where the "blow-holes and rock ■ formations arc situated, l'n>s Pororari ' Hcach. Here excellent surfing is to be obtained, and the beach is greatly resorlod to during the summer months for this purpose by holiday-makers. Some live miles distant by bridle track is Brighton (Tiroinana) arid Fox's liiver, where, if time and circumstance permits, the visitor may make an excursion up the picturesque gorge of the Fox to the beautiful Brighton'Cavcs, which, though relatively smaller, compare very favourably with * the limestone wonders of Waitomo. Certain Continental motor manufacturers lia\ r e been disappointed to find that their cars, tested at Brooklands, have not accomplished such high speeds as they have attained on Jlontlhery track. Jn certain circumstances the French track is appreciably "faster" than Brooklands, awing to its more sheltered nature and smoother surface, and a higher gear can often be fitted with advantage. Accommodation for 1000 vehicles is provided at an electric "hotel" garage recently opened in Chicago. All vehicles can be manipulated by electric means.