RAROTONGA AS A WINTER HEALTH RESORT.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 884, 2 August 1910, Page 9

RAROTONGA AS A WINTER HEALTH RESORT.

' *• • ' '.'. It does not seem to be very, well known in New Zealaud that the-Dominion possesses in Rarofonga a winter health resort equal in every respect to Madiera or Tenerift'o, in the Northern Hemisphere. Such, however, is the case, 'and it seems a pity that more advantage is not taken of it by those who suffer from bronchitis or other conditions aggravated by the cold and dampness of tho rigorous New Zealand winter, especially in the southern portions, or who wish for other reasons to avoid the cold. Rarotonga is within six days' run of Wellington or Auckland, from both of which ports there is a regular service of steamers. The voyage is generally a smooth, one, and within a couple of days of leaving New Zealand one is in a ciiniato where it is pleasant to sit out on deck. At, Avarua, the port of Rarotonga and seat of Government, there is a well-built convenient hotel, the Grand Eastern Pacific, erected by the Government and leased to a competent manager, where comfortable and up-to-date accommodation . can be secured at ordinar)- New Zealand hotel rates. There, is also a comfortable boarding-house, and if one is making a long stay and wishes to have one's own establishment, it is possible to rent a cottage. Thero is a good road round the island passing through all the native villages and skirting the sea shore, and buggies can be hired. For the boating man there is a lagoon inside the reef, on the south-east 'and west ooasts, but it is shallow and rocky, and only suitable for a rowing boat or canoe. A sailing man,would have to bring his own boat with him, and could keep her in the harbour at Avarua or Avatiu, but as these boat harbours are exposed to the north, the boat would have to be one easily brought ashore on the advent of strong ' northerly weather. One might, however, go through the whole winter without having to do this. The climate from May to September or even October is- perfectly delightful, the average temperature ranging from 67.5 at night to a maximum of 76.7 in the day. Of .course, heavy clothing is not required, and white drill suits or light flannel, with light underclothing, is the most comfortable attire for'men, and for women its equivalent in dresses. A pith, or other tropical helmet or topee or a panama hat, also canvas shoes, complete the required outfit. The amateur photographer will find plenty of subjects of native life, beach, lagoon and reef scenes worth tho exposure of a plate. As a winter health resort.it would be hai'd.to find one more pleasant and suitable in the Southern' Hemisphere than Rarotonga.