DESCRIPTION OF THE HARBOURS, &c., OF NEW ZEALAND.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume I, Issue 24, 30 September 1843, Page 4

DESCRIPTION OF THE HARBOURS, &c., OF NEW ZEALAND.

From Cape Kidnapper, or Mata-mawe,form-ing the south side of the bay, there is nearly a straight line of bold shore, until reaching "Wye-ararip, or Palliser Bay, which is a deep indent, with bold head-lands on either side, and terminating in a low sandy shore, with the appearance of a harbour at its head ; the water-shoals gradually and regularly on proceeding up the bay, unless directly in the wake of current out of the lagoon at the head of the bay, where the soundings are irregular from ten to three fathoms, the estuary forming the appearance of a harbour. This bay should be avoided by strangers until properly surveyed- Port Nicholson presents itself next in rotation, it is an excellent harbour ; ships bound in from the southward on coming through CooFs Straits, by keeping within five or six miles of the shore, will find the western head appearing like an island, as -will he seen by a reference to a survey of the port, by those who have it. Lyall, or False Bay, westward of the west head, exhibits much broken water in heavy weather, as it is every where studded with rocks. The starboard shore of the entrance of Port Nicholson may bo approached at a fair working distance, keeping a look-out for Barrett's Reef on the larboard hand ; most of the rocks of which are bold and out of water. Ships of the largest class will find sufficient working room ; or if they get the entrance open, may anchor for the tide. Port Nicholson does not show any appearance of a harbour at a greater offing than five or six miles. There is frequently a strong fresh running cut of the harbour after heavy rains, although there is no strength of flood setting in. High water full and change, eight hours ; rise about ten or twelve feet. We now commence Cook's Straits at Cape Farewell, with directions for ships making it there : — Land fall from the westward of the Cape- itself is not very high, although the land at the back of it rises to a range of lofty hills, which may be seen from a ship^s deck in dear weather, at twelve or fifteen leagues. A few miles north-west of the Cape, some rocks are laid down upon the charts, and although their existence be much doubted, the safe side is to look out for them, passing the Cape at a convenient distance ; which "should he in about lat. 40 ° 20 1 south, course should be shaped for Cape Storms, which is a bold island, or short round block of rock, visible ten leagues off deck in clear weather. After passing Cape Stephens, avoid hauling in upon the starboard shore if it be night, or thick weather ; either wait for day-light, or keep well to the eastward, sighting Entry Island, which is also very high land ; which will carry the ship clear of rocks about three miles north-north-west of the Brothers; there is nothing in the road between Entry Island south-eastward, but between Cape Stephens and Cape Campbell on the middle island, ships cannot go astray for anchorage, as | Cloudy Bay, Queen Charlotte's Sound, the Osprey, and other indents, may be entered in any kind of day-light, with sufficient lookout to keep clear of all that is seen above water. Ships bound to Port Nelson, at the head of Blind Bay, will be careful in hauling in for the Bay to avoid Entry Bank, which extends from a low neck of land running south-eastward from Cape Farewell. Entry Bank will be seen in clear weather stretching as it were, across Blind Bay three or four miles ; with north-west or northerly winds the sea breaks with considerable force on the^ bank. In light weather it is not readily discovered. Strangers bound in to Port Nelson should sight Cape Stephens, which is a sure guide for clearing the bank. Distances for the harbour of Nelson are already published ; and Port Hardy, about three miles westward of Stephens Island, forms a safe harbour, should the vessel be induced, or require shelter.