ENVIRONS OF HASTINGS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 72, 17 December 1937, Page 19 (Supplement)

ENVIRONS OF HASTINGS

Easy Access to Delightful Resorts LARGE SCOPE FOR MOTORISTS

Good roads, and the level eountryside, covered with plantations of English trees, make the surronndings of Hastings a happy hunting ground for motorists. Haumoana is a watering-place that has developed as a summer resort for Hastings townsfolk. It is situated eight miles from Hastings and has a post office, and stores 10 supply all the household wants of residents. A concert hall was erected here some time ago by the Haumoana Beach Improvement Committee, which has earried out numerous works for the advancement of the resort. Both sea and river bathing are available rtt Haumoana, and good fishing can be had at the river mouth. Further along the coast are Te Awanga and Clifton, two popular seaside picnicking grounds. Beyond Clifton a walk of six miles, along the sandy beach, fianked on one side by high eliffs and deep ravines, brings one to Cape Kidnappers, where the nesting-place of gannets provides a spectacle of absorbing interest. The cape can also be reaclied by motor-launch, which for the less energetic, .,is an easier form of transport than walking or cycling. The birds build their nests. in August and September, the chicks appearing about the third week 111 November. By the end of Mareh most of the birds have left the nesting-ground and started on their long migration north. In the h eight of the season there are more than 4,000 adult birds and 2,000 chicks at the cape. Waimarama is another seaside resort that is delightful to visit. It faces the open ccean, and the wide expanse of sand and - the long sweep of the Pacific rollers make perfect surfing conditions. The view from the crest of thc hill as the road approaehes Waimarama is one. of impressive beauty. A guest house and stores, together with numerous summer homes, have made Waimarama a considerable settlement. Nearer to Hastings, on the same road, is another popular picnicking ground, Ocean Beach, where exefellent surfing can be had. In the immediate cnvirons of Hastings numerous pleasani scenic drives can be made by motorists. A trip to Te Mata Peak permits a visitor to get an unexcelled view of the whole of the Heretaunga Plains. From this point the beauty of the tree-studded eountryside reaches its full effect. The homes of Havelock and the schools placed 011 the slopes of hills provide many charming vistas for thosc who drive round this delightful residential area.