TOURIST TRACKS

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1929, Page 3

TOURIST TRACKS

A NOTABLE WANT

There is a notable want for tourist tracks ip South 'Westland. The matter was brought to notice this week during the visit of the members of the Highways Council to tin? southern district. The scenery in the south is unique. Nothing could he grander than the spectacle provided h.v the twin nva.s for glacier fame—the Waiho and Fox Glaciers—while the route all the wav is full of scenic splendour. It was pointed out that visitors went to si e tiie glaciers and then there interest ended, but with a few tracks, some interesting trips could be made which would delay travellers and holiday makers in the district for a much longer time. At Waiho there are three tracks in particular which should lie put in good order. They are the tracks to Alec’s Knob, the track to Canavan’s Ivnoh, and the Gallery Gorge track. The view from Alec’s Knob is said to surpass any known view on the Coast. It affords ail outlook over a wonderful panorama .stretching from Hokitika to Jackson Bay. with a magnificent survey of the Southern Alps. Cauavan’s Knob gives a remarkable view 01 the Waiho Glacier irom an elevated point, while the Gallery Gorge track would not only serve tourists but also prospectors.

Riding parties now tour from Waiho to the sen beach on to Gillespie’s, and thence inland by Pekanga track to Welioka. For the convenience ctT this route the ualwav Bluff track to Gillespie’s requires re-opening, as the Bluff .route is not favourable always for traffic. At Wehekn tourist tracks to the Fox Glacier and about that locality are ilso a need, while by way of Copeland track a hut is urgently required at Douglas Rock. This was authorised in former years, but never carried out. With the growth of tourist traffic into South Westland it is imperative that more of the scenic country should be opened up. for the fuller aiul better enjoyment of the genus ol the southern territory.