TOURIST ROUTES & TRAFFIC

Hokitika Guardian, 7 June 1929, Page 7

TOURIST ROUTES & TRAFFIC

The following report from Mr Eric James was received at last evening’s meeting of the Tourist Society:— With the hope of keeping alive the possibilities of tourist traffic in Southern Westland I. briefly outline particulars of traffic this season. Without doubt the traffic over the Haast Pass to Haast and Okuru and points in the Haast Valley has proved a record. The route as a tourist one has been given much publicity during the last three years and good results are just beginning to be felt.

There was a noticeable increase in traffic in connection with the red deer stalking season. Four eight horse teams of pack horses have been travelling over and back almost daily since 22nd February carrying equipment and provisions. Riding parties have also been numerous. The stalking season was however not a particularly good one from a stalkers point of view, no super-heads were taken out and very few extra good ones. The most important tour made over the route was that made by the Government Publicity Department on which occasion a large and valuable collection of first class material was obtained. The party was favoured with good weather almost throughout the whole eight weeks trip. Another important tour was made by Messrs Turner and Son, well known Wellington alpinists who made the first ascent of five prominent peaks in Westland and on the Main Divide, Hooker 8644 ft, Brewster 8260 ft, Castor 8256 ft, and Follnx 8341 ft. Messrs Eric Miller and Dr Bathgate w;ere members of the party during the two latter climbs. There is still a large field for new ascents in this district and arrangements are now being made for further expeditions by Mr Turner, including the finding of a practical pass south of Haast Pass which should prove popular for trampors crossing over, returning via Haast Pass, thereby making a fine round trip. Professor F. J. Turner, Otago University, with a party made a scientific exploration to the Cascade and Bed Hills with I understand very interesting results. The weather unfortunately interfered with their operations. It was at this, period, January 10th to February 20th, that the Pass Track was severely damaged by tremendous floods, the worst ever experienced in this district. The Go\ernment promptly took the matter in hand placing two working parties at each end of the series of obstacles. Further damage must yet he expected the river having had an undermining effect on portions of the track. The question of a spacious new hut where the present Burke Hut now stands is now under way and will add considerably to the popularity of the track. The lack of huts from the Haast northwards is sadly apparent and calls for attention, and until then will effect the numbers of through tourists to the Glaciers from Wanaka. A but placed near the shores of Lake Paringa would be a boon not only to tourists as a eamn oyer night but for anglers who would visit the lake were but accommodation available. It was only this , season that anglers first tried the waters of this beautiful lake with minnow and line. Fish were found to be plentiful and of good quality. This party intends to return to spend more time fishing here next season.

The number of alpine trips made over the Graham Saddle, and Copeland Pass exceed all previous years while the opening up of old pack tracks, used in the days of the diggings, for riding trips arc proving an added attraction at the Glacier resorts. The traffic on Lake Wanaka has maintained its volume and another launch has been added to the present fleet. A second accommodation house has sprung up at Makaroro and more guides and horses are available for riding parties. A new direct motor service from Christchurch via Timani and Central Otago. In- Wanaka Motors Ltd., now places Pembroke more readily within reach from the centres. Severn 1 tramping parties crossed from Wanaka to the Glaciers and only one or two experienced hold-ups hv the many rivers. Already the enquiries for accommodation, guides, etc., for next season are numerous and it is safe, to predict a new record for next season.