HOLIDAYING IN THE SOUTH

Hokitika Guardian, 28 October 1930, Page 2

HOLIDAYING IN THE SOUTH

SOUTHERN CIIABMS. “Westland’s woodland ways” in the southern district do nqjt lose their charms with the passing*years. The great scenic assets provided bv mountain and forest promise to be external, and the praiseworthy enterprise of settlers who have provided firstclass accommodation for travellers, has assisted to popularise the southern trip and make it always a most enjoyable outing.

The week-end, extended into Monday, by reason of the public holiday, peemed a suitable time, and occasion for a motoring trip, and many of the same mind made the journey with the result that' both Wlaiho Gorge and Welieka were well patronised, and both locations wore a busy aspect over the holiday. Travellers are loud in their praises of the main south road. It is in particularly good order at present. The surface is in excellent condition, while the bridges being erctated (and the improvements carried out at various points, all combine to make the journey a. very plernant motoring trip nowadays. All along the route where improvements are called fog much is being done and more is intended, so 1 that, the southern, journey will be always an ideal outing .for motoring. Visitors for. the -first time marvel at the scenic wonders along the route. It is interesting to get into conversation with travellers from other parts of the world, and glean their impressions of the South Westland tour. They all marvel, at the varied beauty of the journey with its lakes, a-rul forests .and mountains, while the glaciers and their wonderful' settings', are something to marvel at. The conclusion is definite that in South Westland there are scenic assets unmatched in many respects, and with this unique resource, the southern district null be always an attraction of outstanding merit -for travellers, and will continue to call tourists from afar.

Several . new tracks are being cut for; gide; Excursions in the glacier region. At' Waho there is the Lone Pine :track, and also the ascent to Canavon’s Knob, The former is a pretty hush track, and the latter on reaching'.the summit, affords a wonderful look-out ut) and down the Waiho river, with Franz Jrfief inland, and the jcrean seaward. At Welh-eka there is also a pretty (bush track near the hostel,, while further clown Cook Valley is the track to Lake M.a-theson where is obtained the famous view of Cook and Tasman and the Fox Glacier so often photographed. These tracks are always interesting to tourists for they Like the traveller into close doncourpe with the bush and the wonders of the undergrowth, while the bird-life is to be enjoyed greatly. From Welieka, the Great South Road is forging its way south. There are some 53 men on the work at pro* ent, and during the year about -ix miles of constructed road have boon accounted for. : This l l *?north covers practically the detour required to be made to serve the bridge -sites at the Fox and Cook rive ns. Where: the new road diverts from the existing road, a beautiful busb drive is entered, and lasts to the Fox river side. Here a suspension bridge of the Waiho river type, is to Jbe erected, and a similar one beyond across the Cook river. It is hoped the former will be put in 'hand shortly, and the latter during next year. These crossings bridged and a considerable tract of good country will'be topped and settlement will advance. The route bridged will also ht motor traffic- through at all times of the year to Karangarua;. and should mean increasing prosperity to South Westland.

The district has an improving future ahead of it, and must come more. and. more in favour with travellers,; while settlement is sure to expand giving South Westland material;.' progress, and making it more and more attractive. f, \.