HOLIDAY RESORTS

Hokitika Guardian, 23 December 1930, Page 3

HOLIDAY RESORTS

IN WESTLAND. Lake Kanieri did not conic into its own n.s a holiday resort till the advent of the motor car. By horse drawn vehicle the 24 miles round trip was a day’s outing, and' was favoured only by the few. When tlie motor age developed the lake was brought within a thirty minutes’ trip, and it is itow a regular afternoon run for a pleasant outing. The road, too, has been improved greatly for the benefit oi motor traffic. The lake is at an elevation of 430 feet, and there is a considerable rise in the journey. There, are hills to negotiate and these bad to bo improved both in regard to grade and visibility. The road, too, has been widened and now presents a smooth, rtell kept appearance, evidenced by the constant patronage of motorists.

The road passes through Kanicri, one of the earliest of Coast mining centres, and thence up the valley of the Kanieri river, which takes its rise from the lake. The lower portion of the road does not present much of charm. There are evidences of fie early digging days, and tlie sawmill operations have cleared much of the bush, but from Boucher’s hill onwards, the forest scenery is there in striking variety. ’

En route to the lake there is much evidence of the operations of the Kanieri Electric Ltd. The main hydrostation is at Kanieri Forks, and develops the power to drive the Rimu plat dredge and light tlie .town of Hokitika, from the water brought by race from Lake Kanicri. Near by. at McKay’s Greek, the same Compnnv is preparing for a larger hydro scheme, and extensive works are in hand in race making, tunnel driving and site levelling/ In the New Year this important work will he accomplished giving greater stability than over to the useful enterprise in hand. Tt could be mentioned appropriately here also, that the town of Hokitika draws its water supply from Lake Kanieri: It is a. wonderful source for such a purpo.se, being an ample storage and a pure supply.

The road drive once the forest area is reached, is captivating. I| possesses a special charm in the wealth of fernery. Ferns in parts constitute a notable glade, and the avenues are lovely .bush drives. The drive is a delight always to visitors, who find themselves suddenly in the heart of the forest enjoying nature’s generous display of wonderful colouring, for the whole countryside is verdure clad. At the last turn of this enchanting drive tlie lake comes suddenly to view. Its waters irtay be rough by an easterly wind, but only at irregular intervals. In general; it is in tranquil order, nestling below the forest clad hills and is a striking scene of great beauty, presenting in fact Westland’s' most beautiful lake. The first view is the best View for the whole bosom of tlie waters may be taken ip. The forest creeps right to the water’s odge ; in parts abruptly so, -where the hills come down in steep declivities'. Here and there there are pebbly beaches with fringing bush, forming .pretty landing points for thoßfe who go aboating. Behind, tower the snow ohul Alps making a, notable background to the varied forest and water colouring in the foreground. It is a picture for an artist to paint.

Boats ply on the lake and take excursionists to nooks' and. crannies where there is impressive scenic Ibeauty. Especially is this so aliout Hans Bay which is cut off from the fnain lake by the Twin islands, two flower-pot-like sentinels which add Jo tlie variety of the scene. - Motor boat racing is popular and for that .sport, the lake is ideal. An excursion to the far end is full of interest, and broadens the idea as to the size of the lake. Dorothy falls may be reached by boat and a short walk through a pretty sylvan track. Tt is a pleasant way to reach these notable falls, .which are set as a gem in the bush.

Just now a road is in ..process of making to the falls. It is -about four miles in; all from Hans Bay, and the road fa completed for about 2* miles. Of the remaining miles,, the most of the distance is completed with a wide, well made road. , The first section of this last stage will be the last to be completed evidently, for there is still much to be done, but tbe mile and a half walk is pleasant and of interest, and it is a.novel way at present of reaching the falls The road is to end on a plateau above the falls, and the track down is finished almost. On the plateau a large circular turn-out is being made for the parking of cars, and in two or three months the road will l>o ready for the motorist. But it is not necessary to wait that long, for the walk will he cnioved now, and the road through fresh bush scenery, will he interesting to all who venture along. Some day this road is destined to make for the head of the lake, and thence by the ;Styx river back to Upper Kokatahi, and "‘ill constitute the most popular drive in the district, affording the greatest variety of scenery and some idea, of the settlement country in Westland.

The roads about Lake 'Kunieri take the Visitor to interesting points. To the right there is the short run to Simny Bight which is the. most populiar' bathing location, os' there is> a 1 shelving pebbly bottom. To the left there is the road to Milltown, ~r to Hafts Bay and on towards Dorothy. These are all hush roads, with var-cd colouring, and always pleasing and * restful to the eye. Those who ! rambles through the bftsli glades may : do so, for their are many side nr-hs to tempt in exploration:

Lake Kanieri attracts many fishermen. in season, for quinivit salmon abound, and at certain periods respond not unreadily to the wiles of ’ho patient fisherman. Nearby is the Hatchery of the Acclimatisation Soe.cty where ova to the number of several hundred thousand a a l.art bed « very

year, ;.uu ih.vt r: •. up • •in “». ti.e Coast. Kanieri river also has its share of trout, and is fished regularly in season. Those imbued with the idea of modest mountaineering, may climb Mt. Tul ilia, which overlooks Lake Kanieri, and affords a wonderful view from its vantage point. It is not a difficult climb, and those who venture are rewarded for their long toil. Other high hills in the locality may also be conquered by the ambitious, for the charms and attractions of Lake Kanieri arc not quickly exhausted.

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