HOLIDAY RESORTS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 December 1930, Page 7

HOLIDAY RESORTS

IN WESTLAND.

THi© journey into South Westland

affords the traveller a most enjoyable trip. There is a wealth oi interest in nature’s wonderland created by the rivers, forest, mountains and lakes. The bush drive is wonderful, and the lakes

give added glory to the natural scenes

The first lake encountered is that Tof Lake Janthe. whicli| bursts suddenly into view and is as lovely as i?s name. The road skirts, the lakeside for some distance, and''affords. a good view of the dark waters, on which water fowl are generally in evidence. The lake is a haunt for game, and shooting parities are seasonal (visitors. There is a wealth of, forest growth with some fine stands of • forest about the lake. On the western side mining was once in operation, but Was not successful. The sawmill tramways are now drawing close to the lake, • but no' doubt the surrounding bush will be reserved and preserved for scenic purposes. This will not be h hardship, for forest lands predominate in Southern Westland.

There is a distant glimpse only of Lake Rotokino which may be seen from tiie main road at the Tetaho end of Mt. Hercules, This is another favourite haunt -'for wild fowl. The lake empties into .Wataroa river, and near it are, the small twin lakes Darby and Joan.

Wahapo, further .south, is guarded by a black pine forest. It is not a large, basin, but it is so situated by the road side as to present quite a pretty, picture in the changing scene for the"' southern traveller. Crested 'grebei .make this lake, a special haunt. Its dark waters give back wonderful reflections, and the whole impression is very charming. Its overflow waters have been harnessed for industrial purposes and supply the power necessary to drive an overshot water wheel lor eawmiilling operations.

The Okarito Lagoon is not a lake of course.; It is a tidal basin of considerable extent and has boating pos-

sibiliti.es of interest, for in the far reaches there is much to enjoy in the beauty of the forest fringing the eastern, shore, and in the remarkable view of the Southern Alps to be seen from its shores. One of the finest views extant is to be seen from Waitaki Bluff at the north end of the lagoon. Going south along the bench route, the traveller mounts a rise, and there before him is spread the lagoon, the forest, and the mountain range with Aorangi in the far distance, and nearer the Franz Josef Glacier. The sudden ap-

pearance of this great national panorama is the striking feature of the wonderful scone, which baits one to absorb all that there is to be admired in this unusual and most notable, view. The Lagoon is notable for the fact, that one arm is the sanctuary home of the white heron. Uut other bird life abounds including swans, grebe, and ducks in particular. For a holiday of pleasant relaxation, Okarito Lagoon has special attractions, and its - engaging features draw many visitors to its pleasant waters.

Lake Mapourika. on the. route to the Franz Josef Glacier, is considered by many the gem of the southern lakes. It is a, lake of moods, for the changing atmosphere affects/ it in varied beauty. The early morning mists give very pretty effects, but the lake is best in the sunlight and in calm weather there are wonderful views. The landscape scene is varied by forest, hill and mountain, and with errant clouds reflected in the waters, there is a scene of unusual beauty. Motor boats ply on the waters and take tourists to various tiny bays and gulfs where the beautiful forest may be inspected at close range. The main south road is on the margin of the lake for some, time, and very pretty indeed is the outlook for the traveller, who must be impressed with the changing variety of the southern lakes passed by the way.

There is a small lake at Weheka which has grown into prominence bv reason of the photographer’s art. This is Lake Mntherson, seen at this season of the year on so many cards and souvenirs passing in friendly interchange. Lake Matherson reflects on its bosom the remarkable Fox Glacier, a worthy rival to the Franz Josef. The lake is approached by a track, but

having seen its beauty in picture, one is tempted to view the reality, and enjoy the swan setting on the spot. Forest studs the shore, and a boating trip is necessary to see the lake from the best vantage point. The boat is at hand for the sightseer.

Lake Parin.ga is much further south, beyond the reach so far of the motor car, which has made hitherto, the Mnhitnhi river the Further point south. The Jake is situated on the far south noad on route to Haast and Okuru. It rivals Mapourika for queenly supremacy, being wood-girt and far removed from the devastating hand of man. Fish abound in the lake and bird life is well maintained for there are many secluded places for breeding. It is one of the brightest spots on the horse hack ride over the Thomas range to the far south.—A trip which affords a real holiday jaunt in the heart of nature, and among the most hospitable of people. Next and final article—The Glaciers.