NEW GISBORNE-OPOTIKI ROAD.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXII, Issue 4349, 30 November 1921, Page 1

NEW GISBORNE-OPOTIKI ROAD.

The “East Coast Watch’’ pf Friday last says that travellers hy road between Motu and Opptiki are enthusiastic over tfhe scenery on the present route, but they have little to say in favour of the hills and bends and the winter mud.

There is an alternative-track, of about 50 miles in length, running wesjt for eight miles to Mr Trafford's homestead from Maltaw.ai and then almost due north to Opotiki alopg the eastern bank of the Waioeka River. About 30 miles of this road is at present used for vehicular traffic—eight miles to Trafford’s and .22 miles from before reaching Oponae to Opotiki—but the 20 miles is only a bridle track. . The Government is having parts of this 20 miles widened to a 16-foot road. When it is completed it will be an all-weather road and reduce the car run between Matawai and Opotiki to about two and a half hours.

In regard to scenery there is nothing to equal it in the whole of New Zealand. The Waioeka gorge is fully 30 miles long, and any small portion of it excells by far in beauty the Manawatu gorge and loses nothing in comparison with ,the Buller or Otira gorges. Rugged cliffs of virgin bush tower on either, side of the Waioeka River, while the track descends by easy and even gradient 20 or 30 feot above the water that ripples sparklingly down the ever-widening rocky river bed. The bush is full of bird 'life and the musical notes of the tui may be heard throughout the whole journey.

After passing Mr Cos.tello’s homestead, 12 miles from Matakai, there is no dwelling until Opanae is reached, and the rugged nature of the country makes it unlikely there ever will he, so that the Waioeka gorge may be preserved in its present natural beauty for all time. Prominent men in Matawai and Opotiki and the settlers along the track are keen to have it opened for vehicular traffic at the earliest possible m'oment. It would shorten the passenger and mail journey from Auckland to Gisborne considerably, give access to a number of most deserving pioneer settlers, and add a further attraction to those already existing in New Zealand for tourists. The road has been surveyed, and there are no bridging, grade, or route difficulties throughout its whole course.