ARAPUNI LAKE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5223, 6 January 1928, Page 3

ARAPUNI LAKE

GREAT SPORTING CENTRE.

TROUT, DUCKS, AND BOATING*

Now that the new Arapuni lake i s gradually taking shape, it is becoming quite evident to even the casual observer that this sheet of water which will extend for some 20 jnißs up-stream, is destined to become one of the-greatest sporting centres in the Dominion, and therefore in the world. Whereas Lake Taupo is almost as broad as it is long, and therefore is affected by every wind that blows, to the’ hindrance and annoyance to fishermen, the new Arapuni lake, being land-locked, will be free from all such disabilities.

With only a few more feet to rise, the water now give; a splendid idea of what the future offers for sportsmen. At the dam-site, where there is approximately a m le of straight, and a depth of 170 feet, already numerous largo-sized trout have been caught, while wild duck may be seen swimming around the slides in fair numbers. TJiis stretch of water does not present a very inviting appearance just now. Nor will.'it until the water commences to 41ow over the spill-way weir, for owing to it being a dead-end at the moment, there is now floating on the surface around the dam wall flotsam and jetsam, including large quantities the hulk of which has floatqd down from from the works at Maku quarry, past which the waters of the new lake have now backed up. Besides providing wonderful sport 4or fishermen and shootists over its forty odd miles of lake' edge; this great expanse of water will without doubt become famous as ;a boating centre. Two or three miles above Arapuni there is a five-milej piece of straight water, of narrow width, which will provide, one of the finest courses for Towing matches in the world. On the major portion of the race fior, say, a world’s championship rowing match, could be seen from start to finish. Beyond this again the. lake opens out to a width of nearly three miles, and here will be found ample room for those who prefer sailing boats to the less romantic but more speedy launches.

/Within half-an-houFs car ride of the lake lies Maungatautari Mountain. The top of this, wihich h;as recently beeh proclaimed a reserve, is reported to conceal amongst its beautiful bush the largest and mbst shapely crater in New Zealand. This mountain was the scene of fierce) battles in the early days, and the natives holding it had the distinction of never having be,eji conquered. Around its slopes are some of the best preserved Maori defences and dug-outs in New Zealand, and once this area becomes known it is bound to prove an immense attraction to all classes of tourists.

In .conclusion it may be noted that al) the above attractions lie at Auckland’s: door, so to speak. With a good metalled road the whole of the way.. Auckland , businessmen may- leave tlieir offices about 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon’s and be at the’r camps on the lakeside by 10 p.m., after travelling comfortably. The 3ull week-end may thus be spent in this wonderful sportman’s paradise, and with an early start on Monday morning thereturn juorney may be mde and completed back to the Queen City well before' lunch-time. This factor has not yet been lost sight of, and many well-known Auckland * businessmen have already secured sections on the lakeside, —Matamata Record.