AHAIPARA BAY.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 822, 18 June 1853, Page 4

AHAIPARA BAY.

At the extreme of the 45 miles sar d beach, extending S.S.E. iiom Cape Maria Van Diemen, is

Ahaipara bay, in which under favorable circumstances a Vessel of any tonnage could ship the produce of the Victoria plains, and of the fertile country at the foot of the Mountain range extending from reef point to the Eastward. There, is a small bay (Ongonga) within, wLere* boats can ship cargo. The approach is clear, and the anchorage id after bringing Taw-roa reef point to bear S.W., and the soundings will be found to decrease gradually from 10 fathoms— the bottom fine sand. Reef point (improperly so called) is a long low point sloping down from hills chequered with sand. A spit of sand extends from it westward which generally breaks, but does not run out above half-a-mile from the point. A mile we3t of the point, we found 16 fathoms j the tide, «diich runs from 2 to 3 knots, is imperceptible in Aha : para bay. - S.W. and S.E. winds are favourable for laying at this anchorage. It would appear also sheltered from N.E., but as the gales from this quarter gene* rally veer to N.W. it would not be prudent to remain. H.M.S. Pandora weighed at the commencement of a N.W. gale, and had ample time to get a sufficient oflmg. o / * {Lat 33 10 30 S. Long. 173 7 00 E. H. W. F. & C. Bh. 45m. Rise & fall 7ft.