A TRIP TO TABLE TOP

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10286, 22 May 1919, Page 8

A TRIP TO TABLE TOP

THE TOURIST ROUTE FROM OTAKI TO GRETTOWN. (From Our Own Correspondent.) OTARI, May 21. It is seldom, especially at this time of the year, that an ascent is made of Tabk Top. one of the most interesting mounts in the Tararua ranges, and over which the tourist track leads from Otaki to Grcytown. Recently a party, consisting of Mrs Buseling, Misses Knox (2), Messrs Knox (3), W. F. Russhng, D. Corrigan, J. Ayre, H. Nicolson (secretary of the Mount Hector Track Committee), and Broadmore (of Inglewood), made the trip in delightful weather. The gorge road, which leads well into the hills, is 'in fine condition, and motorists find it even better than portions of the main thoroughfare. It is noted for its fine scenic views, the ‘ lovely tree ferns, th* huge nijeaus, its towering native trees, and its waterfalls.' The famous ‘'Roaring Meg” and the "Blue-Bluff,” a dangerlooking hut picturesque snot, is also passed, while here and there are pretty homesteads. At Mr All. Knox's residence a start was made to climb the ranges, and the party found the going easy. I’he beauties of Nature were fully admired, especially a large area of the ranI’rinoe of Wales* Feather fern, the kidney fern, the various mosses (somo resembling i coral), the huge native trees towering majestically skyward. Passing on. still in the heart of the hush, the Party arrived at Tiro, Tiro point, where it is now proposed to erect a hut for tourists. The snot is an ideal one. overlooking Otaki, Kapiti, the South Island many gorge scenes, rivers and rivulets,

and on the other side to Table Top, Mount Dennan and Ray’s Ridge, whers it has been suggested an alternate route he made. Tire Tiro Point abounds in wood suitable for firing purposes, is in a sheltered nook away from all winds, and .is within nice distance, after a climb over Mounts Hector and Dennan, to Otaki. Shortly after leaving the point trees become stunted, the track is less defined, while obstacles in the way of trees have to be negotiated. Here money is to be spent in improvements. The climb to the top is by no means a difficult one, and was performed by the ladies with comparative, ease. Later th*_ homeward walk was accomplished in* good style, the party arriving at the edge of the bush at dusk, finally reaching home at 6 p.m. It may be mentioned that the Tourist Department has offered .£IOO for the benefit of tourists leaving the Otaki side, while residents have subscribed liberally towards improving the track and making it accessible for ladle*. Much needed work will be commenced in the near future, and the track, to connect with the Wairarapa track, will, be in readiness for tourists nbxt summer. The Grey town committee has also offered assistance, and it is now possible that once the track is in order parties from Wairarapa and Horowhenua will frequently Cross the ranges, while it is also hoped to encourage tourists from various "arts of New. Zealand and elsewhere to include the trip in their itinerary. The secretary of the Otaki committee hopes shortly to make a window display of photographs of iho scenery passed en route, and to accomplish his task hv appealed to the Tourist Department fo‘ assistance.