ATTRACTIONS OF COAST

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 274, 22 December 1939, Page 2

ATTRACTIONS OF COAST

TOURISTS ARRIVE NEW ROUTE AVAILABLE suit If AOK 1y 1 PRO VMM KiNTS . Considerable interest is being taken in the new coastal scenic highway between Opotiki and Gisborne, according to Mr. G. V. Mierton, the Gisborne resident A.A. patrol, and visitors are already visiting the coast. Association patrols from several outside districts have traversed the new route to 'Gisborne recently so that , they would lie in a position to give firsthand information concerning the state a lull attractions of the road. All had agreed that the long stretch of rugged coastal scenery, particularly from To Ararua to Opotiki; was the finest in New Zealand. The first point of interest north of Gisborne was at To Uuia hot springs, after which the traveller going north would pass through many native villages. The opportunities for intending campers were many because there was an abundance of streams that would give them plenty of cool, iresh water. After leaving Capo Kunaway there was about 18 miles of uninteresting country, hut that was replaced by pleasant surroundings again before the route reached "Waihau Kay. that bay was noted for its fishing, and several boats were available for visitors intent on a quiet holiday and eager to take part in the sport provided. Fish were in large schools off the coast and l it mis possible to secure some fine catches. There were similar possibilities at To Kalia, about 20 miles further along the Coast. There was an old whaling station at Te Kahn, and the district is now a centre of Maori land development. Reporting on the state of the highway on the Opotiki end of the trip, the engineer of the Public Works Depaiinient, Opotiki, Mr. F. K. Roberts, stated that the surface had been topdressed as far as the boundary of the Matakaoa County. Also in liis territory several bridges bad been completed over .streams that bad given trouble to motorists in the past. The approaches' of others had been consolidated sufficiently to carry Christinas traffic. The* first new bridge available for traffic was 46 miles from Opotiki and made the fording oi the Paikarauui Stream unnecessary. A short distance further towards Waihau Bay the W:ukawa bridge and its approaches were ready for use, but the unfinished'state of t’-e approaches to the Maraehako bridge ruled out its immediate use by traffic. In fact, Mr. Roberts reported that it was doubtful if the approaches to the bridge could be negotiated even if an emergency arose. 'lhe r l e Waiti bridge was available and a gang bad raised a single span bridge across the Wairuru Stream above the level ol past floods. The construct ion of the Waikaha bridge, 63 miles from Opotiki, was m hand, and steel was being paced on the site for a start to .he made on a bridge to span the Taurauga crossing. The Mangatoetoo bridge, near Waihnu Bay, had been finished, with its approaches. Referring to the reconstruction work being carried out- on Maracnui Hill, Mr, '"Roberts said that if the weather was suitable the new deviation would be open to traffic. The deviation ran on the coast side of the hill auti took traffic from the winding inland section that hadi been the scene of many accidents. However, that portion of the route was not dangerous for the ra refill motorist. The new deviation w. ;Id shorten the road by 47 chains.— Gisl>,.•’•no Herald.