Our Holiday Resorts.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 40, 30 December 1893, Page 6

Our Holiday Resorts.

No. 4.—RIYERTON

[CONTRIBUTED.]

Excepting, of course, the Lakes, we know of no place in Southland where one could spend a pleasanter ' holiday than Riverton, a snug little seaport town situated at the mouth of the Jacob’s River, 26 miles, by rail, west of Invercargill. Taking your stand on the hills at South Riverton, the landscape is picturesque in the extreme. To the north is the broad, undulating plain terminating at the base of the lofty Takitimos. To the west in the immediate foreground is the basin-like estuary which gradually narrows, into the Pourakino River, a serpentine stream that runs through enchanting bush scenery into the recesses of the Longwood forest. Farther west is the Longwood range itself, whose “ dark unfathomed . oaves ” contain rich mineral deposits. Looking eastward, the ever-heaving ocean meets the gaze, round the shores of which is a beach as level and hard as an asphalt walk, forming a carriage drive 15 miles in length, and one that could hardly be excelled. To the south, over the bushy nobs on which the gazer is supposed to be standing, are Poveaux Straits, the waters of which break with deafening roar on the rock-bound coast. Such in brief is a general outline of the superb-scenery to be viewed. Then there are the pastimes. These are numerous. Bathing can be enjoyed in the white-tipped surf without the slightest danger of sharks or other sea monsters. Waltonian disciples can take their rods and visit the placid waters of the Jacob’s, or the dark depths of the Omut in search of the “ spotted beauties ” with which these streams abound. In the shooting season pigeons, kakas, rabbits, swamp hens, and ducks afford excellent sport. Those wdrose proclivities do not tend in that direction, but who prefer picnicing, have every opportuuity afforded for participating in this really wholesome relaxation. Nature has provided lovely spots for the purpose very easy of access by boat at the Narrows and at the confluence of the Pourakino and Omut streams. Boating may be preferable . to some, and one can have this to his heart’s content. Should you possess A bicycle, you could take fine spins into the country; and if Shank’s pony is your means of getting about, invigorating walks can be enjoyed along the bay or through the bush. Those of a scientific turn of mind can find plenty of scope for the exercise of their special knowledge in collecting the numerous botanical and geological specimens which are to be seen. While staying’ in Riverton good accommodation can be had in the hotels, of which there are seven, at a reasonable tariff. There are not many private residences to be obtained just now, but as the beauties of the Brighton of the South become more generally known, the demand for these will soon force a supply. Now, leaving generalities to particularise, let us suppose a visitor wanted to put in a week in the district. Making Riverton his headquarters, Monday could be spent in visiting the southern coast, where excellent views of Stewart and Centre Islands ■could be obtained. The walk back could be by way of Howell’s Point, the site of the projected harbour. On Tuesday the picturesque spot known as Colac Bay could be visited, where, besides bush and ocean scenery, interest would be increased by a sight of some good specimens of the native race. All about here, were the tourist a photographer or artist, nice pictures could be obtained. Wednesday, you could take a run u|3 to Round Hill, where much is to be seen in the way of mining. At Canv ton not a little instruction would be received from John Chinaman as he is at home. On the road to the Hill, which is a nice Avalk, Lake George is passed, and it will soon be ripe for

the angler. At Orepuki, alluvial digging and coal-mining can be witnessed, which would occupy Thursday, while on Friday one of the most enjoyable outings imaginable could be had by taking a boat and going up the Pourakino for a picnic. Saturday the train could be boarded for Nightcaps, and this trip would give the visitor a splendid idea of the grand country we possess, and probably impress him so much that he might want to settle, which he could do, as there is land for sale near Otautau. We have said sufficient, we think, to prove that anyone going to Riverton would not be at a loss for enjoyment, and we hope that those who have the time and the money will remember the Seaport of the West when looking round for a place to spend a week.