Rotorua

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 170, 8 October 1927, Page 17 (Supplement)

Rotorua

The Seeker After Health, Sport, Amusement, Thrills or Beauty, Will Find f yg, itt His Full Reward at — *

The Spa-Town, of the Southern Hemisphere, Where Nature and Man Have Together Produced a Paradise for the Holiday-Maker. (Written for THE SUN by FRANK RYAN)

N amazing place far different from what I expected.’ commented a South Island business man on his return from the Motor Conference held -ecently at Rotoruja.

Geysers, boiling pools, and other thermal wonders he had been led to expect from the wealth of literature available on the subject, but a prosperous town set in the midst of a smiling countryside; sleek herds, and all the outward signs of a substantial pastoral district he had not imagined.

To him, as to many others, it was the outstanding variety of tile place that created the most lasting impression. When she fashioned Rotorua Nature was in a decidedly freakish mood. It is Nature’s sample case; apparently an effort on her part to demonstrate what really could be done, and the result — thia place of strange aiud uncanny contrasts —is decidedly intriguing. Steaming hillsides and peaceful mirrored lakes, steep bush-clad hills and rolling downs unfold themselves in a remarkable panorama to be seen from any vantage point. Given a snow-top-ped mountain in the middle of the town and the bag of tricks would be complete. In sport and games the town offers equal attractions. Tennis, bowls, golf, croquet, swimming, launching, shooting and fishing are only some of the principal attractions. In addition, the town ranks as one of the leading health spar' in the world. In the summer time the therma ! wonders, although always the principal attraction at first, concern the regular visitor but little. The Government Gardens, at this time of the year •a blaze of colour, make a strong call to tennis, bowling aiffl croquet enthusiasts. On the green lawns of the gardens these games are p ayed under 'deal conditions. Tournament time finds the greens and lawns thronged with players from all parts of the Dominion. Many make the trip year after year.

The suashine, although hot, is of the bright and dry variety, which is rarely depressing, and on a tournament course with an English park setting, golf is played most of the year. Swimming, whether for health or for recreation, can be had at any season and at temperatures to suit all. Launching is also a popular pastime. To cruise along the wooded shores of the various lakes, so rich in historical romance aad legends of the past, is a sheer delight. Those are days indeed well spent. It is a laughing, happy crowd that takes its fill from this vast store of pleasure. With the young people the days are far too short to encompass all that offers—far too quickly the nights are danced away. On Green and Court In the extensive and beautifully-laid-out Government Gardens are

situated the public tennis courts. Nine* teen grass and four asphalt courts, under the control of the Tourist Department, are available for visitors at very moderate fees. Situated in such picturesque surroundings their popu larity is not to be wondered at.

Under the auspices of the Rotorua Club, a very active organisation with a membership of 98, a Christmas tournament is usually held, the last one attracting as many as 490 entries. For this purpose the club rents ten courts from the department, the remainder of the courts being left free for other players. Shoes and racquets may also be hired from the department at a nominal charge if necessary.

A fixture that now attracts Dominion, wide interest is the Rotorua Bowling Tournament. On account of the large entries annually received, this is held in two sections, the first commencing on February 6 and the second on February 20. Both tournaments last a week, and entries taxing the full capacity of the greens. generally result. Teams from all parts of New Zealand come to compete, and this season’s tournament, even at this early stage, bids fair to be boo’ d up at an early date. .

The bowling greens are also situated in the gardens, and with tennis courts, bowling greens and croquet greens all busily occupied, the animated scene presented can readily lie Imagined.

A Diversity of Attractions To those visiting Rotorua for the first time the question as to where to go and what to see first is an everperplex.ng one. The mind once made up, the rest of the programme is de-

lightf Lilly easy. Transport presents no difficulty whatever, bus and motorlaunch services running to well-or-ganised time-tables to every available point of interest. “Have you been to Whaka?’’ is generally the first question asked. It is the Rotorua version of the Moham aedan query, “Hast thou been to Mecca?” This is the ultimate pilgrimage of all visitors, particularly those seeing the spa for the first time. Although it is undoubtedly one of the principal show places in the Dominio the authorities have wisely refrained from any attempt to modernise the village, and to-day, Whakarewarewa remains very much as nature led it.

This is the home of the Tuhouangi —a sub-section of the famous Arawa tribe which figures so largely in the n Mve history of the country. Although the native residences necessarily conform to modern conditions, a model pa on the hillside serves to p visitors with a very realistic imi ;si n of other and very interestin' days.

It Is rich in historical associations and while they' are conducted by Maori guides through an inferno of boiling mud and spouting geysers

vis' s may wallow in Maori lore to their heart’s content. But Whaka is not the only scene of thermal wonders. At Ohinemutu, Maoris may be seen cooking their food by the '’-at rising from the subterrane- fires, and at Wairakei, Waimangu, Tikitere, Tarawera and the boiling Rotoma' weird and wonderful sight. are provided in startling contrast to the beautiful bush and lake scenery passed en route. To visitors the native life to be seen every hand is of the utmost interest. The model pas are objects

of the greatest curiosity, and the Rotorua natives, courteous and very obliging, are indeed skilled historians. In addition to the entertainments in the various villages, concerts are regularly given in the town during the summer evenings by Maori concert parties. The Sportsman’s Paradise Rotorua has well been named the Sportsman’s Paradise. Aided and abetted by nature man has stocked the countryside on a lavish scale. Vast tracks of virgin country In which red deer abound lie within reasonable distance from the town. Wild pigs are numerous, and although not so plentiful, wild cattle and sheep are also available to the hardy and experienced sportsman willing to penetrate into their country. With rod and line excellent sport is to be obtained as is evidenced by the increasing number of fishermen from overseas who annually frequent the lakes and streams of the district. In the Galatea, East Taupo, and Waikaremoana districts deer are very plentiful and good shooting is always to be found. Very fine heads have been secured within a few miles of the wn. In fact, at Rotoiti and at Okarehu steps have had to be taken to keep the herds down in view of the closer settlement of the country and the damage done to farm crops. Quite recently a dairy farmer who lives only about four miles from the town looked up from his milking to

notice two or three deer watching him. A few days later in the early morning hours the same man noticed 1G head on his farm. Obviously deer are not scarce in the district.

Although quail and pheasant have been rather scarce of late, pukeko and teal are plentiful In the lake district. Hares and rabbits are in abundance, particularly in the less-settled areas. The Rod and Gun Club, a very excellent local organisation, does splendid work in furthering the interests of the kindred sports, and also in supplying the necessary information to tourists, although very little fault can tie found with the excellent service rendered in this respect by the local sporting establishments.

The fisherman has long been a stock joke. Probably' because the uninitiated could never understand the urge that from early morn till dewy eve compels the enthusiast cumbersomely to wade lake and stream in search of such an elusive quarry. When

anglers come to Rotorua from all parts of the world to do this, the obvious conclusion is that there must be some peculiar fascination about Rotorua fishing. To preserve its enviable reputation as a fisherman’s paradise Rotorua has spared no effort. Last season some excellent catches were reported and from the general size of the fish handled the prospects for the coming season, which opens on the first of next month, look exceedingly bright. Situated within very convenient distance of the town, Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti offer splendid fishing. Further afield is Lake Okataina, renowned for the quality of its fish, while at Rotoehu and Rotoma Lakes, and also at Okere Falls, good sport is obtainable. Good fishing is also to be had at the group of lakes of which

Tarawera forms the centre. Although yielding good catches during any of the open months, Tarawera is at its best later in the season. Boats and accommodation are easily procurable. Many anglers bring their own material and camp, but with the fine accommodation available this is by no means necessary. For fishermen Hamuraua, five miles from the town on the north side of Lake Rotorua, is a delightful spot. It is easily accessible either by launch or motor-car, and is a very popular rendezvous for overseas anglers. Excellent accommodation is always available, and fishing tackle may be hired. The stream fishing is always good up till about Christmas time. From then on until March it is found that the fish empty into the lakes where interest is then centred, but from March onward until the end of the I season, good stream fishing is again ito be had.

I,oooft. Above Worry Level To the tired city' man Rotorua is a thousand feet above worry level. Strictly speaking the town is situated at an altitute of 932 ft. above sea level. The dry' heat which prevails in summer is by no means unpleasant, and the atmosphere in winter is bright and invigorating.

sesses advantages unequalled in the Dominion. By experts it is claimed that at no spa in the world can be found such a variety of valuable curative waters, in an equal area, as exists at Rotorua. Although of great variety the mineral waters may be divided into two main classes —the acid sulphur waters of which the Priest and Postmaster are the best known examples, and alkaline sulphur waters, of which the Rachel is the most famous. The latter is emollient to the skin and sedative in reaction. The free acid waters, owing to the presence of free sulphuric acid, have a very stimulating effect upon the circulation, and are of great benefit in almost all forms of gout and rheumatism, sciatica, various neuralgias, and

! in anaemia. j The alkaline waters are rich in alkaline silicates, which are mild antiseptics and antacids, and are used both for bathing and drinking purposes. In addition to the mineral waters the volcanic mud of the district is [ particularly beneficial for certain com- ( I plaints. Containing mostly silicates ! with a large amount of free sulphur it

As a health resort Rotorua pcs- 1 is particularly valuable for painful

joint affections and in some forms of skin disease. In some of the cases undergoing mud-bath treatment, the effect has been almost miraculous: Instant relief from pain has been experienced, and patients have been able to discard crutches, or other such aids, and walk with more or less comfort. The Bath House, with its fine substantial proportions and architectural beauty, never fails to attract the admiration of visitors. Its high domec

hall with its appropriate statuary is only the first of a number of very favourable and lasting impressions that one takes away. It is most complete, bath and treatment being available practically for all (he diseases to which man is heir. The buildings were constructed and equipped at a cost of £60.000. and possess all the facilities and modern appliances of the most up-to-date spas. Air massage, high frequency, vacuum and vibration treatments, electric baths and douche massage are administered by an efficient and highlytrained staff. From 60,000 to 80,000 baths are

given annually, and an average of 30,000 special treatments —massage, electrical therapy, etc., are administered. The Government balneologist. Dr. J. D. C. Duncan, M. 8., Ch.B., is in charge of the baths and may be consulted. The usual course of treatment lasts from four to six weeks, and the high percentage of cures and improvements testifies to the value of the thermal mineral waters and the hydro-therapeutic treatments available at Rotorua. In connection with the spa there is also a Government sanatorium providing accommodation for a considerable number of pa tients. The King George Military Hospital should also be visited. For climatic reasons it could not have been better situated than on Pukeroa Hill, immediately above Ohinemutu. It is here that special treatment was provided the soldiers wounded in the Great War. Since the war it has been taken over by the Health Department and thrown open also for civilians. For the treatment of paralysis the district is, of course, particularly suited, and to many children crippled as a result of infantile paralysis it has proved an j inestimable boon.

The Call of the Wild is strong in Rotorua. With gun for the fur and the feather, or a rod for lake and stream, happy days can he spent in the Sportsman's Paradise.

A “baby” geyser in the Government Gardens at Rotorua.