WORLD’S FUTURE SPORTING CENTRE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 243, 4 January 1928, Page 16

WORLD’S FUTURE SPORTING CENTRE

ARAPUNI LAKE TROUT, DUCKS, BOATING Now that the new Arapuni lake is gradually taking shape, it is becoming quite evident to even the casual observer that this sheet of water, which will extend for some 20 miles upstream, is destined to become one of the greatest sporting centres in the Dominion, and therefore, in the world. Whereas Lake Taupo is almost as broad as it is long, and is thus affected by every -wind that blows, to the hindrance and annoyance of fishermen, the new Arapuni lake, being landlocked, will be free from all such disabilities. With only a few more feet to rise, the waters now give a splendid idea of what the future offers for sportsmen. At the dam-site, where there is approximately a mile of straight, and a depth of 170 ft, already numerous largesized trout have been caught, while wild duck may be seen swimming around the sides in fair numbers. This stretch of water does not present a very inviting appearance just now. Nor will it until the water commences to flow over the spillway weir, for owing to it being a dead-end at the moment, there is now floating on the surface round the dam wall flotsam and jetsam, including large quantities of oil. the bulk of which has floated down from the works at Maku quarry, past which the waters of the new lake have now backed up.

Besides providing wonderful sport for fishermen over its 40 odd miles of lake edge, this great expanse of water will, without doubt, become famous as a boating centre, and already efforts are being made to form a club at Putaruru. Two or three miles above Arapuni there is a fivemiles piece of straight water, of narrow width, which will provide one of the finest courses for rowing matches in the world. On the major portion of the course the sides are low, undulating hills, which provide fine vantage points from which the whole of a race for, say a world's championship rowing match, could be seen from start to finish. Beyond this again the lake opens out to a width of nearly three miles, and here will be found ample room for those who prefer sailing boats to the less romantic but more speedy launches. Within half-an-hour’s car ride from ; the lake lies Maungatautari Mountain. ' The top of this, which has recently been proclaimed a reserve, is reported to conceal among its beautiful bush the largest and most shapely crater in New Zealand. This mountain was the scene of fierce battles in the early days, and the natives holding it had the distinction of never having been conquered. Around its slopes are some of the best preserved Maori defences and dug-outs in New Zealand, and once this area becomes known it is bound to prove an immense attraci tion to all classes of tourists. In conclusion, it may be noted that all the above attractions lie at Auckland’s door, so to speak. With a good metalled road the whole of the way, Auckland business men may leave I their offices about 4 p.m. on Friday | afternoons and be at their camps on the lake-side by 10 p.m., after travel- | ling comfortably. The full week-end may thus be spent in this wonderful ; sportsman’s paradise, and with an ; early start on Monday morning the reI turn journey may be made and completed back to the Queen City well before lunch-time. This factor has not I been lost sight of, and many wellknown Auckland business men have , already secured sections on the lake 1 side*