Wonderland

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 450, 4 September 1928, Page 14

Wonderland

Scenic South Westland FRANZ JOSEF ATTRACTIONS (Special to THE SUN) GREYMOUTH, To-day. Extensive preparations are being effected in South Westland for the anticipated record influx of tbur ists to the Franz Josef Glacier during the approaching season, road improvements having been completed which will offer greater travelling facilities than formerly. The main road through Waiho Gorge to the Glaciers is now in excellent order, and all the principal rivers are bridged, while the few remaining streams are receiving attention. The various hostelries along the southern route are already preparing for the busy season, and those at Harihari, Matainui, Okarito and Waiho Gorge have been, considerably enlarged to cope with the increasing demand. TRAVELLING FACILITIES Further south at Weheka an up-to-date and commodious .hostel is nearing completion, and will be ready for occupation in November. This edifice, which comprises between 45 and 50 rooms, is electrically equipped, and ideally situated at the foot of the wooded hills under the shadow of Mount Cook. An efficient motor service is a big asset to the Westland district, and an incentive to tourists from all parts to visit the district. The South Westland-Franz Josef Glacier trip is undoubtedly one of the greatest, from the scenic viewpoint, to be obtained in the Dominion, and is annually increasing in popularity with tourists from all parts of the world. WONDERFUL SCENERY The road beyond the "Waiho Gorge to Weheka, a distance of eighteen miles, is outstanding for scenery. The load winds over three saddles, Oemoeroa, Waikukupa and Weheka. In doing so it traverses high sidelings, which overlook valleys of heavily timbered forest, backed by the snow peaks and fields of the Southern Alps. The whole region is of great beauty, for the forest growth in all its varied shades of trees, ferns and under scrub make remarkable variety in scene and colour. Travellers of world-wide experience have unreservedly described this route as the most wonderful ever witnessed, and Mr. L. S. Amery was specially struck by the amazing scenic panorama of this portion of Westland. Then, at the end comes the wonderfull view of Cook’s river flat. Viewed from Weheka Saddle, stretches a veritable Promised Land. The ocean is visible beyond. In the bright sunlight the scene is a remarkable one. Leaving mountain, forest, and torrent behind, the traveller reaches the flat dotted with settlers’ homesteads, and with well-stocked paddocks. Nearby is the new hostel, and this whole scene, a glimpse of Nature’s wonderland, is dominated by Mounts Cook and Tasrpan, silent sentinels of the impressive scene presented below.