MOTORDOM

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 545, 24 December 1928, Page 6

MOTORDOM

By

HEADLIGHT

Where to Camp

Some North Island Sites

MORE motorists than ever will be on the road this season, and many will carry their own tents and be looking for suitable sites. The following list of motorists’ camping places should- prove useful. The details, which cover only the more important centres, have been extracted from the admirable little booklet issued by the Auckland Automobile Association, which should be referred to for particulars of the more out-of-the-way towns.

AUCKLAND I.—Tui Glen. —Situated on the outskirts of the city, at Henderson, 12 miles from the Post Office on a splendid concrete road, the Tui Glen ' CampingGround provides, without doubt, the best equipped private camping ground in the Dominion. The grounds cover an area of over 12 acres, being equipped by the private enterprise of Air. C. P. Brookes. Among the various attractions are swimming appointments, shower baths, spring-boards, diving shoot, boats, canoes, quoits, tennis courts, deck bowls, putting green, swings, see-saws, children’s sand pits with buckets and spades; ocean wave and free donkey rides for children. Theer are numerous fireplaces under cover, plenty of firewood, water laid on, and electric light in the grounds; ladies’ and gentlemen’s dressing-rooms, with up-to-date conveniences, hot bath, electric iron, etc. Pood and all supplies can be purchased on the grounds. The charges are 4s a day a car, with a charge of Is extra for tent sites. There are reduced terms for longer periods. 2-—Epsom Showgrounds.—The A. A. A. has made arrangements with the Auckland A. and P. Association to allow niotorists to camp in the Showgrounds, which are next to Epsom Racecourse. Iso permanent tents or huts but tents may be pitched. Usual conveniences. Bunkhouse with 40 bunks, also pennv-in--the-slot gas-rings, etc. Turn off Great South Road, at sign (near One Tree Hill). CAMBRIDGE The Leamington Domain Board has set aside a portion of the Domain for the convenience of campers. Alotorists should consult the caretaker for the position in which to pitch camp. A free hot-water service is available at the pavilion, and campers are allowed the use of the pavilion for meals, but are requested to leave the property in a state of good order and cleanliness. DARGAVILLE Alotorists visiting Dargaville may camp at Bayly’s Coast, a beach on the open west coast. There is splendid surf bathing and an unlimited supply of the delicious shell-fish, the Toheroa. The beach provides good surf fishing. There are no special conveniences and no charge made for camp sites. GISBORN E The Borough Council has provided a camping site at the Botanical Gardens, Aberdeen Road, where there are the usual conveniences. A very fine site is also available at Waikanae Beach. Refer A.A. A. agents, Ball and Crawshaw, Gisborne. HAMILTON The camping ground is situated in Victoria Street North, a few hundred yards past the G.P.0., and below the brewery, on the banks of the Waikato River. Old English trees afford shade and also protection from wind. Equipment: Penny-in-the-slot ga*-rings, electric light, p.w.c.'s and town water supply. Signposting renders the camp easilj r found. Close to main shops, theatres, churches, etc. No charge.

HASTINGS Situated at Beatson’s Park, which is a beautiful spot, having an area of 42 acres, with a small stream flowing through it, a splendid camping ground has been set aside; swimming baths, good water supply, cook-house and shelter shed. Hot water supply. A golf course situated on the ground, and, visiting motorist golfers will receive a hearty welcome from the Parkvale Club. The Hastings Borough Council is to be congratulated on its enterprise. HAWERA 1. —Ohaewe.—Five miles from Hawera, on the Round-the-Mountain (coastal) road. South Taranaki A.A. sign indicates position; water, shelter and conveniences. No charge. 2. —Waihi Beach.—Two miles from Hawera, inquire at any garage in Hawera for direction. All conveniences. No charge. 3. —King Edward Park.—Look for S.T. A.A. signs or inquire at any garage. Water and conveniences available. Gasrings (penny-in-the-slot meter) are in the kitchen, and kitchen sinks have been provided for washing dishes, etc. Charge, 2s 6d a day. Large playing area for children. Tennis courts and croquet lawns may be used by visitors. MASTERTON Situated in the Masterton Park, a free camping ground is provided for motorists. Hot water is obtained by means of a penny-in-the-slot meter, and there are the usual conveniences. No charge. NEW PLYMOUTH 1-—A large motorists’ camp has been provided on the seashore. Good shelter, electric light, and usual conveniences. Fireplaces are provided and fuel can be obtained from the caretaker. Charge, 2s 6d a night, or 5s a week. Gas laid on (penny-in-the-slot). 2.—Huatoki Domain, two miles from general Post Office, New Plymouth; native bush, fresh water bathing, sanitary conveniences. Fretby’s Gardefis close at hand. NATIONAL PARK The Tongariro National Park is one of the playgrounds of the North Island. The Whakapapa huts are situated at the end of the motor road leading to Alount Ruapehu, and are surrounded by alpine bush, through which the snow-capped peak of Ruapehu and the steaming cone of Ngauruhoe can be seen. Alotorists requiring hut accommodation should wire Air. A. Cowling, the ranger. Charges in huts, os a person a night; in tents, Is 6d a person a riieffit; 10s a week for four people. Baths are available; hot, Is 6d; cold, Is. Toll charges on road, car 2s 6d; motor-cycle, solo, Is; sidecar, Is 6d. NAPI ER A motorists’ camp has been established in the town on the river bank. Water and slot gas meter are available. Te Awa swimming baths are adjoining. OPOTIKI Signs lead to ground near river and within few minutes of post office. All conveniences, well sheltered, water. See A.A.A. signs; no charge. Key of grounds can be had from C. Pipe, A.A.A. agent. If wishing to camp on beach see agent for advice. OPUNAKE The Opudake Beach and also the Opunake Domain Grounds afford good camping sites. There is good safe bathing on the beach, and also at the lake; also good fishing at the lake, the river and the wharf. Water and cooking facilities. Charges at Domain, 2s 6d a day. PALMERSTON NORTH 1. —Situated on the banks of the Alanawatu River, in the Borough Esplanade, a camping ground is available. Fireplaces and all usual conveniences are available. Charge, 5s a night. 2. Another Borough Council ground has been opened on the Waterworks Reserve. Follow the Levin Road over the Manawatu River Bridge, and then follow the signs. Good shelter, conveniences. No charge. PANDORA, SPIRITS BAY Situated on the extreme north coast of i New Zealand, this encampment affords an ideal spot for a quiet holidav. I hatched huts are available, and a motor road extends to the beach. The route is via Ahipara and Ninety-Alile Beach, , thence up Te Paki Creek and through the Te Paki station. For further particulars refer to A.A.A. road map. Supplies should be obtained and carried from Kaitaia. A new road also provides access, via Houhora. RAETIHI A camp site has been established on the Wanganui-Raetihi Road opposite the Raetihi Recreation Ground (W.A.A. sign). Water, conveniences and fireplaces are available. No charge at present. ROTORUA A.A.A. signs lead to ground close to town; all conveniences, electric light, water, etc. Campers may book ahead; ground plotted out into numbered secItions; good shelter. Apply caretaker, on ground, or wire town clerk. Charges, 2s 6d a night or 10s a week a car. Lake Rotoma.—On the shores of Lake Roto Ala, on the Rotorua-Whakatane Road, 25 miles from Rotorua, a camping ground for motorists is available. Aleals, milk, etc., can be obtained from the “Bungalow,” where application should be made for sites to pitch the tent. TAUPO Two distinct camp sites are available for motorists, both being under the control of the Taupo Domain Board. The one lying along the shores of Lake Taupo is in an elevation position, from which magnificent views of Lake Taupo, the active volcano Ngauruhoe, and Alts. Tongariro and Ruapehu may be seen. The other site is alongside the sheltered banks of the Waikato River. The charges in each case are 2s 6d for the night, and 6d for each additional night. The Domain Board has also hot baths under its control, which are available for a moderate fee of 6d a bath per adult. TAURANGA I.—Tauranga Domain.—Water, conveniences, shelter, electricity for lighting and cooking, if required; bathing, bowls, tennis and croquet handy; one minute from post office. 2.—Fifth Avenue Site. —Harbour front; safe bathing for children; water, conveniences, electric light and cooking if required. Handy to bowling and tennis club. Under control of the Borough Council. TE KUITI A delightful ground is situated in the Waitite Valley by the Mangaweka River, some 2£ miles from the town. Note A.A.A. sign post by the southern end of the town. The river provides an excellent swimming pool and fresh water. Sheltered cook-houses and conveniences are provided, but campers must provide their own tent poles and firewood, and are asked to respect the request to preserve shrubs and native bush. The controlling body, the Te Kuiti Borough Council, makes no charge. WAIHI At the Waihi Beach, some six miles from the town, camping sites are available. The beach is a beautiful resort, and most popular with residents. The road to the resort has now been met-

ailed and rolled, and is in excellent condition for motor traffic. Charges: 2s 6d a week or part of week. WANGANUI Aromoho Park.—Beautiful reserve on Wanganui River; electric light, tearooms, children’s playground. shelter sheds, special cookhouse with gas-rings and shower for use of motorists only. Store right opposite. Cars can be parked on the site and camp pitched alongside. Tents ready pitched are available to motorists. Four miles from centre of town on tram line. Follow town side of river bank road, past Aramoho, about miles. Park is opposite cemetery at tram terminus. (W.A.A. signs at all important corners). A special concession rate is obtainable by all members of Automobile Association on production of membership ticket. Charges, 2s a day, 7s 6d a week. Concession rate, Is a day. 5s a week. Tents erected and ready for occupation, 8s a day, 15s a week. WELLINGTON 1. —About four miles from the post office at Karori Park, the Wellington City Council has granted permission for motorists to camp. Water, shelter, conveniences. Turn off opposite Thorndon Railway Station, at sign, and after rejoining the tram line, follow this to the park at the terminus. Charges, 2s 6d a day, 7s 6d a week. 2. —Approaching Wellington from the West Coast, Judgeford Valley is an ideal spot to camp. At Pahautanui turn off along the Haywood Road, and the ground is reached after two miles. Beautiful surroundings, shelter, water, private ground. Charges, 2s 6d a day. 3. —On the Eastern route (Wairarapa) a camping site has been prepared in Mangaroa Valley. About 11 miles above Upper Hutt P.O. turn in and after 11 miles turn to left before crossing the railway line. Shelter, water, private ground. WHANGAREI Close to the town grounds have been provided at Central Park and Kensington Park, and water is laid on. Good shelter, usual conveniences.