RUGGEDNESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 559, 11 January 1929, Page 8

RUGGEDNESS

Great Barrier as a Playground AUCKLAND'S ASSET Aucklanders appreciate the asset they possess in the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. But they certainly take the presence of a vast playground at the city’s front door more or less for granted. Excursionists numbering about 100 on the Rangitoto yesterday were given an insight into the possibilities of Great Barrier Island from a scenic point of view. Great Barrier, with its dozens of attendant islets, is tucked away i n a somewhat remote corner of the Gulf although it is within easy steaming distance. As a field of interest for excursionists, it has distinctive qualities. The efforts of one firm, the Northern Steamship Company, to bring the island more before the public, are meeting with success. The Rangitoto has made two excursions to Great Barrier this summer, and the interest Is increasing rapidly. There is every reason to believe that the trips to the island w T ill be accepted as an important part of the general programme of seeing Auckland.” Great Barrier presents a coast-line grand in its ruggedness, for miles. Mountains rear themselves thousands of feet above secluded harbours. Kauri grows prolifically in many parts. SEVERAL CALLS MADE The present excursion to the Barrier takes in a run through the Gulf islands bordering the Waitemata Hajbour to Cape Colville, Coromandel Peninsula, and Watchman Island. Tryphena Bay is the first call at the Barrier, and calls are made at the more northerly inlets of Okupu and Whangaparapara. At the latter settlement there are interesting remains of a former extensive industry in kauri milling. Port Fitzroy is the showplace of the island. It is recognised as one of the best harbours in New Zealand. T. reach the head of the harbour, a steamer has to travel miles through groups of islands and narrow passages. As a holiday resort, the island is yearly growing in popularity. There is first-class sea fishing. The agricultural ocoupations of the meagre populations are also interesting in view of the difficulties in the rugged country which have been surmounted by the pioneers. The islanders themselves are proud in. their freedom from the ordinary ties of life on the mainland. They are virile. Their life is simple; they live next to nature. i