WHANGAREI'S CHARM

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 813, 6 November 1929, Page 11

WHANGAREI'S CHARM

Mr. Mayor Says —

GLAMOUR OF SEMITROPICAL SUNSHINE THRIVING NORTHERN TOWNSHIP The holiday season is approaching and many Aucklanders who do not intend to travel far afield will be wondering which part of the province holds the most attraction for them. ll"e have invited the Mayors of the chief Boroughs outside Auckland and its immediate environs to contribute articles setting forth the holiday attractions of their towns. The Mayors (and, in some cases , chairmen of town boards) have responded cordially to THIS SUN’S invitation. Bach, in turn, will advocate the charms of his town. No. 1. (By Mr. W. JONES, Mayor of Whangarei) A T this time of the year many -tA. things bring home to us the rapid approach of the holiday season. The advent of “Summer Time,” the lengthening and warming days, the spring feeling in the air, all shout of the approach of Christmas and the holidays. The two great questions now are: How will we take our holiday and where? If the second questicrii is answered by the magic word Whangarei, the first does not matter, for if the water is the favoured holiday element the Whangarei Harbour is an ideal objective for a cruise from Auckland or any part of the Hauraki Gulf.

If it is a motor holiday that is projected, what nicer run than to Whangarei, distant only 115 miles from Auckland by a splendid summer road through beautiful and interesting country, quite an appreciable part of the route being beside the beautiful bays and headlands of the Hauraki Gulf? If the train is chosen, there is a splendid service between Auckland

and Whangarei, two passenger trains daily leaving Auckland at 5.40 a.m. and 4 p.m. and leaving Whangarei at 11.5 S a.m. and 2 p.m. Arrived at Whangarei—what has the town to offer? For the benefit of those who have not yet had the privilege of knowing Whangarei, please do not think of a village. You are going to a thoroughly up-to-date town of 7,000 inhabitants: outside Auckland and its environs the third largest town In the province, splendidly lit by electricity and complete throughout with water, sewerage, bitumen roads, and all the amenities of a modern town.

For material comforts Whangarei has three of the best conducted and most up-to-date hotels In New Zealand. For motorists, a camping ground is provided at Kensington Park. For launch owners an absolutely safe and most convenient anchorage in the town wharf basin.

In and around Whangarei are many beauty spots, and here mention should be made of Mair and Dobbie Parks, comprising a stretch of native bush with the beautiful Hatea River running through it. Then the Whangarei Falls, which no lover of beauty should miss, are only five miles from the town.

Within easy motor run from Whangarei are some of the finest bathing beaches possible to imagine, chief among which may be mentioned Matapouri, Patau, Ruakaka, and Waipu Cove —all within picnic distance. A sight probably unique in New Zealand —the limestone rocks at Hikurangi, about ten miles from Whangarei—should not be missed. The famous Wairua Falls, too, will repay a visit. They are, of course, harnessed and provide electricity for the Portland Cement Works (one of the largest south of the Line), and also for Whangarei. One of Whangarei’s greatest attractions is its harbour —a magnificent stretch of water, with a narrow entrance guarded by the imposing Whangarei Heads, whose bush-clad slopes and rock-crowned summits are a feast of grandeur. Turning to holiday sports, there are two large and several smaller tennis clubs with, in all, some 25 courts; two bowling clubs with splendidly kept and most picturesque greens. Cricket is flourishing, and polo, though a recent innovation, judging by the number and enthusiasm of its followers, has taken a permanent place among our summer sports.

The Whangarei Rowing Club is an institution well known to aquatic enthusiasts of the province, and visiting oarsmen are always made most welcome, while the cruising club takes pleasure in doing what it can for launching and yachting visitors. Another aquatic attraction is the annual regatta held at Onerahi on New Year’s Day, which always attracts competitors from far afield —a delightful day’s outing. Spectators picnic on the wooded slopes of Onerahi, from which the whole of the racing is in full sight. In Whangarei there is a large and flourishing branch of the Auckland Automobile Association and an enthusiastic Motor Cycle Club. Both stream, harbour and deep sea fishing can be had in abundance—the beautiful Hen and Chicken Islands, in particular, being the scene of many a glorious haul. And over all these attractions there is the glamour of the wonderful semitropical sunehine which quickly turns to a healthy bronze the city-whitened faces of its holiday makers.

In conclusion I would like to say that I, myself, or any of the council’s officers, will be only too pleased to give any information, or do anything in our power, to make your visit a pleasant and profitable one.