LURE OF WAITAKERES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 850, 19 December 1929, Page 12

LURE OF WAITAKERES

1,000 FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL On the way to Waiatarua, on the West Coast Road, at the junction with Forrest Hill Road, there are three picturesque knolls, bush-clad*to their summits, for many years much admired and coveted by the passing motorist. Tliei.r symmetrical beauty, enhanced by the deep green of virgin bush and waving tree ferns, make them outstanding ‘ features of the landscape. From their summits a panorama of unequalled beauty extends from the Manukau Harbour to the upper reaches of the Waitemata, embracing a fine view of the city and western suburbs. As evening falls, the innumerable twinkling lights of the city, and the flash of the lamps of the ever-moving motor-cars, create a veritable fairyland, both entrancing and alluring. The highest of these knolls, which is 1,014 feet above sea-level, has been given as a public reserve, together with an area of about 3 0 acres. At the base a level area has been set aside for tennis courts. One court has already been formed, and will be open for play this season. This reserve has been very appropriately named Paramount Park. Lovers of New Zealand bush and mountain scenery, will be well repaid by a visit to this area. By motor it is an easy 35 minutes’ run from town via Glen Eden and Oratia, on a metalled road which has been recently' regraded, and is to be still further improved. A new road giving access to the estate has been formed and metalled, with a large area at one end for turning cars. The entrance to this is just below Mrs. Gash’s well-known accommodation house. * In the valley between the hills a pretty mountain stream, canopied by stately tree ferns of immense height, disports itself over a waterfall and cascade, providing in its course a large swimming pool, approximately 40 feet by 20 feet, with sufficient depth fo.r swimming and diving. The remainder of the property has been subdivided into very attractive building areas from one-quarter to 3 i acres, so arranged that there is no congestion, Each one is delightfully situated, with good views and native bush. Upset prices on these sections are much lower than anything else in the district. Deposit £lO, balance easy payments. Plans and full particulars, including illustrations, appear on page 7 of this