MOTORISTS' CAMPING GUIDE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 854, 24 December 1929, Page 6

MOTORISTS' CAMPING GUIDE

THE following list includes sites throughout the Xortl ’ ! motor tourists during the hoi: information supplied by the I tion, which has a wealth of it is out to help the motorists as AUCKLAND < The Auckland Agricultural and Pas- * | toral Association has established a I , motor camp in the Epsom Showgrounds. Visitors approaching Auck- > | land from the South will notice a sign | : J about half a mile after reaching the f > i tram terminus at the Great South l j j Road. The ground is three-quarters of j jS a mile from this tram line, but is > ( ! within a few minutes’ walk of the j | Epsom tram. Every convenience is j | available, gas rings, electric iron , ( shower bath and 40 bunks. Food sup- • j plies are obtainable on the premises. { . The grounds are not available on Feb- j ruarv 27 and 28 and March 1, these j being the dates of the Agricultural } Show. The charges are -3s a night or 12s j Gd a week. TET GLEN Situated on the outskirts of the City, ! ; at Henderson, under 11 miles from the | { Post Office, on a splendid concrete . j road, the Tui Glen camping ground 1 ! provides, without doubt, the best { equipped private camping ground in > j the Dominion. The grounds cover an 1 ■ area of over 12 acres, being equipped by the private enterprise of Mr. C. F. ! Brookes. | A feature of the ground is that it is :i f available only to private motor-cars j and motor-cycles and their occupants, j Among the various attractions are j < swimming appointments, shower baths, j spring board, 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, skittles, toboggan- ' ing. etc. "Wireless installed. There are numerous fireplaces under , cover, tables and seats, plenty of firei wood, 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. New milk, various food supplies, fruit in season, petrol, kerosene, oil, etc., can be purchased on the ground. The charges are 4s a day a car, with a charge of Is extra for tent sites. There are reduced terms for longer periods. A discount of 20 per cent, is made to members of an automobile . association on production of their mernf bership cards, on charges amounting to 5s or over. Reduction for motori cycles. Furnished cottages, bungalettes, or | | various sized tents, with or without floors, may be hired at reasonable , rates. Leaving Grafton Bridge, follow the Great North Road and signs from Auckland City. Turn to right before crossing steel bridge below school at Henderson. KAWHIA Although there is no official camping ground, there are quite a number of camping sites in close proximity to the beach. A good supply of water is available from a well close to the camping sites, and the Town Board . has provided the usual conveniences. RAGLAN Situated within two minutes of the post office, a picturesque camping site is provided for motorists. There is a good water supply, fireplaces and conveniences. The ground is handy to the beach and to the shops. Swimming, boating, fishing, bowling and tennis, etc., can be obtained at reasonable charges. The site is also close to the bush and affords a splendid view of the ocean. The Raglan Progressive League controls the camping ground, and the charge is 2s Gd a night, or 5s a week. Sites may be reserved through telephone No. 45. HAMILTON The camping ground is situated on the banks of the Waikato River at the south end of the main street of the 1 town, a few hundred yards past the post office,, and just below the brewery.- Old English trees afford shade and also protection from wind. The camp is equipped with penny in the slot gas rings, electric light, p.w.c.’s and town water supply. The camp is also visited by a milkman in the early mornings and by other trades people during the day. Sign posts render the camp easily found. Close to the main shops, theatres, churches, etc. Charges, 2s 6d a car, Is 6d a motorcycle and sidecar, Is a solo motorcycle. Chaxges are payable only first night in camp. CAMBRIDGE The Leamington Domain Board has set aside a portion of the Domain,

Some North Island Sites

most of the important camp h Island that will be handy for lidays. It was compiled from Auckland Automobile Associanformation at its disposal and s much as possible. | which is situated about a mile across I the high level bridge from Cambridge, ; for the convenience of campers. I Motorists should consult the carei taker for the position in which to pitch camp. A free hot water service l is available at the pavilion, and } campers are allowed the use of the j pavilion for meals, but are requested | to leave the property in a state of good ' order and cleanliness. The gardens , here in the summer are a wonderful ; , sight, and present a great blaze of . j colour. NORTH AUCKLAND WHANGAREI , A camping ground for motorists is j provided. in Kensington Park. There j is good shelter, water laid on and the j usual conveniences. No charge. Waipu jCove: Waipu Cove is a beautiful sea- ! side resort between Auckland and Whangarei, situated six miles south of j Waipu. This affords a pleasant spot \ for lunch if travelling North. Tents i or huts can be booked ahead, and sup--1 plies are available from the stores at | the Cove. Afternoon tea, meals and ! accommodation available. TROUNSOX KAURI PARK The camping ground at the Trounsgn Kauri Park is on the western side of . the Park, and can be reached by turning off half a mile south of the Aranga Store, on the western side, or taking a road half a mile south of the Trounson Park on the eastern side. There is good shelter, a beautiful stream and plenty of firewood. Theie is no charge and this ground, being !on the main road from Dargaville to Kaikohe, via Waipoua Kauri Forest, i forms a splendid site for stopping j overnight safely. j Motorists are reminded that it is qn j offence to light fires round the shores j of the lake in the forest reserve. The ground is under the control of the department’s launch master; a charge of 2s 6d a day is made for camping sites. NINETY MILE BEACH Situated nine miles from Kaitaia (bv good metalled road) at the southern of the famous Ninety Mile | -i-»each. There are admirable camping sites, good shelter and water, and the beach affords splendid surf bathing, fishing and unlimited supplies of the well-known tua-tua and toheroa shellfish. In season there is good kuaka (snipe) shooting. _At the northern extremity of Ninety-Mile Beach, where the sand ends by a projecting headland of rock, there is a handy level grass spot, where cars can be run up off the beach. This provides a pleasant stopping place after a run up the beach. There is good fishing off the rocks, and an nni limited supply of the famous shell-fish, j the toheroa. Water should be carried from the Te Paki Creek, 21 miles south. COROMANDEL MERCURY BAT (WHITIAXGA > . Half-w a y along Buffalo Beach, which is situated half a mile beyond tne Ythitianga Post Office, at Mercury Bay. an ideal, well-sheltered camping ground has been provided. There is an abundance of fresh water and firewood, while supplies can be obtained from the township. Milk, eggs, etc. procurable from farmhouse. Fishing can be had from the rocks at the end of the beach, or off the beach itself in the surf. The beach was named after H.M.S. Buffalo, which dragged her anchor and sank off the entrance to the bay in the very early days of the settlement. Charges: 2s Cd a dav--1 Os a week. COROMANDEL PENINSULA There are many bavs on the Co'-o-mandel Peninsula where there are admirable camping sites. For the coastal bays on the road from Thames to Coromandel refer to "Thames” in these columns. North of Coromandel, toward ColVilft.. there are mord sites, and bevond Colville the route to Port Jackson is almost unexplored by the motor tourist. Here the grounds are if anything, better still. On the eastern side of the- peninsula, at Waikawau,' motorists are specially invited to use the facilities for camping. Throughout the peninsula there is good bathing, fishing, shooting and scenic walks. For Whitianga see Mercury Bay. COROMANDEL TOWNSHIP 3. At Coromandel a corner of the local Domain has been set aside as a camping ground. A fresh water creek runs through the ground. The Domain is also provided with a tennis court. There is good shelter and plenty of firewood. The charges are 2s 6d a night or 10s a week.

2. AY ithin a quarter of a mile of the Bank Corner on the Wharf Road a private ground has been set aside. There is a town water supply, olentv of firewood and the usual conveniences. The charge is 2s Gd a night, or 10s a week, with a concession rate of 2s or 7s 6d to members of automobile associations. 3. Another ground is a little beyond the wharf and is situated right c-n the foreshore. Here there is a town water supply and plenty of firewood. This ground is free. WAIKATO AND BAY OF PLENTY THAMES A fine camping site is available at Tararu Beach, within the borough, about a mile from the centre of the town, on the Thames-Coromandel Road, and is marked by an A.A.A. sign. No charge is made. Water is laid on land bathing sheds and conveniences are situated near the site. From this point stretching northward there is a fascinating array of beaches with good camping sites at Pura (seven miles), Waiomo (nine miles), and Tapu (12 miles). All the beaches on the coast provide splendid safe bathing. Supplies, including benzine and oil, can be obtained from stores at Thornton’s Bay (five miles), Puru and Tapu. There is an hotel at Tapu, and amusement halls at Thornton’s Bay and Puru. WAIHI At the Waihi beach, some six miles from Waihi by good metalled road, camping sites are available. The beach

is a beautiful resort, and provides good j surf bathing. All supplies, including j petrol, are available at beach stores, i Charges: 2s 6d a week or part of a week. OKAUIA HOT SPRINGS <a> The Opal Spring, on the Matamat a side of the river, is an open swimming bath 33 1-3 yards long and a women's bath. The baths are equipped with water shute and high and low dives, and there is a camping ground attached to the bath, for which no charge is made. (b) _ Crystal i Spring.—Just on the south side of the ; river is the Crystal Spring, where the baths are in the open among native bush and fern. A camping ground is also available here, and a small charge ; is made. The Okauia Hot Springs i are growing in popularity every year, : and are visited by hundreds of motorTHERMAL REGION ROTORUA 1. A.A.A. signs lead to ground close | to town: all conveniences, electric light, water, etc. Campers may book ahead; j ground plotted out into numbered sec- : tions: good shelter. Apply caretaker, j on ground, or wire town clerk. Charges, 2s 6d a night, or 10s a week each car. 2. A private ground is also available a little beyond the main borough camp. The grounds are well sheltered and a running stream passes through the . site. Free firewood is also provided. • The charges are 2s 6d a night or 10s ; a week. TAUPO The most popular camping site in j Taupo is in the Domain, adjacent to the post office. Water is laid on and there are usual conveniences. This ground is well sheltered, and close to the river and lake. There are magnificent views of the mountains and the National Park. Another site is situated on part of the old Maori reserve, and lies along the eastern banks of the "Waikato River. Sanitary and other conveniences are of a temporary nature, pending the development of this reserve as a permanent and up-to-date camping site. The ground is well sheltered, there being plenty of pines and poplars. Water must be obtained from t the river. The charges for both grounds are 2s Gd a car for the first night and 6d for each additional night. In Taupo hot mineral baths are available for motorists at the fee of 6d a bath, children under 12 being admitted free when accompanied by parents or guardians. TOKAANU Fishing camps on the Tongariro River and shores of Lake Taupo are run in conjunction with the hotel. The camps are most comfortable, comprising wooden hutments with separate sleeping quarters, dining-room and kitchen. Competent servants in attendance. Tariff: Casual rate, 255; reduced to 20s a day. NATIONAL PARK CHATEAU TONGARIRO The Tongariro Tourist Company has made available camping facilities adjacent to the Chateau Tongariro. The charge for pitching a camp will be 3s a night. feeds, however, will be avail- j able in the old Whakapapa Huts, which have been renovated and are now . known as the Tongariro Lodge. Hot j and cold baths are available at a charge } of Is. The Chateau itself being * equipped with a cafeteria, motorists : will be able to partake of light refreshments or cook their own food, or partake of the most sumptuous dinners of the hotel. MAXGATOPOPO HUT The charges in the Mangatopopo Hut, on the western side of Mount Xgaruahoe, are 3s each person a night. WAIHOHOXU HUT The Waihohonu Hut is situated just on the eastern side of the National Park, and about four hours’ walk over the Tama Saddle from the Chateau. The charges are 2 s each person a night. OHAKUNE HUTS The Ohakune Huts are situated on the southern slopes of Ruapehu, on the track from Ohakune. The charges in these huts are 3s each person a night.

X.B. —Motorists using the Mount Bruce Road, that is, the last four miles of roadway leading from the main Taupo road up to the Chateau, are required to pay toll charges, which are levied by the National Park Domain Board, to cover maintenance charges. TE AROHA The camping ground in Te Aroha is situated on the west side of the town alongside the Harrisville railway siding. and the showgrounds. Water is laid on and there are the usual conveniences. The ground is under the control of the borough council. TAURANGA Three grounds are available on the harbour front in sth, 6th and 7th Avenues. Safe bathing is provided for children, and water and the usual conveniences are available. Campers may secure electric light leads for lighting the tent, or for cooking, at a charge of os a week, including current. The ground is handy to the bowling and tennis club, and is under the control of the borough council. WHAKATANE 1. Right miles from Whakatane at Ohope, there are splendid sites for camping on the ocean beach. On reaching the beach turn to the left and proceed for about half a mile, when the area set aside for camping will be seen. Tents are not to be pitched on any property, as this is privately owned, and may be required by the owners at any time. OPOTIKI Signs lead to ground near river and within a 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, of R.M. Garage, next to Masonic Hotel. If wishing to camp on beach see agent for advice. Electric cookers available at small charge. OPOTIKI EAST COAST Along the new road which will be available this summer between Opotiki and Cape Runaway, there are innumerable bays which afford very pleasant camping facilities. The route is described in the A.A.A. Guide or Road Map. and this year, in fine weather, it will be possible to travel as far as Te Kaha. There are no properly prepared grounds, but the tent can be pitched at almost any place on the seashore. THE MAIN TRUNK TE AWAMUTU The Te Awamutu Borough Council has set aside an area on the site of the old Mission Station on the Great South Road, just on the Hamilton side of the Te Awamutu Pest Office. Water is laid on and the ground is sheltered with trees. There are the usual conveniences for campers. Further improvements are pending, and these will no doubt be made available for the present season. TE KUITI A delightful ground is situated in the Waitete "Valley by the Mangaokewa 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 house and conveniences are provided, but camper.-- must provide their own tent poles and firewood, and are asked to respect the re-

f quest ,to preserve shrubs and native bush. The controlling body, the Tt | Kuiti Borough Council. makes no i chaxge. TAUMARUNUI ‘ The Manunui Domain Roard | made available an exceptionally tine ! site for motor campers. It is situ- ; ated in the Domain, which runs along- | side the Wanganui River, and thus bathing and trout fishing are avail - ; able. A town water supply is laid jon and there are the usual conveni- ' ences. Fireplaces are provided, and j there is a supply of firewood. The i ground, which is amid native bush, is ! situated on the southern end ot the combined traffic and railway bridge, bc- ; tween Manunui and Taumarunui, iis indicated by A.A.A. signs T he : charges are 2s 6d a night or 10s a week. TAIHAPB | On the banks of the Hautapu River about three-quarters of a mile from , Taihape Post Office on Main North ; Road. OV A.A. sign at post office and 1 a.t camp site.) It is an ideal picnickinj spot, being surrounded with bush land good swimming holes are to be j found quite close to the camp site. Conveniences have been erected ana I there is an ample supply of firewood. I Tent poles available. No charge is [ made for the use of the site. TARANAKI NEW PLYMOUTH | Fitzroy.—Turn to right at sign about | half a mile from tram terminus at east • end of town: surf bathing, cook-house j with 12 gas rings, water, provision i store, sanitary conveniences. 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 ds a week. Gas laid on, Id in the slot. OPUNAKE The Opunake 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, j the river and the wharf. Water and j cooking facilities on the beach. Charges i at Domain. 2s 6d a day. MOUNT EGMOXT Dawson Falls. —The camping ground at the Dawson’s Falls Mountain House is situated at an altitude of 3.100 feet above sea level. For campers a house of several rooms, fitted with wire bunks and flax mattresses is provided. Firewood is included, also a scullery with water laid on. There is also a Community Hall with good jazz floor and piano. The charge is 2s a .person a night. There are also two cottages with open fireplaces similar to the camping house, and these are reservable at the fee of 2s 6d a person a night. North Egmont.—A ground is available adjacent to the Egmont Hostelry, at an altitude of 3,200 ft. HAWERA King Edward Park.—Look for S.T. A.A. signs or inquire at any garage. Water and conveniences available. Gas rings (Id in the slot meter) are in the kitchen, and kitchen sinks have been provided for washing dishes. etc. Charge, 2s 6d a day. Barge playing area for children. Tennis courts and croquet lawns may be used by visitors. WANGANUI Aramoho Park.—A beautiful reserve on the Wanganui River: electric light, tea rooms, children's playground, shelter sheds, special cook house 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 Aramohq, about 1* miles. Park is opposite cemetery at tram terminus. (W.A.A. sign at all important corners). Tent can be leased at 2s a day or 12s 6d a week.

Charges, 2s 6d a day, 12s 6d a week. Reduced to Automobile Association members to 2s and 10s.

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. 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 a mile and a-half above Upper Hutt post office, turn in, and after a mile and a-half turn to left before crossing railway line. Shelter, water, private ground. PALMERSTON NORTH 1. Situated on the banks of the Manawatu River, in the borough esplanade, a camping ground is available. Fireplaces and usual conveniences are available. No charge. 2. Another borough council ground has been opened on the waterworks reserve, Tiritea. Leave Palmerston North by Fitzherbert Avenue, cross Manawatu River bridge, and thence straight uphill, and then follow signs right on to Tiritea Valley. Good shelter, conveniences. No charge. GISBORNE The Gisborne Borough Council has provided a new camping ground for the present season. The site is a very suitable one, being situated in a corner of the Victoria Domain, at the junction of Childers and Disraeli Streets. The site has been planted in p*ane trees, and a commodious pavilion containing women’s and men’s showers waiting-rooms, conveniences, and re«trooms erected, with excellent cooking facilities, all under one roof. The charges to be made for the u<=e of these privileges are:—For each private motor-car, caravan, or motor camping truck, or other motor-vehicle, entitling all occupants of such vehicle to use the grounds and appointments, 2s 6d k th ,® grounds are us ed for £1 „,i Y ee i- one day ' a Charges will be allowed off. Two days allowed off week U : lhXee days off thir'd » v.iui a minimum weeklv amount of 10s thereafter. There is w!° Very « ne site available on the V. arkanae Beach, on which cook j n~ faculties have been provided. Thf charge for the use of these conve-U----rweek? 25 6d " dai ’ “°in>u”'d

LAKE tVAIKAREM OAXA me Government Tourist stoves £« hired at a small fee V.Li may be

X A PIER Georgs. rV* hankie , *“ fuarkuri River. Water i , rteiT ated bj- el. swimming biths "are'adjacent. Tt ' Awa