THE TAUPO TIMES

Taupo Times, Volume V, Issue 208, 27 January 1956, Page 6

THE TAUPO TIMES

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1956

TAUPO TO NGAURUHOE BY AIR hi*,

Anglers Fly To Whakaipo Bay

The convenience of air travel for sight-seeing' was demonstrated at Taupo on Saturday last when a Grumman Widgeon amphibian plane operated by N.Z. Tourist Air Travel Ltd., whose headquarters are at Auckland, arrived at Taupo and spent the day taking passengers on flights from the beach adjoining the Groyne, near the Wharf. There was no lack of passengers and during the day the coming and going of the amphibian, whicli was piloted by Mr F. P. Ladd, drew an interested audience to the beach.

In conversation with the Taupo Times during the afternoon, Mr Ian Potts, local agent for the Company, said that up to that time some 68 passengers had been flown, and in addition to trips to various points near the town and bay fonr trips had been made to Ngauruhoe voleano and one charter flight to Whakaipo Bay. Among those wbo made the trip from Taupo to Mount Ngauruhoe were Mr and Mrs R. L. Arlow, Commander and Mrs Holbrook, Messrs K. Rameka, D. Rameka, C. Bramley, J. W. Woodward, E. T. Smith and L. Fulton. The hight to Whakaipo Bay was made by Messrs R. Mclntyre, David Audney and G. Metcalfe, of Wellington, for the purpose of fishing the mouth of the Mapara Stream there, and is believed to be the first actual fishing trip ever made at Taupo by plane. The anglers left Taupo at 9.30 a.m. and were landed on the beach at Whakaipo Bay four minutes later, being picked up again there by the plane at 3.30 p.m. Referring to the flight to Ngauruhoe, Mr Arlow said that splendid views of the top of the mountain, and the crater, were obtained as the amphibian flew close to the voleano at a height of a few hundred feet above the summit (7,515 ft). Though the mountain was comparatively quiet, steam was issuing from crevices in the outside of the

cone, and good views were obtained of a "shot" from the crater which occurred when the plane was close by on the Chateau side of the summit. Mr Arlow said that the amphibian was very comfortable, and the flight was very smooth, even in the vicinity of the mountain. Wonderful views were obtained of the Tongariro River delta, at the southern end of the Lake, and he recommended the plane to anyone wishing to see the Lake and surroundings. Mrs Arlow said that she was particularly struck with the beautiful colourings of the Lake, and commented that the crater of Ngauruhoe "was a wicked looking place." Two climbers were seen standing on the summit of the voleano. The Company are obtaining a new Grumman Widgeon amphibian, and hope to station this at Taupo over the next Christmas and New Year holiday period, for passenger flights.