TARANAKI TOURIST RESORTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1920, Page 10 (Supplement)

TARANAKI TOURIST RESORTS.

WHERE TO SPEND YOUR HOLIDAYS. (Published by the New Plymouth Expansion and Tourist League.) Visitors to Taranaki will find New Plymouth a very handy centre from which to make the various excursions to the beauty spots for which Taranaki is justly famous. First and foremost amongst these is PDKEKURA PARK, or, as it is more cornmonly known, the Recreation Grounds. These grounds ha*e a beauty of their own, being quite unique amonnsl the various parks and domains of the Dominion, and it is with the utmost confidence that all visitors to New Plymouth are urged on no account to miss seeing them. MARS-LAND HILL, five minutes from the G.P.0., is worth a visit, as from it is obtained a most comprehensive view of New Plymouth. ST. MARY'S CHURCH, at the foot of Marsland Hill, is well worth a visit, as, besides its architectural beauty, it contains most interesting hatchments, representing the colors of the different regiments and forces which took part in the Taranaki Wars. THE BREAKWATER AND HARBOR should prove of interest, and a climb to the top of PARITUTU that marvellous conical peak near the Breakwater, is well worth the effort, as a magnificent view is here obtained of the surrounding country.

.. MEETING OF THE WATERS, 10 miles return. Junction of the Mangorei.and Waiwakaiho Rivers, in the midst of a beautiful piece of native bush. WESTOWN, to Messrs. Duncan and Davies' Nurseries, six miles return. These nurseries contain the finest collection of native trees and ferns in the Dominion, WESTERN PARK. Reached by way of Morley Street tram. Lovely view of surrounding country is obtainable from trig station. RATAPmiHHI can be included in the Westown run. FRANKLEIGH PARK/ five miles return. These grounds, together with the natural bush adjoining, [owned by Mr. Frethey, constitute one 'oi the show places of the town, and are well worthy of inspection. THE BATHING BEACHES. East End.—There are two beaches providing dressing-room facilities. One is at the East End, and has the additional advantage of shelter trees for picnicking parties and a swimming pool in the Te Henui River, with springboards for diving. In the spacious hall adjacent to the beaoh, social evening functions are held.

Ngainotu.—The other beach is at the West End of .the town, near the Breakwater. The Inauguration of the tram service has made this beach very popular, and deservedly so. It is a wide, gently-eloping beach, quite half a mile long, of beautiful, fine hard sand, free from stones, and is one of the safest beaches in the Dominion, splendid surf bathing being available for young and old at any state of the tide. The Ngamotu Seaside Committee have here erected a splendid palladium in bungalow style, fitted with excellent dressingrooms for both sexes, lavatories, showers, and every possible convenience, while upstairs is a large tea and luncheon room capable of accommodating one hundred and fifty guests. Tram stops at Pioneer Road (by request). Kawaroa Park.—The other seaside resort is situated at Kawaroa Park, and while the sea-bathing is not go good aB at the other two resorts, this is quite compensated for by the fact of the Municipal Salt-water Baths being situated within the bounds of the Park. Here also is a splendidly-equipped tea rooms and social hall. The surroundings of the Park are ideal for picnic parties, and in the summer season it is largely availed of for this purpose. Reached by tram from Weymouth Street or Morley Street by request.

BREAKWATER via Spotswood.This run is only 10 miles, but it embraces most beautiful seaside scenes, anjl also the oil wells, ironsand works and freezing works.

ESPLANADE.-A lovely walk along the sea front passing through Kawaroa Park, right out to the Breakwater. Entrance at Terminus Hotel, near Railway Station.

AROUND NEW PLYMOUTH'S ENVIRONS—A trip that can be thoroughly recommended is one going through Westown, across to Frankley Road, thence up to the cross road to Carrington Road, and back to town via Vogeltown, or over to Avenue Road, and back via the High School

AOTEA,',-'"Aotea". belonging to Messrs. Sole Bros., is a charming spot that should not be missed For native ferns and interesting walks, river and lake scenery, it would be difficult to surpass.

THE RACECOURSE.—Having torn himself away from lovely "Aotea", the visitor may proceed to the Racecourse, not very far away, and alongside PukeThere can be no racecourse set Tn more picturesque surroundings, and in the season the pretty flower beds are an added source of interest.

THE MUSEUM.-A feature of New_ Plymouth is the Museum. It is to be found at the rear of the Carnegie Library, and contains one of the best collections of Maori articles and curios to be found in New Zealand, To anyone interested in the natives and New Zealand's early history and associations the museum" offers much of interest.

THE OBSERVATORY.-This is situ- [ ated at the back of Marsland Hill, from which can be obtained a panoramic view of the whole of the surrounding country. The Observatory is equipped with telescopes second to none in the Dominion, and arrangements can 'be made through the Tourist Office for hon. orarv officers to show visitors over the Observatory and peep through the telejcepti.

THE 'PUBLIC LIBRARY AND READING ROOMS are situated in King Street, in the Carnegie Library Buildings. The ladies' rest room is also situated in the same building.

CEMETERY.—A place not usually included in a visitors' guide, but a visit to the New Plymouth Cemetery enables a visitor to obtain a splendid view from the hill on which stands the Whiteley Monument erected to the memory of Rev. John ■ Whiteley and other victims of the White Cliffs massacre.

NGAERE GARDENS.-A most beautiful spot for a - day's picnic, situated in the country amidst most lovely gardens and lakes, and zoo.

MOUNT EGMONT.-jTo fully appreciate the magnificence of the scenery and the grandeur of Mt. Egmont one his to make the trip. The radius line of the Egmont National Park, of 72,000 acres, is some 15 miles from New Plymouth, and the remaining four and a quarter miles to the wdlUappointed hostelry is through beautiful native bush. The cost of the trip is £3 10s for a car, or 17s fid per head if four are in the ear, and toll charge 2b 6d.

ROUND THE MOUNTAIN, VIA STRATFORD.—(Stopping at Dawson's Falls ) This all-day trip is one of the most interesting that can be taken from New Plymouth. This is the beßt means of seeing rural Taranaki and its mountain and other beauties. The total distance is over JlO miles, and at every turn a new view is revealed. Dawson's Falls in itself is worth the trip, for the mountain scenery through which ono passes is gorgeously fine. Here luinriheon can be obtained, and then on to Opunake over the tarviated road, thence heading for New Plymouth, with the sea on the one side and the ever-changing mountain scenery on the other. This part of the trip is exceedingly interesting, and no matter how often it is taken, one never tires of it. The trips are organised during the summer months, and are duly advertised.

ROUND TRIP TO INGLEWOOD.— .Starting from New Plymouth, the motor travels to Inglewood via Egmont Village, returning through Lepperton and the Main North Road,

PURANGI via Inglewood and Tarata. This trip, combined with the beautiful native bush and an attractive winding road, constitutes one of Taranaki's best runs The distance is SO miles return.

PUKERANGIORA (TE AREI) AND WAITARA RIVER, via Huirangi, is also a most enjoyable tour. Here can be seen some of the fighting grounds of the Maori War. The scenery on the Waitara River at Te Arei is very beautiful, and a very enjoyable hour can be spent there.

TO URENUI—The run out to Urenui is a pleasant one, the country passed through being very interesting, whilst at Urenui splendid surf bathing and fishing can he obtained. The mileage is 40 (return).

OKOKE.—If time permits the journey can advantageously be continued to the picturesque Okoke Valley, the bush scenery being particularly attractive.

THE MARVELLOUS MOKAU.-From New Plymouth the vis'tor may motor to the Mokau CO miles northward, with its wonderful river scenery. Launches may be hired at a reasonable rate. For over 30 miles the visitor can thus .journey through an everchanging panorama of interest. The country en route to Mokau is steeped in romance, whilst the road oyer Mount Messenger is cut through some of the finest native bush in the Southern Hemisphere. Trips are anade in the summer season, the distance being 112 miles, and the cost for a carload £lO.

TO PARIHAKA.—A capital one-day trip can be made to the famous Maori village of Parihaka. This was, years ago, the scene J>f stirring adventures, and is well-known as the headquarters of Te Whiti and Tohu. r lt ib still a pla«e of great interest to the visitor. Here may be seen the last relicß of Maori eonwunism in Taranaki. Cape Egmont lighthouse is near by, and will repay a visit. >