THE TOURIST SEASON

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1926, Page 11

THE TOURIST SEASON

PROSPECTS OF BIG YEAR TARANAKI ATTRACTIONS POPULAR MANY VISITORS FROM OVERSEAS. Exceptional activity is anticipated in tourist traffic throughout New Zealand this summer and on towards Easter, and Taranaki seems likely to obtain a large share. "Judging by the inquiries received, .it is going to be pretty brisk and there is every indication that it will be better than last year,” said Mr. E. L. Humphries, secretary of the New Plymouth Tourist and Expansion League when approached by a Daily News reporter yesterday. His opinion was generally endorsed about the town and district, and it would appear that the people of the Dominion are on the move, despite butter slumps and slaughtermen’s disputes. The hotels and boardinghouses are well booked up. and include among their prospective guests many overseas visitors. Very many of the booklets issued by the Tourist League have been sent out m response to inquiries and every day information is being sought by letter concerning the motoring routes and the best sites for camps. New Plymouth is particularly well provided for in the latter connection, and the chief borough inspector (Mr. R. Day) told a reporter that he estimated the area set aside for the purpose between Belt Road and Bayly Road would accommodate 1000 people under canvas. The track through it was a mile in length and could be used by motors for about half the distance. Water, electric light and sanitary conveniences were available and there was a resident caretaker. Numerous requests for information have been received from motorists in other parts of New Zealand who contemplate a holiday in tents and the dates mentioned extend as far as Easter. The Harbour Board is considering the provision of a camping site, too, so that with campers and other visitors the town combined the beaches and scenic attractions of the district should be well patronised during the holiday season. There has been a very big demand for the beach cottages at Ngamotu also. It is probable that the railway authorities will commence running a. Sunday train from Hawera to New Plymouth on December a and a similar convenience is spoken ot between Hawera and Opunake. TtlE MOUNTADJ -1-- -,«»• a All parts of New Zealand, from Auckland to Invercargill, arc represented by the persons who have made arrangements to • stay at the North Egmont hostel, which has recently undergone extensive renovations. Bookings there are very heavy throughout December and, in fact, the holidays generally, and the Tourist Department has secured accommodation for a number of guests. Two overseas travellers climbed the mountain on Saturday, but stayed only one day before returning to Waitomo Caves, said Mrs. Lorrimer. Several weekend parties have been to the old house lately and the use of the cottage has been secured for periods between now and Easter., Practically the same story was told on inquiry at the Dawson Falls house. A great deal of climbing has already been done on that, side of the mountain. There is plenty of goodentting snow and. the road is in excellent condition. Mr. Murphy considered there would be quite as many holidaymakers staying there this summer as last. The road from Te Kiiiti, via the Mo. kau, and Mount Messenger, is in fine condition, and much traffic is expected by that route. Heavy bookings have been made for the Waitomo Caves, it is said, and, so far as Auckland is concerned, a new development is the decision of the Railway Department, in conjunction until the Tourist Department, to run a one-day excursion to the eaves on Sunday. This is the first trip of its kind, and if it is a success others will follow. A special train will leave Auckland early on Sunday morning, arriving at Hangatiki at 12.35 p.m., and cars will be provided for the six-mile run to Waitomo. Excursionists will be able to spend about six hours at the caves, returning to Auck- | land late in the evening. A feature of the season so far has been the extended tours arranged for overseas tourists who have already arrived. In past seasons the Tourist Department has found that the majority of overseas visitors made a flying visit, spending one day here and another there. The Auckland bureau has booked several lengthy tours, which are more beneficial jo the tourist traffic, because short tours bring about difficulties in the matter of accommodation in rush seasons. Two large Cunard liners carrying American travellers are to call at Auckland before Christmas and the Government bureau and Cook’s Agency are arranging for their itinerary. It is not known in New Plymouth whether any members of these parties are coming through Taranaki, lint a service car agency has been advised that 300 visitors from the United States are due in the northern city next Tuesday. They will take the train for Hangatiki and proceed thence by car to the Waitomo Caves. Twelve or 14 Americans are booked to go to the caves sometime next month and will come through to New Plymouth the following day.