TAUPO AND WAIRAKEI.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1925, 6 November 1884, Page 3

TAUPO AND WAIRAKEI.

The numerous natural features of the wonderland about Wairakei, and the picturesque *ieinity of Lake Taupo are beginning to attract attention, and a considerable stream of tourist traffic is likely to flow in that direction during the coming season. It may be truly said of Wairakei that its features are generally unknown. Thousands of sighteers and tourists flow into the Rotoiua and Hot Lake distiicts every year, but very few ever seem to give Wairakei a thought, though persons who have visited both places are positive in asserting that there are sights to be seen at Wairakei and about Taupo that far eclipse anything Rotorua can boast of. But the fame of this new feature in the " Wonderland of the Paciffic" 13 fast becoming widespread, and there can be no doubt that in the course of a tew yeai 9 it will be as extensively patronised as any other natural attraction in the colony. The road between Cambridge and Taupo is an exceptionally good one during about nine months of the year, and now that it is about to be treated to an expenditure of £1000, any necessary improvements will be effected. The Maori accommodation house at Mangaiti affords ample accommodation to travellers. The natives are very considerate in their charges, and the place is kept scrupulously clean. Gallagher's hotel at Taupo is a fine commodious building, and travellers are made comfortable. Lofley's Glen, about a mile from Taupo, is a ccatieof attiaction, and promises, in the couise of a few years to be a veritable Eden. Mr Lcfley is making great impiovemenis, and of a character which cannot fail to make his retreat a favourite resort for toiuists and honeymoon pleasure-seekers. The Huka Falls and the Crow 's Nest, and many other sights of a minor character are in the vicinity. A description of the Wairakei Geyser Valley, with its numberless features of staitling interest, is not within the sphere of this article. Mr Graham has bpent a large sum of money in improving this place and providing accommodation tor the tourist public. Wairakei is about six miles by road from Taupo.