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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Scenery and Climate

Scenery and Climate.

The scenery of New Zealand is so varied, and the remarkable features are so well distributed that no part of the Colony is without beauty or interest. In many respects, however, the province of Auckland takes the lead. It contains the most usefully indented coast, the most beautiful harbour, and the most beautiful city; the largest lake; some of the finest rivers; the largest gulf; and the most magnificent forests, where the wonderful kauri astonishes all beholders; and last, but far from least, the Provincial District of Auckland must ever be famous as the possessor of the marvellous hot lakes and springs. For tourists, whether as sightseers or seekers of health, Auckland is much the most attractive district in the Colony, and the climate is so mild, and in summer and autumn so much to be trusted that “camping-out” is one of the delights of the people. It is true that there are no very high mountains, though some of the ranges are snow-clad in winter. Railway communication is still much needed to open up the wonderland of Taupo and Waikaremoana, though the somewhat tardy recognition of the rights of Rotorua, which has been connected by rail with Auckland for some years has done much in this direction. Canoeists find ample scope for enjoyment on the Waikato, Thames, and other rivers, while for yachtsmen the Hauraki Gulf, with its beautiful and interesting islands, and its usually light propitious breezes, has inexhaustible sources of pleasure. The Whangarei, Bay of Islands, Whangaroa, Hokianga, Kaipara, Onehunga and other harbours are all so attractive in their varied characteristics, that the traveller in search of beauty spots can hardly go wrong.

Much has been said by residents in the South Island about the heat of the Auckland summer, but, like the “winds of Wellington,” the “heat of Auckland” has been the subject of much exaggeration. Certainly there is no part of the province which might fairly be called an ideal spot for the summer visit of a tourist determined to see all the sights of the district in a fortnight, and to race about in clothing sufficient for an Invercargill winter; but for those who dress rationally, and can in the early afternoon enjoy an hour or two in the shade with a book, spending the mornings and evenings in bathing, boating, driving, riding, cycling, cricketing, or even tennis playing, the climate of the Auckland province is enjoyable even in summer, and really delightful in autumn. In July and August most of the rain falls, and the air is cold enough for a fire in every room. In September and October it is still cold and generally very showery. Unless spring is very late, which is unusual, drier and warmer days come with November, and the heat fairly sets in before Christmas. Taking the climate “all in all,” however, it is unusual to find a preference for any other among those who have lived for any length of time in any part of the Auckland district.