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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Excursions By Rail

Excursions By Rail.

This form of enjoyment is much less popular in Auckland than in the other parts of the Colony, mainly from the fact that harbour excursions are more plentiful and attractive in the great Gulf of Hauraki than in any other part of the Colony. Another fact which militates against the popularity of the railway for short excursions is that the lines for a considerable distance are inland. On the main south line the sea coast is never touched, though arms of the Manukau Harbour run very near to the line at Otahuhu, Papakura and Drury. At Mercer, forty-three miles from Auckland, the Waikato River is reached; and here visitors may hire launches, boats and canoes, and in that way thoroughly enjoy either a long or a short holiday. At Ngaruawahia, seventy-four miles distant, the river is prettier even than at Mercer. Here there are occasional regattas, at which Maori canoe races form a prominent feature. On these occasions great numbers patronise the train, but the distance—and therefore the expense—is too great to admit of frequent and yet crowded excursions. At Hamilton, Cambridge and other places, the river is still handy, though less beautiful.

Sunset At Pine Island.

Sunset At Pine Island.

page 56

Rotorua is undoubtedly the principal point of interest served by the Auckland railways; and the natural wonders of that extraordinary district are such as can never grow stale. Tourists and Auckland residents are constantly streaming into Rotorua, but the distance, one hundred and seventy-one miles, is, at present rates of speed, too great for single day excursions. Even the express takes nearly nine hours over the single journey.

On race days, Floral Fete days, and other occasions on which special attractions are provided at Ellerslie race-course, the trams are patronised very freely, as many as twenty thousand passengers being sometimes so carried.

On the northern railway, which branches off the main south line at New-market, the Kaipara Harbour is reached at Helensville, a distance of thirty-eight miles from the City. Like Mercer on the south line, Helensville is a favourite resort for excursionists. As this line is opened further and further northwards its popularity must greatly increase; but at present it cannot be said to fill a large space in the minds of holiday-makers.