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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 5, Issue 8 (February 1, 1931)

A Gem of South Canterbury — Temuka and its Holiday Attractions

page 60

A Gem of South Canterbury
Temuka and its Holiday Attractions

A gem set in the midst of four beautiful streams—the angler's delight, the camper's holiday resort, the ideal rest place after the strenuous work of the year. Such is the town of Temuka, on the main line of railway, 89 miles south of Christchurch. A grain-growing and pastoral centre, its main street and residential area a picture of neatness, it has a restful charm about it that at once communicates itself to the observant visitor, who will, if wise, make a mental note of its many striking attractions for his holiday programme.

Temuka means “The Strong Oven,” the original being “Te Umu-Kaha,” a name derived from the fact that there were numerous Maori ovens (remains of which are still traceable) in the old days. There is a Maori pa at Arowhenua (situated between the Temuka and the Opihi rivers), an interesting place, with its native school and church.

Temuka is justly proud of its Domain, a magnet attracting visitors and picnic parties from all over the South Island. One of the best evidences of its famed popularity is the annually returning hosts of merry picnickers from near and far who, having once experienced the pleasure of an outing in the sunshine of Victoria Park, with its profusion and wealth of colour and forest surroundings, always vote for a return visit at the first available opportunity.

Another outstanding feature of this magnificent Domain is the splendidly equipped sports grounds, every class of sport being catered for. Tennis courts, croquet lawns, bowling greens, golf links, cricket and football grounds, cycle track, swimming baths, all in close proximity. You step out of the one into the other, and one or other is always gay with life, according to the season, whilst every visitor is welcomed in the true sporting spirit, and made to feel at home by the various club officials and members.

The Angler's Paradise.

With its four splendid rivers all within a few minutes’ reach, the angler for trout has a choice of locality unequalled by any other town—the Temuka River skirting the borough, and the Opihi only separated by a few chains; whilst the beautiful Tengawai and the Orari are reached in a few minutes by motor car. Should the angler prefer salmon fishing, what finer river for his sport than the Rangitata, with its splendid flow of beautiful snow-fed water as it winds its way to old Father Ocean!

The greatest tribute to the popularity of the trout streams of South Canterbury, and more particularly of Temuka, is the fact that anglers come regularly every year from the Old Country, Europe, America and Australia, to take up their abode for a considerable portion of the season at Temuka. Many of these anglers prefer to camp on the banks of the various streams, the hotel and private accommodation, which is first-class in Temuka, being usually taxed to the utmost.

Motor Camp.

For the benefit of motorists the local Progress League, in conjunction with the Domain Board, has arranged for a splendid motor camping area at the Domain, where there is plenty of shelter available, and where all the usual facilities for campers are provided at a nominal fee, which is collected by the curator. This money is devoted to defraying the cost of improvements for the benefit of motorists, and the upkeep of the camping area, which is situated in ideal surroundings facing the banks of the Temuka River.

Motorists have the choice of a number of interesting drives along the best of roads, and the great Pacific Ocean is only a quarter of an hour's drive away.

page 61

Six Reasons Why—

There are six reasons why you should select Temuka for your next holiday, whether you propose a camping expedition, an angling holiday, in search of the sportive trout, or that restful recuperation time “far from the madding crowd,” sought after by those who have been carried off their feet by the crush of competitive business and the whirl of the social arena in city life.

(1) Your decision to go on a holiday somewhere, presupposes an admission that you need a rest, a change, relaxation—call it what you will. It is a desire to escape for a brief space from the strenuous period. Temuka offers you the ideal conditions desired in sunshine and surroundings.

(2) You are looking for variety and cheerful company amongst kindred spirits. You will find these in the most complete group of sporting associations gathered on any sports ground in the Dominion.

(3) Should you prefer to roam “on your lonesome” there are 135 acres of beautiful domain and miles of river bank and bed leading down to lagoon and ocean, with all those delightful little nooks and dells and
A Pretty And Flourishing South Island Town. A view of the Main Street, Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand.

A Pretty And Flourishing South Island Town.
A view of the Main Street, Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand.

eddying pools that repay the explorer of the river's beauties and surprises.

(4) Because in Temuka and its environs you may shake off collar and tie and dress in outdoor camping outfit without fear of incurring foolish conventional criticism.

(5) In these times of economic stress, economy counts, so don't forget that Temuka will be found to be one of the most inexpensive and yet most delightful of holiday resorts you have ever favoured with your presence.

(6) In short, to sum up, if you make Temuka your holiday home your worries will vanish, your spirits will rise, you will feel at home all the time. What conditions could be more ideal? Try it out.

Romance in the Railways’ Whistle.

The railroad whistle is in a class by itself. It is one of the most romantic sounds one ever hears. To lie in bed, late at night, and hear some distant flyer whistling for a crossing, is to experience the feeling that one has heard the eerie horns of elfland blowing beyond the horizon. The note is haunting beyond words, with an insistent melancholy, that defies description. We should be sorry to be deprived of it.

From (Camden, NJ.) Courier.