Grounds, Gardens, &c.

The property comprises an area of 440 acres, a portion of which is tastefully laid out and planted with fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs. In front of the Hotel is a croquet lawn, with every requisite for the game. At the South there is a large paddock, suitable for cricket, football, athletic games, and other sports. At the back of the Hotel are flower and kitchen gardens, with orchard. There is also a vineyard planted with over 2,000 choice grape vines, carefully selected from the best varieties known to Continental cultivators. Pleasure boats, at moderate charges, are provided, for the use of visitors who may wish to amuse themselves in boating and fishing, there being an abundant supply of many of the finest kinds of fish in the bay. The boats are in charge of experienced men, when required. Lovers of picturesque scenery could not be more gratified than by a sail up the charming windings of the Waiwera River; its banks being clothed with endless varieties of indigenous vegetation. Here may be found the most rare and exquisite ferns, intermingled with nikau palm, luxuriant creepers, and shrubs of every description, while magnificent forest trees, such as kauri, pohutekauwa, puriri, and others, enhance the richness and beauty of the scene. Walks have been cut through the bush, to connect the different points of interest with the Hotel, and here the botanist may spend his time with pleasure and delight amongst the numerous gifts of nature

Visitors have the privilege of shooting over the estate, and in season, large numbers of pheasants, pigeons, and kakas can be obtained.

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There are many thriving homesteads in the neighbourhood, while in the densely timbered forest numbers of bushmen, shingle splitters and fencers, find profitable employment. About a mile along the coast, South from the Springs, are most interesting caves, well worth a visit from the tourist. On the adjoining river to the North, called the Puhoi, is a German settlement; also a native settlement, where Te Hemara, the chief of the district, resides. About three miles further North is the spacious Mahurangi harbour; at the head of the river is the thriving settlement of Warkworth. A short distance further North is the settlement of Matakana, and immediately opposite is Kawau, the beautiful island home of Sir George Grey, where he has collected rare plants and trees, and acclimatised numerous animals and birds. Sir George Grey takes great pleasure in showing strangers round his magnificent house, interesting library, and grounds. The distance from Kawau to the Waiwera is about eight miles.

The naturalist and conchologist may here, in many pleasant places, pursue uninterrupted their engaging studies. On the beach and in the adjoining bays are found many rare and valuable shells, star fish, sea weed, and mollusca, and there is no doubt that all who visit the Waiwera, either to recruit their health or for pleasure, will be both delighted and benefitted.

The importance of the Waiwera (Hot Springs) and neighbourhood is fully acknowledged by the Government, who have erected a post and money order office, life insurance office, savings bank, and telegraph station, in close proximity to the Hotel, from which messages can be sent to all parts of the world.

Mails are dispatched and received to and from Auckland three times a week; but, as soon as the contemplated new road is opened, it is the intention of the Government to have daily postal communication.