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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 62

Waitemata Harbour

Waitemata Harbour

not later than daybreak. As the darkness gradually gives place to the twilight we see the form of Rangitoto, an island with peculiarly volcanic peaks, which look almost the same from each side, and which must be passed on entering the harbour. Now the sun is peeping above the horizon, and we are abreast of the North Head, with our signals flying from Mount Victoria. The view of snug, elegant villas, nestling amongst dark pinus insignis and stately Norfolk Island pines, gives the newly-arrived the idea of an earthly paradise. As we enter the page 62 harbour proper we have a magnificent view of the Queen of the North. Passing the delightful suburb of Remuera, with its stately mansions, luxuriant gardens, verdant lawns, and fruitful orchards, we next see the borough of Parnell, and beyond the city itself, which stretches out before us with noble piles of warehouses and public buildings flanking the extensive wharves of the harbour. The hills are covered with houses, private and public buildings, of which latter may be named the Supreme Court, Government House and numerous large churches.

The public parks and gardens show up well, and beyond them the large districts of Ponsonby and Arch Hill, while towering up in the background are the volcanic cones of the extinct mounts Eden and Albert. Taking a glance as we approach the Queen's Wharf on the other side of the harbour, we see the rising suburbs of Northcote and Birkenhead. We may easily spend a few days in visiting the grand suburbs, and what a charming panorama we get from the top of Mount Eden, to which we drive. Many trips may be taken from Auckland before the tourist bids adieu to the Britain of the South Seas, such as the Waikato, Te Aroha, and Waiwera. In both the latter are hot springs having curative properties of great value, which are utilised by means of bathing contrivances and supplied with good hotel accommodation. Then as the tourist says good-bye to New Zealand, and the steamer proceeds northwards, we pass the Island of Kawau (known as Sir George Grey's Island) and call at Kororareka (now called Russell), Bay of Islands, the scene of the early missionaries' labours, and of the declaration of British sovereignty. Having taken in further supplies of coal at Opua, which is a few miles from Russell, and is the port of the grand coal mining district of Kawa Kawa we loose from New Zealand, and speedily say adieu to the grand little colony as we lose sight of the Islands of Three Kings.