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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Taranaki, Hawke's Bay & Wellington Provincial Districts]

Scenery

Scenery.

Though it is impossible to describe Hawke's Bay as the most picturesque part of New Zealand, yet like many other districts in this lovely land it has individual and characteristic beauties of its own. There are several well recognised tourist routes running through the district. The Napier-Taupo road affords opportunities for a splendid driving trip through broken pastoral country interspersed by bushclad gullies and hills. The Waipunga and Mohaka Falls are objects of special interests on this route. The Seventy Mile Bush is no longer the fascinating stretch of country that it was before the railway was driven through; nor can the Manawatu Gorge, now shorn of most of its beauty, be regarded as the peculiar possession of Hawke's Bay. Perhaps the most delightful of all trips available to the tourist who has reached Napier in his wanderings, is the Waikare-Moana tour, which is made by the Wairoa. Lake Waikare-Moana lies in the heart of the wild Uriwera country, and is generally adjudged pride of place among New Zealand lakes outside the sub-alpine region. The broken coast, the precipitous cliffs, and the luxuriant bush combine to produce a wonderful picture of scenic beauty; while the countless romantic legends and traditions associated with the lake will always render it an object of special interest to the student of Maori lore and Maori character. The lake lies about thirty-five miles north-west of Wairoa, and is reached by coach. An accommodation house has been erected at the lake by the Tourist Department, and boats and launches are now available for visitors.

Another interesting trip from Wairoa is the drive to the Nuhaka page 295 hot springs, about twenty-five miles away. The springs are of considerable medicinal value, and the surroundings are very picturesque. From Wairoa the impressive Te Reinga Falls may also be reached on the Cisborne road. From Gisborne itself—a trip over the Motu track to the Bay of Plenty coast, will amply repay the tourist who takes an interest in Maori life and striking natural scenery. Another journey of varied interest may be made northward from Gisborne along the East Coast, through splendid sheep country, and past the many picturesque bays and inlets with which that part of the coast line is plentifully supplied.