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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Harbour and Gulf Excurisons

Harbour and Gulf Excurisons.

In excursions by water, Auckland has no real rivals in the Colony, and the choice is, figuratively speaking, limitless. Visitors having only an hour to spend in the place, if that hour be between seven in the morning and eleven at night, need not go away without a trip on the beautiful and generally placid waters of Waitemata; and that at the trifling cost of sixpence, the price of a return passage by any of the splendid line of ferry boats running to Devonport, Northcote, Birkenhead, or Chelsea. Some of these boats are capable of carrying a thousand passengers; and, as their upper decks are suitable for dancing, the moonlight excursions are well patronised.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, for the greater part of the year, boats run to St. Helier's Bay, about an hour's steam down the harbour, and then across to Rangitoto, and sometimes to the wharf near Lake Takapuna. At Rangitoto, sufficient time is allowed, even by the afternoon boats, for the ascent of page 55 the mountain; but frequently boats run in the morning to admit of the whole day being spent, either at St. Helier's Bay, or Rangitoto, or part at each.

On public holidays, and at any time by charter, boats run to Pine Island (about nine miles up the harbour), Riverhead (twenty-three miles up, where, as the name implies, the Waitemata ceases to be navigable); Kohimarama, Howick, Motu Tapu, Motu Ihi, Waiheke, Ruth's Island, Turanga Creek, and numerous other bays and islands down the harbour.

Favourite excursions are to Waiwera and Mahurangi Heads, the hot springs of the former and the beautiful river of the latter being the special attractions. At Waiwera, about twenty-two miles from Auckland, and approachable also by road from the North Shore, there is a fine old-fashioned yet modernly appointed hotel, which is kept in very good style. Steamers run several times a week; but every Saturday Auckland residents and visitors have the opportunity of taking tickets, at a cost of sixteen shillings, entitling the holder to a return passage on the Monday morning, with hotel accommodation and unlimited hot baths. Business men, desirous of rest and recuperation, flock to Waiwera in great numbers—in such numbers that the commodious hotel is often taxed to its utmost capability. At all times, but particularly in the height of the season, visitors should endeavour to arrange for their accommodation before leaving home. Hot swimming baths, sea bathing, boating on the river and in the offing, riding and walking excursions into the interior, and quiet walks to the adjacent wooded heights overlooking the gulf with its numerous islands—these and many others are among the attractions of Waiwera. Attempts to provide a wharf at Waiwera have hitherto proved futile on account of the rough seas which occasionally arise in the Bay. The landing, therefore, has to be effected in surf boats, the final stage being accomplished in drays. In reasonably fine weather—and really splendid weather is the rule—this makes a quaint addition to the pleasure and excitement of the trip. During the summer season, and, in fact, throughout the year, the wives and families of business and professional men make lengthened visits to Waiwera, where they are joined by the gentlemen at the end of each week. The complete change from city life is exceedingly enjoyable. Altogether, Waiwera is another of Auckland's exceptionally valuable and delightful possessions.

Mahurangi is ten or twelve miles nearer the mouth of the gulf. The river has a width of nearly two miles at a short distance inside the heads, and is navigable for steamers of fair size as far as the town of Warkworth, about eight miles from the heads. For excursionists to the Mahurangi Heads from Saturday to Monday the same charge (sixteen shillings, for fare and hotel accommodation) is made as for Waiwera. With the exception of the natural hot baths, the attractions of Mahurangi are similar to those of Waiwera, though, as if in compensation, the Mahurangi river is very much the more important and beautiful of the two.

Omaha, which is also included in the excursions, is still further up the coast, and, being barely within the gulf, must in time become a favourite resort of those who enjoy the roaring of the breakers, which spend themselves on the ocean beaches of these islands.

The Thames, Paeroa, and Coromandel, also all within the gulf, are likewise favourite places for water-excursions; but in the ordinary course of commerce from six to ten trips are made each way per week to these ports.

To places beyond the Gulf, both south and north, very pleasant trips may be made; and all information concerning the movements of the steamers may be gathered from the daily papers.