Waikouaiti, (for we have left municipalities behind us), show something ever changing, ever new, both on the right hand and on the left, all of them tempting enough to induce a stoppage in the journey, with a view of going up some of those tempting purling brooks, hopeful that in some dark spot on the downward career some rare specimen may be obtained, to be treasured as a memory of one of the most delightful excursions which can be enjoyed. The horses are a little anxious, however, so onward is the order, and in due time the apex or saddle is reached, near the head waters of the Leith and the Waitati streams, each taking their several ways to the ocean.
We now propose to follow downward the Waitati, after having surveyed the mountains around, Flagstaff, Silver Peaks, and the Hummock. The road is very tortuous, and there are several points of divergence, so that it were well that the guide knew the locality. Many of the places indicated in the Peninsula drive are seen here closer at hand, but not more effectively, so need not be re-enumerated. A short run brings us down to Blueskin Bay, where at the Saratoga Hotel some refreshment can be had before commencing to re-ascend.
A very good view of the line of railway can be had from Waitati, standing at sea level, whence the gradients, both north and south, are stiff and the curves sharp, neither, however, so much so as to prevent the powerful engines dragging the heavy freight upwards, or to incur over ordinary risk in turning the corners. To the north stands Seacliff Asylum, which provides a home where those afflicted with the most terrible calamity which flesh is heir to, can and do receive the humanest treatment which the most modern experience can suggest. To those interested in the question of insanity, the best mode of visiting the Asylum is to proceed by train. On the line to the south the bluff at the edge of the bay shows when the cliffs up to Mapotaki begin, and which for a time were passed along with no slight degree of terror on the part of the more timid passengers. Experience has proved, however, that the roadway is as safe as the most level part of the line, and a tunnel has recently been formed, through which the travellers escape passing what was deemed the worst part by the timorous.
