Auckland - Rangitoto

The ferry terminal is conveniently located next to the Artania’s berth. We have booked a day’s outing to Rangitoto island, a volcanic cone that rose from the sea about 600 years ago. 

Only 30 minutes from Auckland, it is a carefully maintained nature preserve, now uninhabited. A path leads from the boat landing to the tip of the cone, a distance of about 3 km.  The peak is 270 meters high. 

Most of the island is very green. At lower elevations the trail cuts through still barren swales of volcanic rock interspersed with green shrubs and trees. The vegetation gets denser as one climbs. 

We reach the peak. Looking into the cone from the viewing platform on the rim, one sees only green. (Hard to capture the cone in a photo)

A short trail circles the rim. The views of Auckland and the bay are super. 

We follow the path back down, noting interesting growth along the way. 

Several fantails accompanied us through the lower growth. They seemed intent on showing us something. 

Back at our starting point, Eve contemplates the day’s outing as we wait for the ferry boat. 

Our return was uneventful. We still had some afternoon in front of us. I headed out to buy some postage stamps and exchange some money. Eve returned to the ship for an afternoon coffee. 

After I returned from shopping, we headed out with friends (Rostock) to have dinner somewhere interesting and to see a bit of Auckland at night. Had perfect fish and chips at a pub, along with their locally brewed beer. 

We wended our way back to the ship following dinner, taking in the sights. A memorable day.