One thing New Zealand, and Auckland in particular, has no shortage of is recently active volcanoes. Auckland City is built on top of at least 50 of them. So do we run in fear? Actively avoid them? No way – we go climbing up them! One of my favourite Auckland day trips is to take the ferry out to Rangitoto Island and climb to the top for great views of the city.
Off the ferry and raring to go
Rangitoto Island is Auckland’s youngest volcano, as it erupted out of the sea only 600 years ago. It’s located just a quick 25 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland and dominates the view from many of the eastern-facing bays. When you land on the island, there are plenty of options for different trails to explore. I always choose to head straight for the summit, and then meander back down – there are some steep bits that I like to get over with as quickly as possible! However if you’re feeling less energetic, there’s also a land train that will take you most of the way up and give you some island knowledge on the way.
The paths (apart from the afore-mentioned steep bits, which you can just take your time on) are mostly wide and gentle. They traverse over the incredible scoria fields, a left-over from Rangitoto’s volcanic past. The island has patches of bush (native forest) mixed in with these rocky slopes – the bush offers some all-important shade!
View of Auckland City from the top
Any momentary huffing and puffing is soon forgotten when you reach the top and gain these stunning views over Auckland in every direction. From the western hill ranges to further out to see, it’s 360 degrees of goodness.
The North Shore suburbs, with the solar-powered Rangitoto lighthouse in the foreground
Looking to Auckland’s east and beyond
After stopping for a snack to refuel, we headed down the stairs that make the last bit of ascent a bit easier, and debated which of our many trail options to take. I’d previously walked the eastern side so we chose to head west. We knew that this way, we’d get a closer view of the lighthouse and some of the historic baches that stud the shore.
Peekaboo Sky Tower!
Baches are small holiday homes, common all over New Zealand. They were built on Rangitoto in the 1920s and 30s only, and most have since been removed in efforts to preserve the island as a natural reserve. However, a few still remain and are still used today – they are pretty basic in amenities, but what an incredible location!
More likely just a shed than a holiday home… I hope!
The colonial heritage is strong in this one
Awesome colour scheme
Given how easy it is to get to and the fantastic views, I highly recommend Rangitoto Island as a day-trip for anyone visiting Auckland. And don’t forget the bragging rights of having climbed a recently active volcano! More information on the island here.
Would you climb Rangitoto?
