Rangitoto is something of an icon and a landmark for Aucklanders. It sits out in the bay to the east of the city and is visible from many viewpoints. It has a distinctive shape, having gentle slopes leading off to a sharper summit. It is only a short distance from the mainland. It appeared about 600 years ago and the Maoris would have witnessed it eruptive emergence from the sea bed. Europeans were only just beginning their voyages of discovery and conquest.
Rangitoto from Gendowie Reserve
Today it is a nature reserve and home to a small number of historic batches (a batch is a temporary holiday home.) It is covered with shrubby trees, a large amount of solidified lava is present. There are few birds and animals as food and fresh water is in short supply. The dreaded possum did make its way to the island, but has now been eradicated. It does not belong in New Zealand and is doing a considerable amount of damage to the indigenous wildlife.
On Tuesday IN and JN boarded the Fuller's ferry to make the twenty minutes crossing to the island. It was a bright start unti we were sitting on the boat. As we chatted to some Aussie visitors the rain began. It was still raining on our arrival but slackened of sufficiently to temp us to attempt the one hour climb to the top. It rained steadily for the greater part of the journey. we did have good footware, but no rainware. Part way up the sun came out and we were dry in minutes. After lunch we continued the climb, but stopped at the bottom of the last 15 minutes worth of steps, Enough is enough. There were good views of the city from various places, but generally the path was sheltered by the shrubby trees.
On Tuesday IN and JN boarded the Fuller's ferry to make the twenty minutes crossing to the island. It was a bright start unti we were sitting on the boat. As we chatted to some Aussie visitors the rain began. It was still raining on our arrival but slackened of sufficiently to temp us to attempt the one hour climb to the top. It rained steadily for the greater part of the journey. we did have good footware, but no rainware. Part way up the sun came out and we were dry in minutes. After lunch we continued the climb, but stopped at the bottom of the last 15 minutes worth of steps, Enough is enough. There were good views of the city from various places, but generally the path was sheltered by the shrubby trees.
A view from Rangitoto
Having only seen the summit through the rain we looked back. For a brief moment the sky 'cleared'. But then a greyness descended and it was moving down the volcano towards us. Could we get to the only shelter in time? No!!! The final descent was along a freshly formed river which had been the path and across lakes that had been the tarmacced area. A few people had begun the drying off process. A larger number then arrived by tractor train. They were as wet as we were. The sun was then hot and our clothes began to dry, but did not do so during the two hour wait for the ferry and the half hour journey home. I was most concerned about the camera. It mostly dried out in the sun. (All the components were scattered on the wall) only the bag and the telephoto lens did not dry out until the following day. Everything and we are back in working order.
Rangitoto from the departing ferry
It was a good day with a real sense of achievement and adventure. Wew have plans to do it again, but this time when a cloudless sky is guaranteed.
It was a good day with a real sense of achievement and adventure. Wew have plans to do it again, but this time when a cloudless sky is guaranteed.
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