Auckland - Rangitoto Island
Auckland, New Zealand
A black and beautiful island covered with volcanic ash. A beautiful island located in the Hauraki Gulf in front of Auckland, formed by volcanic activity 800 years ago. Rangitoto means 'The day of Tamatekapua's blood' in Maori, a unique meaning. Meanwhile, the adjacent Motutapu Island, connected by land, means 'sacred island'. In the center of Rangitoto Island is a crater 260 meters above sea level, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach from the ferry terminal at a leisurely pace. The unique natural environment of the island seen while climbing gives a different feeling from the landscapes of New Zealand seen so far. First of all, the ground is covered with black and round volcanic ash, and the appearance of the dense forest rooted on the volcanic ash is also quite unique. The view from the top is refreshingly open. Looking around from the middle of the sea with open sides, you can see not only the city of Auckland but also Coromandel in the distance when the weather is good. There are two main ways to reach the top. One is to hike along the hiking route, and the other is to use the Volcanic Explorer Summit Safari Tour, which is timed to the ferry schedule. If you participate in the safari tour, which moves with a red 4WD vehicle, you can comfortably reach the top, but personally, I preferred exploring the island by walking and climbing. For those who find it difficult to climb to the top, it's also a good idea to try the hiking course lightly around the island. Since no one lives on the island and there are no facilities other than toilets, be sure to prepare lunch or drinking water. Also, the operating time of the ferry changes according to the season, so it is advisable to check in advance through the website, and after arriving on the island, be sure to check the last time of the returning ferry before moving.
