A VISIT TO RANGITOTO
On Saturday 17th September, the Leisure Walking group went for a day trip to Rangitoto Island, via ferry from Auckland. Once we arrived we had a quick snack then visited one of the historical baches where we saw what the holiday homes of people were like many years ago. It was fascinating to see how tiny the rooms were and what was kept in the kitchen cupboards.
We then started out on the track to the summit (instead of taking the direct route up, we took a side track, making our walk longer, but more interesting), we learnt heaps along the way, such as how lichen, that growns on the rocks actually breaks the rock down, creating soil for plants to grow in, allowing new life to emerge. We were also able to clearly see the effects the eruption of the volcano had on the island.
On our way to the summit, we decided to take another side route, this was a good decision as we even got to explore two WWII bunkers! Once we reached the summit, we rested our legs and enjoyed our lunch and the views of Auckland from the top.
After lunch we headed down for the return ferry. On our way down we once again decided to take on of the side routes, this time to explore the lava caves. Unfortunately we never had torches with us, but we know for next time.
While we waited for the ferry to arrive, we read some information about the history of Rangitoto. This included facts about pohutukawas, their beautiful bright red colour and the fact that Rangitoto has the largest Pohutukawa forest in the world. In the late 1980s the forest was dying as it was being ravaged by possums and wallabies. Fortunately this is no longer the case, as after many years of hard work, the island is now pest free, allowing both the trees and native birds to multiply and live safely in their native environment.
The trip to Rangitoto was interesting, adventurous and lots of fun. If you have not been there already, do yourself a favour and go, it's a marvellous day out.
Here are more photos to look at...
