Rangitoto is a magical island that has it all! It is the perfect place to go this summer because it has something for everyone to enjoy! Swimaholics will get their fill from diving and snorkelling, and mellow strollers will enjoy leisurely forest walks. The island has great stories about its origins and history; from fascinating geological sights to fantastic local myths, from historical war defence buildings to adventurous shipwrecks. The island is home to so much fun and adventure!
Rangitoto is the youngest of all the volcanoes in the Auckland volcanic field, and is only 600 years old; which makes it a geological dream to visit. Lava tubes have formed cave-like tunnels which you can explore. Handy Tip #1: take torches. There is also a lot of basalt to look at, as well as lava flows and fields to fill your geological needs. The coolest of all is that they have found human footprints that have been imprinted between layers of ash, during periods when eruptions paused.
Although we know the island formed through awe-inspiring volcanic processes, the Maori have a much more interesting (even more interesting than lava) idea of how Rangitoto formed. According to Maori legends, a giant couple once lived on a tall mountain. The pair were ‘tupua’ (meaning demon, but not demonic per se), and children of the Fire Gods. The couple started bickering, and in the ensuing argument did not notice that their fire had burned down and gone out. Enraged at their loss of flame, they cursed Mahuika, the fire goddess. Mahuika was greatly displeased at the unfair cursing and asked Mataoho, the god of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, to teach the couple a lesson. In response, Mataoho caused a mighty eruption that destroyed the couple’s home, with such force that a hole was ripped out of the land and Lake Pupuke was formed. The couple were left stranded, imprisoned on a mountain peak out to sea, unable to return to the mainland. This peak was Rangitoto and legend has it that the mist that often surrounds the island is the tears of the couple, mourning for their lost home. The name (which means Bloody Sky) has nothing to do with the islands hot heated nature, but is actually a shortened version of the name Ngā Rangi-i-totongia-a Tama-te-kapua which means ‘The day of the bleeding of Tama-te kapua’. Tama-te Kapua was a Maori captain who was viciously wounded on the island, and the bleeding skies refers to his blood, not the volcanoes lava bombs.
The island is home to many astounding sites, sure to delight any adventurous souls. A multitude of shipwrecks can be seen at Wreck Bay, in the north of the island. The bay is home to at least thirteen ships, most of which were purposefully wrecked in this ship graveyard. Sadly, there is no evidence to suggest the wrecks were caused by an epic pirate battle. But for pirate lovers young and old, who want to use their imagination, some wrecks can be seen at low tide and surely have the ghosts of pirate captains still aboard. To see the rest of the sunken treasures, you will need to don some scuba gear and snorkelling equipment. The area has great marine life, so shipwrecks aside, the bay makes an awesome dive spot. There are other great spots for swimming and snorkelling all over the island, so be sure to take your togs.
The island is home to a number of military buildings that were constructed during World War 2 to house US troops, store mines and be a part of the Auckland Harbour Defences. The best of these buildings to remain is the popular Fire Command Post which is well worth a visit, and great game of spying for enemy ships! Guns at the ready!
Rangitoto has a lot of extraordinary flora and fauna, with lovely kidney fern groves and the largest forest of pohutakawa in the world to stroll through. There is also a wide variety of wildlife and birds, such as bellbirds to see. With many lovely long and short walks and stunning wildlife, make sure you do at least one saunter about the island. There is a great walk to the summit that takes two hours (one hour there, one hour back) from the wharf, as well as a number of coastal walks and forest hikes. Pick a length of time you want to walk and you’re sure to find something to suit you.
The island has only recently become pest free, it is now safe from rats, mice, possums, feral cats and other harmful pests. This has led to the re-introduction of many species, so it is vital the island remains pest free. So carefully check everything you take before you get to the island for pests.
With all these exciting activities to experience on the island, it is sure to be a great trip for all!Transfercar can help you get to Auckland and to all the exciting things you can do there, including exploring the wonders of Rangitoto! Check out our deals on vehicle relocations and find something to ensure you get your wonderful trip out to the island!
