amisonsabbatical: Rangitoto Island

Something we'd been eager to do our entire trip was hike to the summit of Rangitoto. Rangitoto was formed nearly 700 years ago as a result of a series of volcanic eruptions, so it's relatively 'young' as far as this area goes.

We were up and at it early to get the first ferry out of Half Moon Bay, get to the city and then take another ferry from Auckland. It's a shame there is no direct ferry from the local marina because it is so close. You can see Rangitoto clearly from Half Moon Bay. Once we got to the island, we joined the masses and started our walk to the summit. It took about 50 minutes up. After eating, we walked around the rim of the volcano, though now it is covered in trees and growth, so apart from one look-out spot, it was hard to see the "crater". Once we got back to Auckland, we had a little time to kill so we got the kids ice cream and an adult beverage for ourselves and enjoyed the rest of the beautiful afternoon.