It's been on my to do list ever since Freak invited a whole bunch of us to Rangitoto Island back in 2009. On the morning of the trip, she texted me to tell me everyone pulled out and so the plans were cancelled. I was somewhat relieved but disappointed. Betrayed, when I found out she went there by herself and had an adventure. To get to the island, there are two ferry options there and two back. There's nothing on the island, no shops, no facilities, basically it's a day trip where you climb to the summit, walk around the island then leave before nightfall. So basically, if you miss the last ferry, you're screwed. That is exactly what happened to Freak. She missed the ferry and thought she would have to sleep on the beach for the night. Up until some cops spotted her and took her back to the mainland in their boat.
Over two years later, I've finally gone through with the plan of going to Rangi. I conned Shu into coming with me and in the process, YRK who mentioned it to STM who also wanted to go. We made plans to meet at the ferry building (because I wasn't going to drive anyone around) and catch the ferry over. Since the last ferry off the island is scheduled at 3:30, I decided we should get on the 9:15 ferry over. I doubted we could get to the summit and back down again in 90 minutes (to catch the 12:45 ferry) so best to take the morning ferry - we'd miss the noon ferry back but at least we've got the 3:30 one to fall back on.
The night before, the restaurant had a farewell dinner after work (more like a midnight BBQ feast) for a colleague who was leaving for Japan. I didn't get home till nearly 2 am and didn't get my ass into bed till nearly 3. Had to set my alarm to go off twice in fear I wouldn't make it up in time for my train. Managed to roll out of bed, freshen up, and get changed in about 9 minutes, just in time to leave the house for my 8:15 train. Thankfully I live quite literally across the road from the train station. It only takes about 3 minutes from my living room into the train. As the first picture indicates, yes, every photo in this blog was taken by my iPhone. Too lazy to use a camera. Also, too lazy to use sunscreen... which I hate the feeling of and I regret not buying the Za sunscreen I tried at the warehouse sale. That sunscreen felt great.
Back to the topic at hand. The train arrived just as I approached the platform. That is what Auckland trains look like at the platform - open area. I tagged on with the new AT card and hopped onto the train.
That's me trying to not so flatteringly take a photo of myself and the screen behind me which tells passengers what station they are at.
I was trying to capture the date - 26/11/2012.
Texting Shu on the way to Britomart
Didn't think about it until I was on the train, had to transfer money over so I could buy the ferry ticket.
Auckland's Ferry Building. Beautiful building, isn't it?
I met Shu at Britomart and together, we walked across the road to the Ferry Building. I never look at this building or pay any attention to it when I'm in the CBD but every time I go to catch a ferry, I always get taken by surprise by how pretty this building is! We walked through the building and met YRK and STM in front of the ticket booth.
The boring ticket and a brochure of Rangitoto Island. Thank god I thought to grab one, it had a map.
While waiting for the ferry, Shu handed us a muesli bar. It's the most disgusting thing I've tried all year. It was half covered in chocolate, which made me want to down a bottle of water after each bite. Nevertheless, I thanked her for her kindness. Only after she tsk'd me about it.
We tried taking a group shot. Fail.
2nd attempt, better but missed Shu out entirely.
Auckland CBD skyline.
Pier of Rangi from a distance, just as we approached the island.
The "pier" or "dock" or whatever when we arrived at Rangi.
Rangi from the ferry.
Arrived alive on Rangitoto Island! From left to right, STM, me and YRK.
Apparently this used to be a public pool - there were bachs (kiwi term for holiday houses) on the island and kids used to learn how to swim here.
Ew, right?
From left to right, shot of Shu, STM and YRK.
I swear, it looked way prettier IRL...
So I stuck two people in front of it.
Still, you've gotta go there to appreciate the beauty. Sorry about the blur. This was taken on our way to the caves. Which I've neglected to mention... oops. There are these caves you can go explore on Rangitoto Island. We decided to explore them on our way to the summit.
Shu and I in front of the first cave. Trying to look scared. YRK took the picture so sorry about the blur, she doesn't know how to use an iPhone.
STM and YRK posing.
Then we came across REAL caves! This is the hole at the beginning of the cave. You can walk through it! Bring a torch! The light from iPhone isn't strong enough really.
I sent YRK in first but she didn't have a torch so I took this picture before handing her my phone. She looked much calmer after that.
Midway through the caves, we saw light! A hole in the roof!
When we reached the end of the caves, it came out to this. They are called the Lava Caves because Rangitoto is a volcanic island and everything was basically built by lava.
YRK and STM coming out from the caves.
Group shot of us conquering the Lava Caves!
We decided to head back through ground while STM and Shu headed back through the caves. I regretted it because although going through the dark caves was very difficult and quite dangerous, walking in the light was actually more tiring and difficult due to the terrain.
On our way back from the lava caves, Shu decided to climb a tree... a tree in which I believe a strong spirit resides in. True story. It's the look of the tree. Looks alive.
Posers. Taken just before we started our climb to the summit.
Road up to the summit. What a workout! Seriously tiring. Shu and I started running up it because we both got the idea that running up it wouldn't be as tiring. We were exhausted. Next time, just walk up it.
At the summit, picture of the crater. LOOK AT ALL THAT FOLIAGE!
We plopped down on the benches and for a rest, had a long debate about whether or not to start running down towards the pier so we could catch the 12:45 ferry back to civilization. Some tourists overheard us and joined in our discussion. In the end, we decided we were too tired, too lazy and were enjoying this view too much to leave.
Not sure who took this photo, I think STM?
So we had lunch to that beautiful view. Left to right, Shu, me (with binoculars lol) and YRK. Oh, a warning to future tourists... there's absolutely no reception (or hardly any, depending on which company and what phone you have). You'll be relying on the good will of other tourists if you get hurt. It's probably a good place to kill someone. Haha, just kidding. There are many tourists that go through the island.
Dead bird on the way down. =S
Our path down from the summit.
Can't really see it here, but the tips of this was a beautiful purple.
Black lava rocks.
Shu talked about how she should grab one, stuff it in her back and take it back as a souvenir. Later, she was glad she didn't because the hike back was a very long one as we decided to take the route that goes around the island so we could enjoy the seaside.
Along the way, there were these posts and every time we saw one, it felt like a checkpoint in a game. Graphics of this game? Brilliant. =)
We were exhausted by this point. Actually, a lot of time passed but I was too exhausted to bother taking photos. Also, my phone was dying. You might recall from the first picture of this post, I started the trip with 50% battery life. Shu and I basically spent the entire trek complaining about walking and claiming we'd never be adventurous again. That and how we could only see MORE ROAD ahead of us.
Upturned boat
MORE ROAD
Then we got so close.................................... and to our dismay, we were greeted by this sign. We had to go through the Kowhai Grove - which was actually a mini adventure in itself. If you run through it, it feels like you're some survivor on Lost and you're running away from something sinister. So thank you, Department of Conservation, without your detour, we would never have bothered with the Kowhai Grove.
 Victory! YRK and STM emerging from the Kowhai Grove... proof of our conquering of Rangitoto Island! |
I would definitely recommend this adventure to any future tourists - local or foreign! However, you're going to have to be prepared to face a tough hike. New Zealand sun stings and I recommend you take more than one bottle of water. I only took one 750ml, not nearly enough. I'll know better for next time. Physically, it's not actually a tough hike if you're quite fit, mostly flat ground although very rocky so you'll have to be careful. After our return, Shu and I ached for weeks. Although that could be due to my not having had a break from working for over 14 days straight... but whatever, it's not like we're fit to begin with. I heard many people go to the Island and train for marathons (Rangitoto and Motutapu - the adjoining island). One day, we'll run it instead. Ok, that's not likely but come on, dream big.
Quick end of day - after Rangi, Shu and I went to the Australian Visa Office. Shu had to drop off her paperwork as she's going to Sydney for a holiday at the end of year. Coincidentally, I'm going to Australia as well, but to Melbourne. Some of the full time staff are going to Australia as well but it's by total coincidence and none of us will meet up.
From downtown CBD, we walked up Queen St, I stopped by Moustache and grabbed a M&M + Peanut Butter cookie, a drink from Starbucks and Shu bought food from the food court - worst decision ever. No matter how hungry and exhausted she was, she still agreed with me. It was disgusting. After that disappointing meal, we walked back down to Britomart to catch our trains home.
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