One of the most iconic features of the Auckland skyline, Rangitoto Island, has drawn visitors for years. It's a must do, but one that neither of us ever did - until yesterday.
On the first day of Autumn, we packed Bluebell with bakery lunches, swimming gear and lots of water. Starting at St Heliers beach, with blue skies and a light breeze, it only took us about 40 minutes to reach the jetty at the island.
Not wanting to pull in at the main jetty, we paddled further into a small estuary, where we met an older man, paddling with a Greenland paddle. After chatting with him for a few minutes about the advantages of the paddle, (I'm interested in getting two for Ciao,) he proceeded to tell us that because he had wet his trousers, he was not wearing any pants. On such an unusual note, we quickly parted company as he paddled out towards the jetty again.
We soon realised that there was no way to pull ashore without getting covered in mud, so we turned back to the jetty as well. There is a ramp leading to the water that looked like an easy place to pull up at, but we meandered and suddenly found rocks in the opposite direction fascinating, as our Greenland paddle friend had pulled in and, on exiting his boat, we discovered that he was, indeed, very pantless. Kayakers are a funny bunch!
Ferries bring the crowds to Rangitoto throughout the day and the island welcomes them well, with a big shelter by the jetty, information placards and well-maintained tracks. We pulled Bluebell up beside the main shelter, hiding the paddles and PFDs behind a shed for security. With all the visitors lounging in that area, it did seem like an unnecessary precaution.
The track to the summit takes just over an hour to walk and we detoured to explore some lava caves - well worth it. If you go, take a torch and ensure that you go to the end of the track instead of stopping at the first rocks you see. We nearly missed two long tunnels until someone told us to keep going!
The crater of Rangitoto is large and forested. It is difficult to imagine it active, about 600 years ago, but the lava rubble along the path at the base is a testament to the force it had. Some old army lookouts are at the top and the view is fabulous.
After a much faster walk down Rangitoto than up, a quick swim where we had brought the kayaks in was a great refreshment.
Paddling back to St Heliers, we followed Rangitoto's shoreline towards Motutapu for about half an hour, hoping to catch the wind in the umbrella sail on the way back. The paddle became rather boring, with no real change in scenery. True to form, the wind died as we made our move, so it took us about an hour to return.
Today was our day for pantless people. We seem to have found a nudist beach just south of St Heliers beach on the way back. Didn't stop!
Rangitoto Island is well visited for good reason and makes me glad to be an Aucklander. Another visit is needed.
