Sitting majestically just off the Auckland coast, Rangitoto Island is a 600-year old volcano. It boasts a unique landscape of rugged lava crops, lush native bush and sandy coves. We hiked to the summit for some spectacular 360 degree views of Auckland.
From the car park, we walked to the jetty to board a ferry. We saw an animal activist volunteer and the kids pleaded with us to donate some money to help save animals from cruelty...
In the ferry, on our way to Rangitoto Island. It was chilly in the morning and we were wishful that it would not rain as it rained every day ever since we arrived in Auckland. Thank God, luck was with us and the day we went to Rangitoto, the weather was pretty kind to us- sunny and hot. I wished it were cooler as we sweated quite a bit under the hot sun for almost 3 hours.
Before the hike...
The kids snacking in the ferry...
Our hot, long and gruelling hike up to Rangitoto Summit. Notice the black volcano rocks surrounding us...
The ferry was superbly clean unlike those in our country. Healthy snacks and juices were sold inside the ferry.
Walking on black lava soil throughout the path up to Rangitoto Summit. The reddish stuff on the ground are flowers from the New Zealand Christmas trees that grow wildly in the jungle. It was very hot and the puteri lilin you see here had to use an umbrella *coughs*
Beautiful flowers from the New Zealand Christmas tree...
After an hour of hike, our prize was the breathtaking view of Auckland...
We could see the city of Auckland opposite us...
From the Rangitoto Summit, the kids were ambitious enough to venture out further to the Rangitoto Lava Cave. And we had to take another 20-minute hike down a steep ravine to the cave. When we were at the entrance of the cave, the kids were raring to crawl inside the cave to check out what's inside! I stayed outside with Sarah just in case...
After our 2-hour 45 minute hike up and down Rangitoto Summit, we were all exhausted. Alycia had to change into her shorts as her jeans had blood stains from her fall. Cass had a fall too and had cuts and grazes on her chest, tummy, palm, knees and arms. But my girls are tough soldiers and they did not shed a drop of tear! Sherilyn had to use my umbrella to support her hike down the hill and she broke the umbrella. As expected la, from the Drama Queen.
More snacking on our ferry ride back to Auckland...
Once back in Auckland, we walked to a nearly mall and had sushi for lunch...
Then had Movenpick ice cream to cool ourselves down...
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