Our virgin boots finally got broken in today when we make the ferry trip across the bay to the volcano that can be seen everywhere in Auckland and is known as Rangitoto or "sky blood" island. We are assuming the bloody sky refers to the shooting magma the Maori witnessed when the volcano burst forth from the sea all those years ago. But, it could also refer to the people who have fallen while hiking along the jagged rock lined trails and scraped off some major skin...
The weather forecast for the next few days is crap rain and more crap rain. Undeterred and armed with our newly replaced rain gear (thanks North Face and Marmot for standing by your gear!), we set out a full day of hiking with hopes of a great views of the city and the surrounding gulf when we reach the top.
On Rangitoto, there are numerous trails that take you to the top — some taking roundabout routes, others going directly straight up. We start out tramping through the Kidney Fern Grove with ferns that furl and unfurl with the rain, get lost and then find the main track and bomb up what's known as the Summit Track.
Plenty of places along the way to see the Auckland city scape and also lots of hot, burning magma rock which will melt the soles of your boots in seconds if you stand still too long:
No, not really.
Near the top is a trail that leads to the lava caves, a highlight for Jenn because it means she can finally use her headlamps, also purchased at MEC before we left. The caves are very dark and very cool and only at one tight squeeze did we consider turning back and running out.
Reaching the summit, you encounter a giant crater, point zero for all the volcanic action when things got messy on Rangitoto. We hike around the crater and then have our lunch at the lookout point where we meet the native parakeets (the kakariki) on the island and some Brit gents visiting NZ and arguing about camera lenses. (Note: they did not know what a racing snake is, Dale!)
We take the long way down and head over to the connecting island of Motutapu. Here, landscape is vastly different - no magma rock, just pastures and grass. Mindful of catching the ferry back, we only venture to the small bridge that joins the two islands before heading back past a couple of small wharfs and then along a rocky coastal trail requiring some nimble footing.
We were surprised to see heaps of wild lavender growing near the ferry dock. It smelled sweeter and less potent than the Canadian lavender. Perhaps the honey is sweeter too!
A very good hiking day through interesting terrain and a good test for the boots, which passed with flying colours. And the rain holds off right until we'd board the ferry for home!
While the wine selection here in Auckland is top notch, the food so far is disappointing. Tonight we taxi out to an area in town known as Parnell to eat at a small Italian bistro we'd spotted while out walking. It looks great with its authentic Italian decor, but the food is second rate.
Not the ending to a great day we were hoping for. But, at home, we do have chocolate and more good NZ Chardonnay. Suddenly, the evening is improving...
Perhaps we'll try out Ponsonby which is known for its great restaurants and see if the culinary situation improves. So far, the best meals have been here in room 1514 in our small, but functional kitchen!
It is easy for you to know what the temperature is here in Southern Ontario.....just put a negative sign in front of YOUR daily forecast.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures and stories! The 2 first weeks seem very good so far!
ReplyDeleteBises!