Rangitoto

Today we went to the volcanic island of Rangitoto.

Rangitoto sprung up only 600 years ago, in a series of eruptions lasting around 100 years. During this time it produced more volcanic material than the other 49 Auckland volcanoes did in the preceding 100,000 years. It is not expected to erupt again, but they are due more eruptions in the Auckland volcanic field: any time between tomorrow and the next 5000 years, and there will be no warning that it's about to happen. Scary!

The literal translation of Rangitoto is 'bloody sky', but is actually taken from the phrase 'Ngā Rangi-i-totongia-a Tama-te-kapua' ('the days of the bleeding of Tama-te-kapua'). Tama-te-kapua was the captain of the Arawa waka (canoe), who was badly wounded during a battle with the Tainui iwi (tribe) on the island. Maori tribes will have seen Rangitoto appear from under the sea - footprints have been found preserved between layers of volcanic ash.

Recurring theme: when the British arrived on the island it was stripped of wildlife.

When we arrived at Rangitoto at about 9:45am, there were 500 swimmers getting ready to swim to Mission Bay. This is quite far, and the water is quite cold in this part of the gulf. They were all crazy.

After waving the crazy people off, we began the Summit Walk. Here is us, with the instantly recognisable profile of the volcanic cone in the background:

Not really much to say, except it was hard work. Rangitoto is a real volcano, and it makes One Tree Hill look like a mere bump in the road. However, I only had to stop for three inhaler breaks, which considering my chesty cough is not too bad. On the way to the summit we passed the crater, which was massive, and covered in big trees.

Getting to the top was a great feeling, and the 360 views of the gulf were amazing. I didn't bother taking many pics of the scenery as it was too far away. Here are two videos that are pretty poor quality.

After we had caught our breath, and taken shots of 'us+background' in as many permutations as possible, we did the Crater Rim walk. It was rubbish - couldn't see the crater at all because of the aforementioned trees.

Next we went to the Lava Caves. These were formed when molten lava cooled on the outside because of contact with the ground and air, forming a hard crust, while the still molten lava in the core continued to flow through. Using our phones for torches we managed to navigate through the pitch black. It was very narrow at some points, and we had to crouch really low for a stretch. I didn't have the right setting selected on my camera, so my pics are a bit rubbish, but here's one as we emerged from the first cave:

I shall steal good pictures from the others.

After the Caves, we went on a few more walks around, then got the ferry back. I was exhausted, and the shower upon returning home was most welcome.