Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto is a 23.1 km ² inactive volcanic island that lies ahead of Auckland in New Zealand in the Hauraki Gulf. It is easy to reach by ferry from Auckland. The resulting approximately 600 to 700 years ago, the island is approximately symmetrically built and part of the volcanic region Aucklandfeld. The name " Rangitoto " comes from the Māori. For the captain ( Tama -te- Kapua ) of the Arawa canoe was seriously injured on the island, which in Te Reo Maori means " Te Rangi i totongia a Tamatekapua " ( "The days of bleeding of Tama -te- Kapua " ).

The island is connected to the neighboring island of Motutapu Iceland by a bulk cargo during World War II dam. Both islands together have an area of 38.19 km ².

Information for visitors

On the island is the largest Pohutukawa forest in New Zealand. The forest was planted in the 20s of the last century by convicts. Well worth a visit especially during the Christmas season, as the pohutukawa bloom then. The highest point of the island is 260 m and can be reached on foot. For those who do not like to hike in the summer heat, there is also a " little train " which runs regularly almost to the summit. The view from 260 meters above sea level is unique on a clear day. Auckland and some neighboring islands can be seen.

If you do not run directly to the summit and back again, you can also discover small beaches with swimming.

Others

On the island there were once many possums ( Possum ), but all ( over 10,000 animals) have been captured by environmentalists now because they destroyed the flora.