Category Archives: South Pacific

Rangitoto Island Auckland.

Another day of sightseeing beckoned. Today was going to be a trip to Rangitoto Island, a short ferry ride from the main land at Auckland.

After getting off the ferry we were met by our guide before boarding our trailor/tractor ride. The drive was about half an hour to the bottom of the volcano and from there there was about a 25 minute walk to the summit. The views from the top were amazing and well worth the effort up there in the warm heat. Rangitoto Island is the youngest part of New Zealand as it was only formed 800 years ago. Today it is a conservation area and all the plants and wildlife are protected. Mice and rats have recently been exterminated to preserve the native birds that are being reintroduced to the island.

Views from Rangitoto Island –

 

 

Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto Island

 

 

Rangitoto Island Auckland
Rangitoto Island Auckland

 

On the way back stopped off in Devonport, a lovely town just opposite Auckland a quick hope on the ferry. Devoport is a lovely seaside town, clean, friendly, relaxed and welcoming. What a lovely place it would be to live. Cake and coffee in one of the charming cafes on the main street before jumping back on the ferry to Auckland. Definately coming back here for a few more hours in the next couple of days !!

Well what a difference a day makes. Saturday night in Auckland and the place is heaving !! I’m sure there weren’t this many bars/clubs here when i first arrived, its like they’ve sprung up out of nowhere. The streets were full of people wandering everywhere , pavements were over spilling with clubbers, places weren’t going to close until 5 or later. Sightseeing had got the better of me and i gave up trying to keep with the reveallers the clock striked 12.

Night all !!

Devonport Auckland.

Off down to the harbour to book up the first trip of my time in Auckland. Off on a ferry across to Davenport and then onto the island of Waiheke. The ferry took 40 minutes and various islands could be seen as we cross. The trip included an hour and a half guided bus tour to show the highlights.Various sandy beaches were visited along with lots of quaint little towns. There were numerous wineries on the island although didn’t have time to visit any. Weather unfortunately had got a little overcast and became very showery but the days sightseeing was over so it was back to my little room for a shower before going out again for a beer and a bite to eat. A beach in Devonport –

Davenport Auckland
Davenport Auckland