Rangitoto Island was created in the Hauraki Gulf about 700 years ago by volcanic eruptions; it is the youngest of 48 Auckland volcanic cones. The circular island rises 853 feet from the water surface; it covers 2311 hectares and is rich in 200 species of plants and trees including the largest Pohutukawa forest in the world. Rangitoto   can be seen off the coast of Auckland about 5 miles northeast of the city. The island is connected to Motutapu Island by a causeway. The island has been a recreation reserve since 1890 and for approximately 30 years the volcanic scoria was quarried and shipped to Auckland. From 1925 to 1936 prisoners were brought to the island to construct roads and a track to the summit.

During the 1920s and 1930s bach communities were built on Rangitoto Wharf, Islington Bay and Beacon Head. The buildings were constructed with scarce resources and included communal facilities like tennis courts and a community hall. What has remained of these structures is extremely important in New Zealand’s history as other bach communities throughout the country have almost completely disappeared. You can visit the Bach 38 Museum (by appointment) and take a guided tour. A “bach” was a modest type of 20^th century New Zealand beach home usually on or near the beach. The name may have come from “bachelor pad” or from the Welsh for “small.” By 1937 there were 140 baches in Rangitoto’s three bach communities.

Visitors can reach the island by ferry and then enjoy the many walking paths around the island; if you reach the summit there are great views of Auckland city across the Hauraki Gulf. You can take the guided Volcanic Explorer Road Train to the summit. One of the most fascinating stops along the route to the summit is the black lava caves. There are also sea kayak excursions off the coast of the island and even a night kayak tour.