Auckland's volcanic island

Rangitoto is one of many islands in the Hauraki Gulf, just outside the Waitemata Harbor, which the Central Business District (or CBD) of Auckland overlooks. This island is pretty young - it rose up about 600 years ago - but despite its young age and very volcanic origins, it is considered to be inactive - good thing for us.
It's a pretty quick ferry ride from Auckland, or, if you are a bit more adventurous, kayaking across is also an option. Once on the island, there are many different hiking trails going either up the mountain or around the island. All of the trails, particularly the ones summiting the island, provide great views of Auckland itself.

Just after the Thanksgiving celebrations, an old friend from high school arrived in Auckland for an adventure  through New Zealand. Matt and I met her at the ferry and did a quick trip up Rangitoto.

Ferry ride over

The "Summit" - not that tall but a bigger hike than I had bargained for

City view ... our apt is on the other side of the bridge on the right

Island views

Team America at the summit

This particular day also happened to be the day of the Apple Cup ... so while I tried to get into the AC spirit, it just wasn't the same. Matt and I stopped in Devonport, which is a suburb directly across the CBD, for some fish and chips and also stopped in another park. Nice day, and a nicer way to spend it than watching the Cougs get womped on GameCast. :(

Hunting Huskies in the Harbor