We took advantage of a public holiday (the Queen’s birthday) to head over to Rangitoto Island, a 25 minute ferry journey from Auckland. Rangitoto is a volcanic island that last erupted around 600 years ago. We took our running kit and, following a route we found online, ran up to the summit, did a loop around to some lava caves and back up to the summit again. The views from the top were amazing, with great views of Auckland and the surrounding area. Not bad for winter.
We then ran down to the eastern side of the island, close to Motutapu Island. At this point we had to decide whether to retrace our steps and follow the road back to the ferry or to carry on as planned and follow the longer “coastal track”. The sign said the coastal track would take 2 hours 15 minutes and we had 55 minutes till the ferry was due – we’d been going about 3-4 times quicker than the signs so thought we would easily make it. Initially everything was good but the track turned out to be much rougher than the others on the island, consisting of large, loose volcanic rock. It was very difficult to run over and we started to wonder if we would make it back to the ferry in time. Fortunately the path eventually improved and, with a fast last couple of km’s (and a slightly delayed ferry), we just made it back in time!
That was close
Hi Chris and Gemma
Great to read your post, especially as when we were in Auckland last November we went sailing with a friend of Ian and Rebecca’s and his two children to Rangitoto and we walked round part of it to a bay where we swam. So it brings it all back. Our “ferry” would not have gone without us! Glad you are finding such beautiful views to appreciate when you are running.
Love Julia