Description of the attraction
Rangitoto Island - the youngest volcanic island in New Zealand - located in Hauraki Bay, is part of the largest New Zealand city of Auckland.
The island has been declared a nature reserve; many local plants are included in the Red Book. The area of Rangitoto is about 23 square kilometers, it has the shape of an almost regular circle, the diameter of which is 5.5 km. Rangitoto is a volcanic island in origin. The height of an extinct volcano, located in the very center of the island, reaches 260 meters. Large areas of Rangitoto are covered with solidified black lava.
The island is devoid of rivers, plants take moisture only from rains and groundwater. Despite this, Rangitoto is covered with dense vegetation. More than 200 tree species, several orchid species and more than forty fern species grow here. And it is here that one of the world's largest forests of the pohutukawa tree (Metrosideros felt) is located - an evergreen plant with a large crown in the form of a ball. At the end of December, pohutukawa begins to bloom with bright colors, predominantly red and burgundy, which gives the island an unusually beautiful look.
The rich and varied vegetation of the island is of particular value, therefore it is carefully protected by the state. Travelers arriving here by ferry from Auckland are asked to wipe their shoes thoroughly so that no plant seeds are left on them, which, when mixed with the plants of the island, could disrupt the uniqueness of its fauna. The authorities also protect the island from rodents that can harm the rare birds living here and plants. Traps for mice and rats are installed throughout the island, and tourists arriving on the island are examined for the presence of these rodents. You cannot make fires here, put up tents and even bring dogs with you. Nature should remain intact, and the presence of man - imperceptible.
For tourists on the island, there are trails with improvised observation platforms, boardwalks, signs, benches and small homemade gazebos. However, this is where all the signs of civilization end. It is forbidden to build new buildings here, therefore, of the buildings on the island, there are only old wooden buildings of the middle of the 20th century and the caretaker's house.
During the Second World War, the island was closed to visitors, it was used for defense against the Japanese fleet. Today, wrecked ships of that time can be seen on its northern shore.
