Rangitoto Wharf
I’ve just returned from a 5km round tour through volcanic rainforest to the peak of Mount Rangitoto, 259 metres above sea level.
The trip to the top was physically hard. It’s a steady climb over an uneven trail to the top. The trail is mainly pebbles of volcanic rock (basalt, I think) and the wet conditions made for an occasionally muddy experience. Half way up, I stopped to take my jumper off and steam was coming off my shoulders!
All that said, the forest is beautiful. Such a variety of plant life, all the shades of green contrasting with the black igneous rocks from which they spring.
The crater and summit are even better. You can see sixty metres down the steep crater slope. At the very bottom I noticed some discernably brown trees. Signs of escaping heat or gases?
The trip down was naturally faster, but where the raw exertion was easier, I found the footing more treacherous.
Getting to the island is a quick and easy ferry trip. In the right weather, you get a great view of Waitemata harbour as you cruise in.
Sky City
Sky City is a much classier establishment than Sydney’s Star City. The casino floor is decorated in a more inviting yellow-brown and the foyer doesn’t have the same air of self-importance.
I dined at the Observatory buffet. The food was excellent, favouring fish and seafood. I did manage to find some roasted NZ lamb rump which was divine. I will definitely need to find more of that before I leave.
The view from the Sky Tower observation deck is spectacular. I was glad to have gone at night with the lights laid out beneath me. I shelled out the minuscule premium to access the higher Sky Deck (230-odd metres – not as high as Rangitoto) and had the place to myself. As you can see, I got some great photos.
