first day of doing stuff

So today I went down to the wharf and caught a ferry to Rangitoto island. It’s the most recent and biggest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. The island is pretty much untouched. They’ve worked hard to rid it of invasive species... they make you check your shoes for dirt and seeds and your bags for stray ants and rats (!) before you go. There are bathrooms right where you get off the ferry but there’s nothing else. You have to pack your own food, water, etc.

I climbed the main track to the summit, then circled around the crater rim and climbed back down just in time to catch the ferry back to town. It’s very cool... the terrain is a mix of black crumbled lava and really rich and varied plant life. When you get to the top you have a great view of all the surrounding islands as well as the Auckland skyline.

When I got back this afternoon I grabbed a quick sandwich and took it to Albert park, which has REALLY cool trees that I wanted to climb but refrained.

After that I walked around the shops for a bit (all too expensive for me) and came back here. Tomorrow I leave for the Bay of Islands!

Behold: pictures!