George and Nancy Fohner visited us for 4 days during their month-long trip to New Zealand and Australia. George and I grew up together in San Mateo and our families (4 generations) have been very close friends since before I was born. They were traveling with their two kids, Ben and Ally, and we had dinner at our apartment the night before the kids had to fly home.
The next day, the four of us took the 1/2 hour long ferry ride from Auckland to Rangitoto Island. This is a 5.5km wide volcanic island whose symmetrical cone is 260m high. It is considered the youngest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field having erupted "only" 600 years ago. We hiked for a few hours through the bush, along lava fields and up to the summit.
The next day, we drove about 45 minutes west to the Waitakere Ranges. After visiting the Arataki Visitor Center, we were then equipped with maps to take us to three very special places.
After Miles washed off his very muddy clothes and backpack, we had a picnic lunch and then went on a hike to Wainamu Lake. What we passed along the way was AMAZING: huge, black sand dunes. It was like walking on the moon. There were a few people with boogie boards and they had a lot of fun sliding down the dunes. Climbing back up the steep dunes was a challenge.
Our last stop of the day was to the beautiful Bethells Beach also known as Te Henga. Big, wide stretches of beach and a favorite of locals.
Nancy, George, Miles, me, Ben, Ally
The next day, the four of us took the 1/2 hour long ferry ride from Auckland to Rangitoto Island. This is a 5.5km wide volcanic island whose symmetrical cone is 260m high. It is considered the youngest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field having erupted "only" 600 years ago. We hiked for a few hours through the bush, along lava fields and up to the summit.
Rangitoto Island
Lava fields along the hike
With George and Nancy at the summit
View from summit of Rangitoto to Motutapu Island
Very sharp, moss-covered lava rocks
Lava cave
The next day, we drove about 45 minutes west to the Waitakere Ranges. After visiting the Arataki Visitor Center, we were then equipped with maps to take us to three very special places.
View from the Arataki Visitor Center
Our first hike through beautiful bush was to get close to Cascade
Falls. I say "close" because access to view the falls is difficult and
unformed. (We heard them, though, and they sounded great).
Miles and George walked very carefully up and over slippery rocks towards the falls. Miles climbed down a rounded boulder but could not place his foot on the ground while holding onto the boulder so he pushed off to jump to the ground. This turned out to be STUPID since he did not think that just under the boulder was the opening to a cave. He fell into the cave, spun around upside down bouncing off a few rocks and landed in a mud pool. FORTUNATELY, the cave was not too deep and he did not hit his head on a rock, but he did receive major bruises in a few places and was covered with mud. VERY LUCKY! He could have really smashed himself up dropping into the unknown. Whew! He was able to continue our hike. The bruises on his butt are now a lovely shade of black, blue, purple and yellow and he'll be fine soon.
Along the bush walk
Fern trees
Massive kauri tree
Miles and George walked very carefully up and over slippery rocks towards the falls. Miles climbed down a rounded boulder but could not place his foot on the ground while holding onto the boulder so he pushed off to jump to the ground. This turned out to be STUPID since he did not think that just under the boulder was the opening to a cave. He fell into the cave, spun around upside down bouncing off a few rocks and landed in a mud pool. FORTUNATELY, the cave was not too deep and he did not hit his head on a rock, but he did receive major bruises in a few places and was covered with mud. VERY LUCKY! He could have really smashed himself up dropping into the unknown. Whew! He was able to continue our hike. The bruises on his butt are now a lovely shade of black, blue, purple and yellow and he'll be fine soon.
Glimpse of the falls in the crevice on the left side of the opening
Maori forest guard--maybe he was watching over Miles and kept him safe
After Miles washed off his very muddy clothes and backpack, we had a picnic lunch and then went on a hike to Wainamu Lake. What we passed along the way was AMAZING: huge, black sand dunes. It was like walking on the moon. There were a few people with boogie boards and they had a lot of fun sliding down the dunes. Climbing back up the steep dunes was a challenge.
Black sand dunes
View of the lake--see the tiny sand surfers?
Very steep!
What a hike! So glad it was only his pride,plus his bum, that was bruised. xxxooo M&M
ReplyDeleteWhat an unfortunate fall, Miles. The Maori Forest guard was indeed watching over you. Be wary of hidden caves. Hope you are healed now. Wonderful photos.
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