Eyes Above The Waves

On Saturday we went out on my parents' boat for a day trip to Motutapu Island. The boat always brings back many precious memories to me, of spending a decent chunk of each summer holiday on it cruising around the islands of the Hauraki Gulf when I was growing up. The Gulf is one of the best things about Auckland. You can reach many wonderful places by ferry --- Rangitoto, Waiheke, Motuihe, Tiri Tiri Matangi, Kawau, Great Barrier --- but to make the most of it you definitely still need a boat of your own.

Motutapu is adjacent to Rangitoto. The two islands are very different --- Rangitoto a brand-new volcano, barren and wild, Motutapo old sedimentary rock, grassy and operated as a farm, lovely in its own way. The Department of Conservation is gradually restoring Motutapu's forest cover, which is excellent although a very long term project.