Home Bay Trip

Location: Rangitoto

Date: 29-30th February 2025

Author: Emily Clark

Participants: Quite a number of folks

Greetings friends. This little beginner-friendly trip was a good one. 

First off, I am proud to say that everyone in the group made it in a timely manner to the ferry terminal; which is no insignificant feat given there were about 25 of us! It seems like the existential threat of open ocean swimming with 50 pounds of gear really makes you punctual. 

The boat ride itself was smooth, and the sky lovely and clear. We spread out along the bottom deck, chatting and getting to know one another. Once we disembarked, it was easy to forget about the $58 ferry ticket when you saw the untamed majesty of Rangitoto. We took a group photo on the wharf; all 20 or so of us huddled behind the stunner that is the AUTC flag (which made quite a number of appearances on the trip).

The first leg of the journey was to hike up to Rangitoto Summit. The path was absolutely covered with dark igneous rock which produced a satisfying crunch with each step. The further we walked inland the more tree cover we were blessed with.The sun and its UV felt like it was working in overdrive so everyone was delighted - and very sweaty- when we reached the top. At the summit you could see 360 degrees all around. The Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour, Waiheke, our glorious president squatting on a lookout, and a picturesque lighthouse by the shore were all visible. Plus a cute Kuera family! 

Rested and recovered, we trundled down to Rangitoto’s caves, which were absolutely awesome. We split up into five or so groups and had a blast creeping through the dark passages. Some had roots coming down from the roof which made you think a weird ghost was tickling your hair; Another had this unreal porthole view carved into its ceiling, with ferns and moss cascading down. Everyone made it out alive and well, no inopportune sprained ankles, and our motley crew made it back up the path. 

We broke bread, much to the joy of my weary compatriots, on the isthmus between Motutapu and Rangitoto. It was interesting seeing the scenery change from old growth bush to lush green pastures. Taking pictures of the cows was a nice respite after we climbed a number of those rolling hills. Some were of the opinion however, that cows are evil creatures - “those big eyes aren’t doleful they’re full of hate “- but nonetheless everyone had fun. 

The last few kilometers were rather ominous. The rainclouds had slowly been crawling from AKL CBD, further and further towards us. At this point, Motutapu seemed the only place that hadn’t been doused. Joyously, we made it to Home bay dry but a tad sunburnt, and everyone zipped off to set up camp. 

Then came the rain… 

A game of football was started up. Some brave people volunteered their crocs/shoes to be goalposts and watched them get absolutely soaked in the downpour. Around 4pm, there was a collective decision that a swim was most in order. The rain had lessened a little, but the ocean was still roiling from the winds. Despite the turbidity, the water was very pleasant. A few people were diving about, some were playing catch, and others bobbing up and down with the waves like wee ducks. The clouds did give way to rain once again, which added to the rather peaceful milieu.

With no picnic tables or tarps and quite a wet sky, dinner prep was tricky. Everyone had to run over to the toilet block near the trailhead to cook. It must have been quite the site to see 25 people absolutely soaked, huddling under the iron eaves of the men’s bathroom. Most of us beginners brought easy meals like Mi Goreng, Up and Go, and pasta, but the illustrious senior members of the crew had a full spread going on! 

For over  an hour they laboured away making a camp style Shepherd's pie. It had all the accoutrements: dried peas, mash, lots of mince, and gravy. I unfortunately was too engrossed in Uno to ask how it tasted but my hopes are the toil was worth it. 

There was just enough semi-dry space to play some cards as well as eat. I had brought an Uno deck, and soon we had a 10 person game going on. The cards definitely got a tad soggy, but that added to the charm of it. There were some truly spectacular plays: I think one round someone got absolutely suckered by a +2, +4, +4 combo. Truly devious.

Dinner petered off nearer 7, some folks started to cook up some hot chocolate, others washed dishes, or wandered back to camp. The rain had let up her grip a tiny bit, now just a light shower, but the grass was still soggy. 

A variety of gaming groups split off; I believe there was a group playing Coup, another playing Snap, and finally a group of nine playing BS. I was in that last group and, boy, was it fun. Nine people in a three person tent hunched over a deck of cards? yessir , that’s gonna be great. We learned a cool new version of snap as well (where you count from ace to king and slap the card if it matches what number you’re saying). Our backs were sore by the end but the vibes were well worth it.

Everyone had a relatively early night, going to their tents just after the sunset at 9pm. Physical exhaustion brings the greatest sleep

The camp was slow to rise on Sunday morning. We didn’t have to rush packing up with the ferry being at 4pm. A few brave AUTC’ers went on a morning trail run to see the sunrise; later the pukeko woke the rest of us up. Later, some people partook in a morning swim while waiting for tents and various clothes/towels to dry. 

Around 11 we departed, waving the AUTC flag high and proud. People were quick to move through the pastures, making it back to the isthmus in just over an hour. At the beach we had lunch and settled down to chill. That late morning energy overtook some of us though and we devolved into wrestling. At one point there were concurrent matches of yoga, croc, and finger wrestling going on. All was well and someone’s chill playlist permeated through the beach. 

At 1pm we started moving again. A couple of us took lead and accidentally made it back to the wharf in an hour, which was just in time to try and snag the 2:30 ferry! We managed to get on, and then 20 minutes later a few other AUTCers made it as well. Just like Saturday, we had a grand old chat on the way back, and like the true young adults we were, shared our instas.  

Myself and a few others decided that our 3mph pace was deserving of a victory icecream! So, we went to the posh Duck Island ice creamery by Commercial Bay- massive packs still on- and ordered ourselves a scoop. (I tried the fairy bread flavour for the first time, and I can’t believe it genuinely tasted like butter?!) 

Overall, a great trip, with lots of new AUTC members getting to know the club and the tramping experience for the first time. We hiked roughly 20 kilometers, weathered rain and caves, and played a lot of jolly card games :). 

Rangitoto: 10/10