Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation trust website, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. The islands' unique geological and natural attributes are of international interest. The three Bach Settlements of Rangitoto Wharf, Islington Bay and Beacon End are also of national importance

AMP Financial Services



KIWI BACH WINS UNESCO HERITAGE AWARD

Bach 38 Before and After

A humble kiwi bach on Rangitoto Island has made the big league by winning an international award
for heritage conservation – a first for New Zealand.
(read full stroy here)

 

Auckland Heritage Festival

The Auckland Heritage Festival is on from
20 September - 5th October.
More info here

   

 

Kowhai Grove sign at WharfWelcome to Rangitoto Island, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand.

Rangitoto Island, part of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, is a dominant landmark of Auckland, New Zealand. Situated 35 minutes by ferry from Downtown Auckland, the islands' unique geological and natural attributes are of international interest. What is less known is that the three Bach Settlements of Rangitoto Wharf, Islington Bay and Beacon End are also of national importance.

Domain Board signThe bach communities on Rangitoto Island were built in the 1920's and 30's and consist of private holiday dwellings and boatsheds as well as communal facilities such as paths, swimming pool, community hall and tennis courts. Built by families, using the scarce resources of the Depression era, the buildings demonstrate the 'kiwi' do-it-yourself, jack-of-all-trades attitudes of the times.

As a result of a prohibition order on further buildings in 1937, the remnants of the communities reflect this specific time in Auckland's development and as a result they are part of local history involving typical New Zealanders in a unique environment.

Because other bach communities, which were prevalent throughout the country, have virtually disappeared, the Rangitoto bach settlements are irreplaceable artefacts of New Zealand's architectural, and social history and therefore are important beyond their locality.

Key facts about Rangitoto Island

Maori name: Rangitoto, derived from the phrase 'Te Rangi i totongia a Tamatekapua - the day the blood of Tamatekapua was shed'.

Location: Auckland City, map reference NZMS 260: R11/762888

Height: 260 m

Age: Formed about 600 years ago (ca 1400 AD)

Volume lava: about 2,300 million cubic metres (equivalent to 468,000 Olympic sized swimming pools)

Volume tuff/ash/pyroclastics: about 19 million cubic metres (equivalent to 3,800 Olympic sized swimming pools)

 

Major financial sponsor - AMP Financial Service Limited

Major financial sponsor
AMP Financial Services Limited

 

Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust

 

Archives

Newsletters / Latest newsletter
Heritage Notes / Communications
History / A timeline of events
Bach Life / The communities
Architecture / Character baches
Restoration / #38 / #114
Membership / How to join
Submit / Stories & Photos
Contact / How to get hold of us
Bach 38 / Open Day Images

Major financial sponsor
- AMP Financial Services Limited

Weather for Rangitoto today
Check out what the weather is doing over the Auckland area.

Tide reports - Check out the high and low tide for Auckland area

How to get to Rangitoto:
Fullers ferry timetables and pricings.

Reubens Water Taxis
Wharf to Wharf at a time that suits you - 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We service the greater Hauraki Gulf so we can drop you on one of the many un-inhabited beaches, perfect fishing spots or to join a friends boat. Freephone (within NZ) : 0800 111 616

Rangitoto Island ships' graveyard
Wreck Bay and the adjacent coastline of Rangitoto is a graveyard for at least 13 ships that were dumped on the island between 1887 and 1947.


Latest News


NEW STUFF

Kiwi Bach wins International Unesco Heritage Award - a first for New Zealand. More info here>>

The Auckland Botanical Society publication "Natural History of Rangitoto Island" is available for purchase. More info here>>

New Community Forum Checkout the RIHCT Forum. A place to post your news, discuss ideas and checkout when the next working bee is on. View here>>

If you dig down from the volcano cone through the centre of the earth you would end up here>>

Sign our guestbook

If you have any fond memories, photos or funny stories submit them for inclusion on this site.

Suggestions for improving the site or information that should be included is most welcome. Contact Andy by email

 

© copyright 2003 - 2006 Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust