Photo: Rangitoto Island Mission Bay New Zealand

A beautiful view of Rangitoto Island from the shores of Mission Bay on the North Island of New Zealand.

White billowy clouds have almost taken away the blue sky above Rangitoto Island with darker ones moving in bringing with them the possible threat of rain. From the sandy beach of Mission Bay in Auckland, New Zealand, one can enjoy the view of Rangitoto Island and the surrounding coastline scenery.

Rangitoto is a large volcano, but a fairly young one that has not erupted in the last six hundred years. The island was not visible until the eruption happened which pushed the land through the ocean floor to where it has remained since. It sits above the surface of the water at a height of approximately two hundred and sixty meters.

Rangitoto Island is a very important landmark of Auckland, New Zealand and can be easily accessed by a ferry leaving from the downtown core. A thirty-five minute boat ride takes you to the rare geological and natural world of Rangitoto Island which has become a worldwide interest. ... continue below the picture...

This picture is part of the photo album "New Zealand Pictures" - there are more beautiful images waiting for you.

... Once island bound, explore the volcanic landscape where a variety of mosses, plants and trees flourish. Pohutukawa trees adorn Rangitoto Island, in fact, it happens to have the largest Pohutukawa forest found throughout the world.

Wander the trails and hike to the summit to stand atop a volcano and see the picturesque area around Mission Bay on the North Island of New Zealand.

Rangitoto Island seen from Mission Bay, Auckland, East Coast, North Island of New Zealand.