Rangitoto is the largest, most recent and least modified volcano of the Auckland Volcanic Field. It forms a near symmetrical cone at the entrance to the Waitemata Harbour. By sea kajak it takes about 90 minutes from Okahu bay to Rangitoto island. A visit at the top of Rangitoto around midnight gives a great view of the Hauraki gulf. - I recorded this picture (shown here at reduced resolution) with a digital Canon PowerShot.
`Rangitoto' is derived from the Maori phrase "Te Rangi i totongia a Tamatekapua the day the blood of Tamatekapua was shed". Tamatekapua was chief of the Arawa canoe which arrived about 1350 and was engaged in (and lost) a major battle with the Tainui at Islington Bay.