Rangitoto is a volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf
near Auckland, New Zealand.


It erupted from the sea by a series of dramatic explosions that occurred only 600 years ago. The largest forest of Pohutukawa-a coastal evergreen, shows off a peak mass of red blossoms in December, hence the nickname New Zealand Christmas Tree. Two hundred other species of trees, orchids and 40 types of ferns all depend solely on rainfall for their moisture.