Delamore Lodge

Stoney Batter - history and walks

by kiwigal_1

The rock formations on Stony Batter are large andesite boulders deposited as a result of volcanic activity 8 million years ago probably from the Waitakere volcano that ran down underwater slopes as a lahar and settled out in isolated sites of the ancient sunken Waitemata basin. The boulders might have got their shape through weathering by water getting into the cracks over hundreds of thousands of years and breaking and rounding them. Most likely the boulders are smooth and round because they came from a lahar. A lahar is a raging river of mud, melted snow, and ice that flows down the unstable steep slopes of a volcano usually in direct response to heavy rainfall. The rolling and turning in this rapid downward flow smoothes the edges of the rock.

You can get here by car only. There are a few walks around the area - check with the local i-site for a brochure on Waiheke walks.

Waiheke Island (off the coast of Auckland)

by jaycee1401

"Waiheke Island - Onetangi Beach"

Above picture of me and a mate in Onetangi beach fishing at sunset. This island is so relaxing and extremely friendly people. I loved it.

Waiheke Island was a much needed find for me. I was in Auckland at the time and can honestly say it was the worst city of my travels. I met some good people but it seemed as though every English backpacker in the world was there, not what I was looking for, so I got up at 5am one morning, packed my backpack and headed to the harbour. I jumped on a ferry to Waiheke which is about 45 minutes away from Auckland. I stayed at the islands only hostel which made me feel right at home. The beach is stunning and clean with built in BBQ in the central area. I safely hitchhiked around the island in a few hours, strangers greeting you in the street with a smile or a good day, could of stayed there forever. The island was so peaceful, almost untouched by the busy city 45 minutes away, I loved it.