It might be hard to believe that in Auckland, a city of 1.6 million people, there are major tourist attractions many of the city's permanent residents have never visited in their life.
One particular location is such an Auckland icon many of us have spent hours looking at it - but a lot of us have never set foot on it.
A study undertaken by Fullers360 has found that over 65 percent of Aucklanders haven't visited Rangitoto Island for more than 10 years and 40 percent have never visited the island at all.
The research was released to promote the announcement that Fullers360 is releasing special fares on its Rangitoto Island services.
Starting next week, return family passes for two adults and two children will be available for $99.
Rangitoto Island facts:
- Rangitoto Island is the highest natural point in Auckland - 64m higher than Mount Eden, which is the second highest
- The island is a predator-free sanctuary teeming with native and endangered wildlife, including forest birds such as kererū, korimako, tūī, piwakawaka, tauhou and ruru
- Wreck Bay on the island is sometimes called a 'ship graveyard'. Ships were scuttled in the bay from the 1880s until around 1950. At the time, sending the ships to the seafloor was considered the most cost-effective way of getting rid of them
- The island formed as a result of eruptions which took place over a period of 200 years, and it is believed Rangitoto was last active 500 years ago.
"This is a great opportunity for Kiwis to support New Zealand experiences and destinations by exploring one of our famous natural landmarks and take in the views of our largest city," Fullers360 CEO Mike Horne said.
From March 30, Fullers360 will run three sailings to Rangitoto Island every day.
