Ripa Island

Roaming the outdoors today - a visit to Ripapa Island (locally called Ripa Island).

We crossed Lyttelton Harbour via the ferry to Diamond Harbour, then walked right around Purau Bay until we reached the island.

Ripa Island has a chequered history, including being used as a pa (fortification built by Maori)  in the early 19th century and as a walled fort to defend Lyttelton Harbour in World War 1 and reoccupied in World War 2, though no action was seen.  It also housed prisoners of war during World War 1.

There has been no public access to the island since it sustained earthquake damage in 2011.  So today we sat on the beach across from the island and enjoyed the harbour scene, and the sense of history.