Address
The Den
Allenby Avenue
Devonport
Auckland 0624
Contact
Email:
1stdevonport@group.scouts.nz
Den phone (emergencies):
09 442 0020
Scoutsville
Our Rangitoto Bach
Scoutsville is a tramping hut on Rangitoto Island, also called ‘the Bach’, which is managed and operated by 1st Devonport Scout Group. We hire it out to other Scout groups and to Guide groups to allow everyone in the scouting movement to enjoy the unique environment of Rangitoto Island. We do not hire Scoutsville to private individuals.
The Bach is nestled in a grove of pohutukawa trees near the beginning of the summit track, just a few minutes walk from Rangitoto wharf. It has a kitchen with an LPG stove, but there is no electricity, there are no toilets and water comes from collecting rainwater from the roof. As accommodation goes the Bach is, needless to say, very rudimentary – but as no camping is allowed on Rangitoto Island, this is one of the few places where you can stay on the island overnight.
Scoutsville’s maximum capacity is to sleep 10 people. The main room has 9 berths as triple-decker bunk beds, plus there is a fold-out couch and a ‘leader’s bed’ in the kitchen.
We also have a badge which you can purchase if you stay at the Scout Bach, cost $5. Please add this to your total fee when you book. Here is the Challenge Sheet you can use for your cubs or scouts to complete to earn the badge.
Boats to Rangitoto
Fullers ferry: Fullers
Private water taxi: Auckland Sea Shuttles
For further information, please contact Christopher Jones (027 612 8751 or rangitotobach@gmail.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
For things to do on Rangitoto and how to prepare for your trip, see Rangitoto Island: Places to go in Auckland. Some of the big ideas:
- A swim off the wharf
- Get stuck in the mud at low tide
- Sunset hike to the top of Rangitoto
- Go down into Rangitoto crater
- Star gazing from the Parade Ground
- Explore the lava caves – bring a torch!
- Fishing off the wharf
- Plenty of walks
- Orienteering and compass work
- Discover the shipwrecks!
- Conservation project
- Bach culture – read the info boards, visit Bach 38
- Bring over boats for water activities
- Make flax/driftwood boats and sail them across the bay
- Hike to Motutapu, explore the guns & camp at Home Bay
- Litter collection on the shore line
- Collect driftwood
- Weed busting (ask DOC for advice)
The 1st Devonport Scout group was first issued a lease to camp on Rangitoto Island in Dec 1914 by the Rangitoto Domain Board. From 1918, the Devonport Borough Council allowed permanent buildings to be erected and the Scout Bach was built during early summer of 1923 under the direction of Scoutmaster AE Knowles. There was a grand opening on 9th February 1924, presided over by the Deputy Mayor of Devonport and over 200 guests and on 17th March 2024, we celebrated 100yrs of the Bach with 100 guests and a magnificent cake!
There are enough sleeping areas for a maximum of 10, with nine on the bunk beds. There is a couch which folds out into a bed and a ‘leaders’ bed in the kitchen area. There can be no sleeping outside – this is defined as ‘camping’ by DOC and is expressly forbidden.
No. There are plenty of plates, bowls, cutlery and mugs. Pots, pans and the frying pans are old but function fine. You need to bring your own tea towels, hand towels and black bin bags (for rubbish) and you should also take cooking oil, soap and your own matches or lighter.
There are no toilets at the bach but the public toilets are about 50m away and are open 24hrs. You do not need to bring toilet paper.
Cost to hire the bach is $50 booking fee plus $10 per person per night. Payment is needed in advance to secure the booking. Please pay by online banking to 38 9018 0831532 00 with reference “Rangitoto Bach” and your Scout Group.
The door is secured with a combination padlock. Once we receive your paperwork and FULL payment you will be emailed with the combination number. The combination changes from time to time.
There is no electricity so it is essential that you bring your own torches or lanterns. The stove runs on LPG and a gas bottle is provided. There is also a spare bottle there. If one runs out, please let us know – but leave the bottle there. Open the shutters fully before trying to open the windows or this will strain the hinges.
You can drink the water from the kitchen tap but it is collected rainwater so its a good idea to boil it first! If you can, please bring your own water supplies.
About 200 metres from the wharf. It is the first bach that you come to on the left when heading away from the boat, on the corner where the road forks. It’s the scout green building with purple shutters!
There are to be no fires outside. There is a complete fire ban over the whole of Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands. There is no camping allowed on the island so tents can’t be pitched outside. DOC monitors this closely. Any group that is found to be lighting fires outside will be asked to leave the island. If using candles for lighting, do not leave them unattended. Take great care if you use the wood burning stove.
There is a list of jobs that need to be done to clean up before you leave: the bare minimum is to sweep the floors and clean the kitchen surfaces and make sure all pots, plates, cutlery etc are clean.
Contact Bach Officer
Christopher Jones
027 612 8751
rangitotobach@gmail.com
On 17th March 2024, we celebrated 100yrs of the Bach with 100 guests and a magnificent cake!
This sign was carved from a piece of Rangitoto driftwood by Jason Taylor, a Cub and Scout leader of many years at 1st Devonport.