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 a 'Challenge Sheet' you can use for your cubs or scouts to complete to earn the badge.

How to book

Bookings for Scoutsville need to be made a minimum of two weeks before the date you wish to stay there. To book, read and follow these booking procedures carefully:

1)  Check the Booking Calendar to see if the Bach is available on the dates you wish to visit. This is the definitive calendar so if there’s nothing showing on the dates you want, then it is available. Booking Calendar

2)  Read the Terms & Conditions and Information sheets.

3)  Download & complete the Scouts Booking Form. This must be physically signed by your Group Leader. Scan & email to rangitotobach@gmail.com

4)  Pay the $50 booking fee (single night) or $75 (more than one night) to 1st Devonport Scout Group’s Kiwibank account number 38-9018-0831532-00. Please note your booking fee is unrefundable in the event of a booking cancellation. Your dates are reserved only when the Booking Form and the booking fee payment have both been received.

Ten days at the latest before you are due to depart:

5 )  Make your hire payment of $10 per person per night to 1st Devonport Scout Group’s Kiwibank account number 38-9018-0831532-00, if still outstanding. You can pay this at the time of booking if you prefer.
Please note: failure to pay the hire fee when due (minimum 10 days prior to the Booking) will result in the automatic cancellation of your booking.


If you want special Scoutsville Rangitoto badges, just tell us how many you want and add $5 per badge to your payment. You can use this Challenge Sheet to help your Cubs or Scouts attain this badge...

Once your documents and hire charge have been received, you will be sent the combination code for the door of the Bach and a final list of reminders and information. This will include a reminder of the Biosecurity requirements for staying on Rangitoto as stipulated by DOC.

PLEASE NOTE: Keas are not allowed to stay at the Bach as the facilities there do not conform to the SANZ stipulations for a Kea Sleepover. If you are unfamiliar with the details of those requirements, please ask your Zone Kea Leader for training.

Boats to Rangitoto
Fullers ferry: Fullers
Private Water Taxi: Auckland Sea Shuttles

For further information, please contact: Christopher Jones 027 612 8751
Email: rangitotobach@gmail.com

Rangitoto Bach - General Information

How many does it sleep?
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.

Do I need to bring pots, frying pans, cups, cutlery etc?
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.

Toilets
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
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.

Combination Lock
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.

Gas & Lighting
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.

Do we need to take water?
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.

How far from the ferry is it?
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!

Fires
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.

Clean Up
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.

Great things to do on Rangitoto…

• 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)

  
  

On the History of the Scout Bach:

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!

Historical Photographs of Scouts on Rangitoto
History of the Scout Bach on Rangitoto Island