Rangitoto Island

A symmetrical volcanic island that erupted from the sea about 600 years ago, Auckland's youngest and largest volcano. A one-hour summit track offers views over the entire Hauraki Gulf and the city skyline.

Rangitoto Island lies across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland's harbour. It erupted about 600 years ago and is the youngest and largest of the Auckland volcanic field. It rises 260 meters, and from any shore in the city it appears as a symmetrical cone. The island has no soil, only black basalt lava flows, yet it supports the world's largest forest of pōhutukawa (the “New Zealand Christmas tree,” which blooms with red flowers in December) and more than 200 native plant species. No one lives on the island, and it has no rats or possums, making it an important bird sanctuary.

Highlights:

1) Summit Track: starting from the Rangitoto wharf, it takes about 1 hour one way over 2.4 km, with a moderate gradient. The crater loop and viewing platform near the top offer 360-degree views of the Auckland skyline, the North Shore, and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.

2) Lava Caves: on a side track near the summit. Bring a torch. You can walk through them.

3) Remains of 1920s–30s holiday cabins (baches) and old military installations at Islington Bay.

4) A coastal track from the Rangitoto wharf to Islington Bay, which continues across a causeway to the connected Motutapu Island, where camping is allowed.

Getting there: Fullers360 ferries leave from the Downtown Ferry Terminal and take about 25 minutes. The return fare is about NZ$45, with roughly three sailings a day. The last return sailing departs between about 15:30 and 17:00 depending on the season, so be sure to confirm it. For those who don't want to walk, the Volcanic Explorer ferry-and-tractor tour is an option. You can also join a sunset kayak tour and paddle over to see the night view.

Notes: The island has no shops, drinking water, or shade, so bring at least 1.5 liters of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Before going ashore, check that your shoes and bags are free of soil, seeds, and rodents (biosecurity). The lava surface is sharp, so wear sturdy footwear. If you miss the last boat, you will be stranded on the island. Pets and fires are prohibited.

Rangitoto Island

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Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby