Rangitoto Island, Auckland, New Zealand

Rangitoto Island, Auckland Overview

Rangitoto is the youngest and the largest volcano in Auckland's extensive volcanic field. This island can be seen directly from the mainland as its wide symmetric conical shape forms an iconic silhouette in the distance. After taking the ferry from the harbour, which is a picturesque experience, you'll find yourself on this imposing volcano island. Hike up to the top, exploring the black lava caves on the way, to enjoy a view well worth the labour!

The largest of the 50 volcanic Auckland island clusters, Rangitoto is also the most recent. Created as a result of volcanic eruptions close to 600 years ago. The rich volcanic soil sedimented on Rangitoto island resulted in a thriving flora environment with several wild orchid species and over 40 species of fern, making a home of the island. Lava tubes, remnants of the paths that lava flowed through, are also an attraction on the island.

You can view the entire Hauraki gulf, the Waitakere Ranges in the east and the Hunua Ranges in the west. You can also opt for a guided tour on a trail to the summit, getting to know more about the island's history and ecology. The island is also home to the largest forest of pohutukawa trees worldwide.

Timings

There are no timings as such for the island itself but if you miss the last ferry back to mainland Auckland, you will be stranded there. So ensure that you know the ferry timings.

Things to Note

All visitors must ensure that their gear and shoes are well-cleaned and inspected to avoid contaminating the highly volatile and pest-free environment of Rangitoto island.
There are no public facilities or toilet amenities on Rangitoto island so ensure you carry your own water bottles and keep your waste materials with you and carry it out of the island.

Things to Do

Guided Tours

Guided tours of Rangitoto Island give visitors a truly unique and exciting experience. 4WD vehicles take visitors across the island, showing the geographical beauty and diversity of Rangitoto island. The tour culminates at the summit of the volcano, from where panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and the bright lights of the Auckland Harbour abound.

Summit Walk

The Rangitoto Summit Track offers visitors a well-defined path through which to walk through until summit. The 7 km trail goes through lava fields that were formed hundreds of years ago and the world’s largest pohutukawa forest in the world and ends at the summit of the volcano. The gradual incline of the trail ensures that most people will be fit enough to complete the hour-and-a-half walk.

Guided Sea Kayaking Trip/Night Kayaking

For a truly unconventional perspective of Rangitoto Island, jump in a kayak and make your way to the island. Under the cover of dusk, watch the breathtaking sunset from your kayak as you paddle your way to the volcano. Kayak under the starlight on your way back to the beckoning city lights of the Auckland Harbour.

How To Reach Rangitoto Island

Ferries leave at regular intervals from the Auckland Harbour to Rangitoto Island daily, with the ferry journey lasting less than half an hour. Fullers360 is the only ferry operator currently that plies the route from Auckland to Rangitoto Island.

Departure from Auckland Harbour