Rangitoto Island
Ways to Experience this attraction
Rangitoto Island, Auckland Overview
Rangitoto Island, a volcanic island located just 25 minutes by ferry from Auckland, is one of the city’s most distinctive natural landmarks. Formed around 600 years ago, it is the youngest and largest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. Visitors can explore its rugged lava fields, climb to the summit for panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, and hike trails leading through native pohutukawa forests. The island is uninhabited and accessible via ferries from Auckland’s downtown ferry terminal.
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.
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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
Departure from Auckland Harbour
| Monday - Friday | Saturday, Sunday, and Public holidays |
| 9:15 AM | 7:30 AM |
| 10:30 AM | 9:15 AM |
| 12:15 PM | 10:30 AM |
| 12:15 PM | |
| 1:30 PM |
Departure from Rangitoto Island
| Monday - Friday | Saturday, Sunday, and Public holidays |
| 12:45 PM | 12:45 PM |
| 2:30 PM | 2:30 PM |
| 3:30 PM | 4:00 PM |
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