Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island
4.5
About
This volcanic island, which last erupted 600 years ago, offers bird-watching, swimming, fishing, walking trails, colorful flora and spectacular views from the summit of its cone-shaped mountain.
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  • MumbaiRiders
    Mumbai, India2,025 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Rangitoto Island
    Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland. The 5.5 km wide island is a symmetrical shield volcano cone capped by central scoria cones, reaching a height of 260 m(850 ft).Emerging unexpectedly from the sea some 600 years ago, it is the youngest and largest volcano of the 48 Dormant volcanoes in the Auckland volcanic field.Rangitoto means 'Bloody sky' in Maori language and is thought to refer to the serious injury of a Maori chief during a battle on the island. Roads and tracks allow visitors to walk over lava fields and through lava caves (tubes left behind by the passage of liquid lava).It is densely forested with tree's and on arrival at the jetty realized that this island was excellent for trekking to the peak through forested pathways.It has the largest forest of Pohutukawa trees in the World, a indigenous tree of New Zealand. Rangitoto is approximately a 30 minutes ferry journey from Auckland Port with the ferry having a stop-over at Devonport .
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written April 22, 2024
  • mahatinu
    276 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    An OK half day, but if you have limited time in Auckland then maybe better to try and see more of the city than doing Rangitoto
    In Auckland our cruise ship was docked right in the heart of the city, and just a short walk away from the ferry terminal. We had pre-booked tickets for the 915am Rangitoto ferry, as it was a Saturday and it's a popular crossing. About 30 minutes to get to Rangitoto, and then it's 60 to 75 minutes trek to the top to see the crater. There's some benches at the top to sit and have your sandwiches, before heading down. We got the 230 ferry back to Auckland and we're there early, but I think trying to make the earlier ferry would have been very tight for time. Overall, it was an ok day out, and we were tired at the end of it so just went back to our ship without seeing much else in Auckland. If I had a day in Auckland again I would probably do something else and try to see a bit more of this city.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 13, 2024
  • Judy
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great idea for a half-day trip.
    The Rangitoto Island has a lot of charm and I would definitely recommend taking a ferry from Auckland and visiting it. It’s a perfect idea for a half-day trip. Rangitoto it’s a small, volcanic island with beautiful views from the summit and a little cave. 2-3 hours are enough to climb the highest peak, make a loop around the crater and visit the Lava caves. There is no shops, nor restaurants there, so it’s necessary to bring water and something to eat.
    Visited December 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written December 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Larissa K
Auckland, New Zealand186 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Family
This is a great day out in Auckland especially for family/friend groups.
I would recommend buying your ferry tickets online to avoid the hassle of having to buy them prior to boarding or avoiding missing out (especially peak times like school holidays, weekends, summer) on the ferry time you want, although there are several times per day.
Excellent views at the top. Walk straight to the summit or do other walks around the volcano.
Summit walk is 1 hour to the top, we took less time coming back down.
Take food and water (no shops), only toilets available. Take a jacket or be prepared for the weather/season you go in.
Cell phone reception available. I am with Vodafone and it worked fine.
Cafe available on the ferry if needed.
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

thaisfuncia
Sao Paulo, SP360 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
Was such a great experience. The island is very closed from Auckland, just 30 minutes by ferry. The ferry family price is good and we were able to spend a day out trekking on the island. You have to take your snacks and plenty of water as there is none or nothing other then toilets at the island. We did the summit track and lava tubes. Which was great! The day was perfect as it was not sunny; only cloudy but still warm. We took the 10:30 ferry and returned at 2:20 pm. Was a nice getting started trekking for my daughter
Written January 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jason F
72 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Friends
Booked the ferry a few days beforehand and pleased we did, as it was busy on the day. We decided to take a long route up and down, to avoid the crowds, and if you have time to do the same, I’d recommend it - we only passed a handful of people apart from at the top where it was much busier. The total route we took was 9 miles and this includes quite a bit of elevation. The track is smooth and wide in a lot of places, but uneven and rocky in others. We wore proper walking shoes, which helped a lot, as a minimum you’d need sturdy shoes for a comfortable walk. There are no cafes etc on the island so remember to take plenty of food and drink and to take your rubbish home with you. We saw a number of different birds, including saddlebacks.
Written January 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

FredRocha
Rio de Janeiro, RJ74 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
A nice small volcanic island just 25minutes north by boat from Auckland. I suggest to take a boat soon in the morning (09:00 is very OK) because in the afternoon the environment is very hot there. The boat ticket costs 39 NZD round trip. Take with you plenty of water (I suggest 2 liters per person) for you to drink there because there is no water in the island and no place to buy water or food or soft drinks there. Prepare some sandwiches, fruits and snacks or any food you want to consume along the day.The trails in the island are well indicated in terms of the way to you to follow, although the indications usually shows only the time between points and only few show the distances (in Km) between points. For those intending hikking along the trails in the island it is better to remain in the Rangitoto island because the trails in the connecrted island Motutapu are mostly along a grass landscape and thus, you walk under so hot and under strong heat from sun. You should start your journey walking upto the Volcano summit where the crater of the volcano and there is a great 360o view of the island, including the other islands and Auckland bay. From there we followed in the trail to Islington Bay Wharf where you have a very nice beach thst you can swim. We had a nice picnick in the Inslington wharf and after it, we returned to Rangitoto wharf by the coastal track. To opt for this track be aware that along most of this trail you will walk on and among rocks of volcano lava on very irregular ground and sharp rocks. Use good trail shoes and do not use sandals. At the end of this trail you have a rest area and toalets and clear water where you can swim (so, take your watersuits with you), while you wait your boat to came back to Auckland. All of our journey tooked 17.3 km along trails and about five hours. Be aware that the last boat departs from the island to Auckland 5:00 PM and if you lost it you must pay a very expensive taxi boat to return if yoy are not prepared to camp in the few available indicated camping areas.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sophie
78 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Couples
The views at the end make it worthwhile. Given there is only one feasible way up, as well as everyone arriving on the same boat, expect some foot traffic on the way up. Would recommend going back down a different (less direct) route for a more peaceful walk. It is a lovely escape from the city, and would definately take advantage of stopping off in Devenport on your return.
Written June 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

creativecrew
Allentown, PA2,351 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Friends
So easy to explore this newly formed volcanic island (it erupted 600 years ago) without a guide or tour group. Simply purchase the ferry tickets at the wharf and be mindful of when the last ferry leaves for return trip (or you’ll pay dearly for them to gone get you and your fellow adventurers off the island.)

Easy to use the hiking map to figure out which path you want to take and the map shows the amount of time each section of the walk takes to complete.

Signs at the dock tell the history of the island and explain the lava rock formations and species of plants and birds on the island. Interesting history of how years ago this was a weekend bungalow destination for families. But now come for day trips and leave nothing behind. Bring water with you and only take photos—none of the unique rocks or plants!
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AprilCDansie
Guildford, UK161 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Couples
We booked our ferry crossing online the night before as there was only one crossing that day. When we arrived for ferry they were turning away walk ups as they were fully booked. Before boarding we were told that there would only be 1 return ferry and not the 3 that were advertised. The ferry dropped us at the alternative drop off point, we only told this once we got off the boat. Ferry issues aside we had a great walk up to the crater. Easy walk with steps at the peak. Bring lunch and water.
Written January 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

redjasper
166 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Solo
Rangitoto _is_ worth doing once!

I was glad to have purchased only the ferry ticket with no tour on a day where there is no ferry in the port.

I recommend taking the clockwise route to McKenzie Bay as there are far fewer people, there is more to see and the bay itself is a nice place to stop for lunch. From what I could gather, the tourist route is shorter, steeper and less fulfilling if you expect a workout.

The timings given on the signs are wide overestimates for seasoned walkers, and the route mostly follows the road takenby the tourist train: catching the 9:15 ferry, the round trip, including stops to admire views and the crater rim walk was an easy 3.5 hours. I could have lingered more at some sites as I was back in plenty of time to meet the 2:30 ferry.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael C
61 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Couples
I am 70 years old and I almost made it to the top. What stopped us was the very uneven gravel track and the unpredictable weather. The usual drop off was closed. Everyone had to start at the far right of the island which made a far longer walk than we had anticipated.
Written November 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Colin
Charlotte, NC7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Something about standing on an island that was only around 600 years old was pretty cool. If you’re adventurous then bring some tennis shoes or hiking shoes and head to the top. I would consider it a moderate hike.

Once at the top you can take a few pics and the do a short 15 minute trek around the rim. On the way back to the ferry we detoured to see the ferns and kauri trees.

While we were waiting on the ferry, we checked out a few of the old summer homes, or batches as they call them. The last ferry is at 4:30p, so don’t miss it. Apparently that’s an expensive mistake.

Bring water! There is none available on the island, but you can buy it on the ferry. There’s also a grocery about half a mile from the ferry port in Auckland and water is only $1 NZ a bottle which is much cheaper.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Rangitoto Island - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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