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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  • FredRocha
    Rio de Janeiro, RJ72 contributions
    Rangitoto: a great full day when in Auckland
    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.
    Visited January 2020
    Written January 18, 2020
  • creativecrew
    Allentown, Pennsylvania2,334 contributions
    Skip the organized tour and just ride the ferry to this cool island!
    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!
    Visited December 2019
    Traveled with friends
    Written January 4, 2020
  • redjasper
    171 contributions
    Worth doing once
    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.
    Visited February 2020
    Traveled solo
    Written February 27, 2020
  • Larissa K
    Auckland, New Zealand69 contributions
    Great day out in Auckland
    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.
    Visited April 2022
    Traveled with family
    Written April 25, 2022
  • Colin
    Charlotte, North Carolina11 contributions
    Fun Hike
    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.
    Visited February 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 8, 2020
  • FranciscaVergara
    Auckland Central, New Zealand124 contributions
    Walk with friends
    It is a nice spot from where you can see also the city of Auckland. I highly recommend to go with hiking shoes and plenty of water and some snacks because there is no drinking water in the island nor markets to buy food. However, the walk is quite short (maybe 2.5 hours total) so you don’t need much to eat.
    Visited May 2019
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 16, 2020
  • Jason F
    27 contributions
    Beautiful views and an enjoyable walk
    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.
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written January 29, 2023
  • Lspicko
    Dominican Republic12 contributions
    Great family hike
    Our family of four enjoyed the hour-long hike on Rangitoto Island. The views were lovely along the way and simply spectacular at the top. Be sure and bring water and snacks as there is no availability on the island. You could purchase some limited snacks on the boat but EFTPOS wasn’t working on our vessel on the day and we had limited cash. Ferry service was prompt and smooth even with wind and choppy conditions. Highly recommend.
    Visited January 2020
    Traveled with family
    Written January 11, 2020
  • Sophie
    75 contributions
    Lovely Views
    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.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 16, 2023
  • Ali_Hawkins
    Wellington, New Zealand2,149 contributions
    Very interesting
    This is a very interesting place to visit - there is a four-wheel-drive tractor which can pick you up from the ferry and take you around the island to see the interesting lava flows. Also, you can go to the summit and enjoy the view across back to Auckland city. You need to take a bush track up to the summit, including along a boardwalk, which is about 15 minutes. The whole island is really interesting and quite scenic, with great views from all around.
    Visited March 2020
    Traveled solo
    Written March 17, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Larissa K
Auckland, New Zealand69 contributions
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.

Colin
Charlotte, NC11 contributions
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.

FranciscaVergara
Auckland Central, New Zealand124 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
It is a nice spot from where you can see also the city of Auckland. I highly recommend to go with hiking shoes and plenty of water and some snacks because there is no drinking water in the island nor markets to buy food. However, the walk is quite short (maybe 2.5 hours total) so you don’t need much to eat.
Written March 16, 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.

Jason F
27 contributions
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.

Lspicko
Dominican Republic12 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Our family of four enjoyed the hour-long hike on Rangitoto Island. The views were lovely along the way and simply spectacular at the top. Be sure and bring water and snacks as there is no availability on the island. You could purchase some limited snacks on the boat but EFTPOS wasn’t working on our vessel on the day and we had limited cash. Ferry service was prompt and smooth even with wind and choppy conditions. Highly recommend.
Written January 11, 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
75 contributions
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.

Ali_Hawkins
Wellington, New Zealand2,149 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
This is a very interesting place to visit - there is a four-wheel-drive tractor which can pick you up from the ferry and take you around the island to see the interesting lava flows. Also, you can go to the summit and enjoy the view across back to Auckland city. You need to take a bush track up to the summit, including along a boardwalk, which is about 15 minutes. The whole island is really interesting and quite scenic, with great views from all around.
Written March 17, 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.

AnnaNZPorirua
Porirua, New Zealand156 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
It's been on my list of things to do in Auckland for a while. Finally took the ferry to Rangitoto. Very few people went the same day as us, so we basically had our pick of seats. Don't forget at present you need to wear a mask on the ferry. Lots of cool information boards on the way up to the summit. We walked to the lava caves on our way up.... very cool but do take a torch (especially if you have kids - give them the torch). The last 15 mins up to the crater is a bit of a slog but the view at the top is magic and we had it all to ourselves!
But slippery on the volcanic rocks coming back down so make sure you wear appropriate shoes.
A must do in NZ
Written January 22, 2021
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, UK162 contributions
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.

Ted R
Great Dunmow, Essex158 contributions
Mar 2020
We had a "spare" day when nothing had been scheduled and decided to visit this dormant volcano. Once again everything worked together for us, the views were stunning, all of the people on the tour were great and our guide/driver, Mark, was very informative, extremely helpful and incredibly amusing (he reminded me very much of the late Clive James). We went by four-wheel drive tractor and passenger trailer, which, unless you are very fit and like walking over uneven surfaces, is a must. The (unmade) road (which was hand-built by convict labour in the 1800's) was somewhat rough and our guide took us to the base of the summit where there was a very good boardwalk leading up to the top. The island has its own unique flora and fauna which is able to grow thanks to the mould which forms on the volcanic pumice/basalt.the views were stunning (see attached pictures). The history of the island and its (past) inhabitants was fascinating and included things like the historical society (surprisingly) deciding to remove some of the bachs (pronounced "batches") that had been built for the convict labourers.
Written March 12, 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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