Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto Island
4.6
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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mahatinu
Surrey275 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
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.
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.
Written December 13, 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.
CaesarBrutus
Boston, MA568 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful hike which should not be considered easy, unless you regularly hike rocky hills. Give yourself plenty of time of time before the ferry back. As long as you give yourself plenty of time for breaks and climbing, plus do not have mobility issues, this is doable.
There was no tram option where the ferry dropped us off. People could just hike around the lower portion, with no climbing to the lava caves or the volcano summit. Is still very pretty at the bottom.
I stopped going up at the turn off for the lava caves; I’m not sure what I was expecting, but was interesting. You can climb through different caves. Some look kind of like regular caves, some are tight but open up enough to stand (don’t recommend if claustrophobic or having hard time fit in tight area), others can walk through and have interesting sides of the caves. I thought climbing to these would be easier than climbing to the summit. On the one hand, it was not as steep as I heard it became towards the summit, but the path was less well defined & much more rocky.
The rest of my group finished going to the summit. They all made it, but did say it became much more difficult after I left them and much more steep. They did say it was beautiful at the top and looked like a lush rain forest.
We should have booked a later ferry back and given us more time to hike and look around the island. Many reviews stated it was an easy hike . However, if you do not hike at baseline, especially in tough terrain, recommend you ignore that.
Give yourself at least twice the time most state to summit, specially if you also want to see the lava caves. If you are the usual person; when I was coming down, even the athletic people going up looked beat, at about the half way mark.
See pictures for easy part vs more difficult parts of hiking.
There was no tram option where the ferry dropped us off. People could just hike around the lower portion, with no climbing to the lava caves or the volcano summit. Is still very pretty at the bottom.
I stopped going up at the turn off for the lava caves; I’m not sure what I was expecting, but was interesting. You can climb through different caves. Some look kind of like regular caves, some are tight but open up enough to stand (don’t recommend if claustrophobic or having hard time fit in tight area), others can walk through and have interesting sides of the caves. I thought climbing to these would be easier than climbing to the summit. On the one hand, it was not as steep as I heard it became towards the summit, but the path was less well defined & much more rocky.
The rest of my group finished going to the summit. They all made it, but did say it became much more difficult after I left them and much more steep. They did say it was beautiful at the top and looked like a lush rain forest.
We should have booked a later ferry back and given us more time to hike and look around the island. Many reviews stated it was an easy hike . However, if you do not hike at baseline, especially in tough terrain, recommend you ignore that.
Give yourself at least twice the time most state to summit, specially if you also want to see the lava caves. If you are the usual person; when I was coming down, even the athletic people going up looked beat, at about the half way mark.
See pictures for easy part vs more difficult parts of hiking.
Written March 13, 2025
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.
Zimminaroundtheworld
Okinawa Prefecture, Japan1,983 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
I highly recommend a day trip to Rangitoto Island from Auckland. It's a 30 ish minute ferry ride. You pretty much come here to hike, so keep that in mind. There are no stores or anything on the island so come prepared for the day and wear comfortable clothes. The hike to the summit was easy and scenic. I also di the coastal trail which was my favorite. It took about 2.5-3 hours to complete the summit and coastal trail. The landscape was unique, you pass lava fields and beautiful coast lines. Just remember when the ferry departs, you don't want to get stranded!
Written February 7, 2025
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.
Judy
Dubai, United Arab Emirates16 contributions
Dec 2024 • Solo
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.
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.
Written December 29, 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.
MumbaiRiders
Mumbai, India2,028 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
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 .
Written April 22, 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.
Larissa K
Auckland, New Zealand186 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.
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
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
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
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
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.
Which beach did you swim at? On the ferry site's map there are no "recommended" beaches on Rangitoto, only Motutapu. Thanks
Written March 1, 2019
Shoreline of Rangitoto is volcanic, so not suitable for swimming unless you are very brave! Plenty of bayside beaches around Auckland Harbour - take your pick
Written May 25, 2019
We would love to go to Rangitoto but can only take the 12:15 ferry. That only gives us a few hours on the island. Is it worth it?
Written December 20, 2018
Absolutely! You will have enough time to climb to the summit and return to the pier if your pace is slow. With a brisk pace you would get to the small beach at the other side of the island beyond the crater, and return to the pier in time to get to the ferry.
Written December 21, 2018
Wieviel kostet die rangitoto Fähre und wo fährt sie ab
Written January 20, 2018
Auf der Homepage von Fullers findet man alle Zeiten und ich denke auch Preise. Sie fahren vom Auckland Habour ab (das schöne alte Gebäude). Preis erinnere ich nicht mehr genau, vielleicht NZD 20-30. Fahrr dauert nur 25 Minuten...
Written January 20, 2018
Hi,
May I know must i need to join any tour to Rangitoto Island and Waihehe island?
Thanks
Shane
Written February 17, 2017
No you can just ferry over and walk around anywhere you like. Free maps are Available and the tracks are all well marked.
Written February 18, 2017
How is the summit walk going up? Is it shaded by trees or all out in the open? Planning to go on a sunny day but that might be scorching hot without shade?
Written December 18, 2016
It is shaded half the time if not more. It get's steep but it is a path on an incline not climbing steep rocks. There are some stairs on the way not a lot but there are as you reach the summit which have various decks/landings coming off them. I wore jeans which were uncomfortable as you do need to lift your knees. I would suggest shorts and a light jacket only if the weather looks like it will be cold or wet. There is shelter as you get off the ferry, where the paths breaks to go to the lava caves and at the summit.
Take a hat as it gets hot on a sunny day.
Have fun!
Written December 18, 2016
hi there I was wondering on a scale to 1-10 how hard is the hike up. me and my mom who is 60 and gets tired quite quickly on uphill ..would you recommend it?
Written November 22, 2016
It's a 3/4. Totally parent friendly. Take your sandwiches and have them at the very good look out at the top and have a good break.
Written December 15, 2016
Betherwk
Eden, Utah
Do we need to make reservations for the ferry, or can you just walk on?
Written February 10, 2016
Might be best to book the ferry as February is a busy visitor month in Auckland. Also if you need help getting to the top and a commentary about the Island it is best to book the tractor/train ride.
Written February 11, 2016
How do you get around at Rangitoto? Do you rent a car once you arrive on the island?
Written May 11, 2015
This is a hiking island mainly. there is a small trolly to take you to the top if you want to wait. i didnt see it when we there. teh walk to the top took about an hour. i am not a hiker but enjoyed it.
Written May 12, 2015
If we choose the 4WD option, can we get out to see lava caves etc?
Written May 2, 2015
You will probably have to hike 15-20 minutes down from the summit to see the lava tubes. I would ask Fullers and see if this is possible.
Written May 11, 2015
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