Rangitoto was definitely a highlight of our visit to Auckland. We had a free day and wanted to get some exploring in, so we took the 10:30 ferry ride on over which was quick and beautiful. The range in microclimate hiking to the summit was fascinating. There were times where it was unbearably hot and then others when it was cool and wet. So interesting! The views, unsurprisingly, were magnificent. read more

See all

We booked this tour through Fullers/360 Discovery Tours. They made it very simple to find the correct dock, pick up our ferry tickets, and hop on board to the island. It was a fun little cruise to Rangitoto and then a very well organized tour and hike once there. We boarded an open-sided cart pulled by a truck/tractor, and it drove us all over the island - with our guide pointing out neat sights along the way, including volcanic fields, old dwellings where the WWII soldiers used to bunk, and some flora and fauna that we passed: birds and pōhutukawa trees (of which Rangitoto is the largest forest in the world). We stopped at the foot of the summit, and those who wanted to venture to the top hopped onto the boardwalk that runs alongside the mountain. It was an easy climb along the flat winding boardwalk, but the views do get a little daunting for those afraid of heights. There is a stop along the way called the crater summit track. Here you can walk around the edge/ring of this very large and very deep volcanic crater. There were lots of beautiful trees and scenic views to stop and see/snap photos of along the way. You can see Motutapu Island from the summit, where it connects to Rangitoto. Our guide said that some people hike from Rangitoto to Motutapu along the causeway connection, but we did not have time for that on this tour. Once we snagged our photos at the top of the summit, we headed back down and then boarded the vehicle again to meander back around the island to the dock and start our journey home. Overall, I would say this island (as part of a tour or a self guided hike with your own ferry pass) is a great way to spend a day. Hiking, beautiful views, and the sights of New Zealand that you don't get from just staying in Auckland! read more

See all

Absolutely awesome way to spend the day. My only complaint is there are only two ferries out 9:30am and 10:30am. Last ferry back is 3:30pm- so early! Super amazing views, lots of great hikes. We hiked to the caves, then the summit, and then to the lighthouse, and took a dip in the black sand Beach. We were very tight on time coming back. From the lighthouse back to the pier it only took us about 50 minutes, but we were lightly jogging , I wish they had later fairies back 330 came and went very fast. read more

See all

Rangitoto Island was the highlight of my family's week in Aukland. We hiked to the top on a sunny day (be careful I got sunburned despite wearing sunblock). It was tough but manageable for a 10 year old. A highlight was definitely the lave caves. It was worth the extra hike to see them. After an exhausting 5 mile hike around the island, it felt so good to dip my legs into the crystal clear water. Definitely take the ferry to Rangitoto and bring snacks and water. read more

If you're here for a short time, and need to fit in some local hiking. Then come here! It's only about a 30 minute boat ride, and think you won't be disappointed. Rangitoto Island offers up some picturesek 360 degree views. You can see Auckland from a good distance, as well as it's island partner Motutapu. There are trails that run all around the island, and shorter trails that direct you straight up to the summit. Upon docking and deciding on which direction you'd like to explore, you'll be captivated simply by the clear water and green foliage everywhere. The beginning brings you through the hellfire of the new rocky landscape that's been carved out by lava. Higher up, there are a few steep parts along the trails, so I'd recommend some good running or hiking boots. It was mind boggling when I noticed people wearing slippers. I just assumed they stuck with the dirt trails versus walking on rocky parts. I mean, to me the highlight was walking through the rough lava caves. So more power to ya if you bring a flashlight as well. It's one crazy experience! Oh yeah, and don't forget to bring water. A group of us went a few days after new years day, and the weather was in the high 70s, hot yet bearable. "Rangitoto Von Stevie Wonder" is what I would rename this volcano! You explore things you've never seen before, and hear birds that you've never heard before. All of it really makes you wonder! So don't forget your camera too. It's a fun challenge mini-adventure! read more

See all

Um... Not sure where those opening hours came from. Keep an eye on the ferry schedule if you come here ;) Rangitoto was recommended to me by a friend to visit, and i'm so glad she did! It was a great place for a relatively easy hike and great views of the area and the city. There are a bunch of places to explore other than the main hike to the summit - the lava caves were cool but maybe a little creepy too since they're so dark and quiet. The baches (beach houses) of old are well maintained and have nice shore views as well. Definitely a must-do if you're visiting auckland and have the time. There are also driving tours that go around the island if you're not much of a hiker read more

See all

I took the ferry from Auckland to Rangitoto one sunny Sunday with my boyfriend. We packed our lunches, water, sunblock, and cameras. (There are no stores and no running water on the island so bring everything you need!!). After living in Auckland for a few months, I was so excited to finally hop onto the island of Rangitoto, which you can see from every beach in Auckland. The ferry ride was quick and when we got off the boat, I was in awe of the natural beauty of this island. It's stunning!! We took the hike up to the top, over the trails of hardened lava. It was really cool to see all of the black volcanic rocks on the way up. We made it to the top in an hour, but the hike was a bit harder than we expected. It's a moderate hike, gradually getting steeper as you go up. The views from the top are amazing. You can see all of Auckland across the water! There is a little walk around the top of the crater that is shady and enjoyable as well. On the way down, we had some time to kill before making it on the last ferry home, so we steered toward the lava caves. We brought headlamps because for once in our lives we were actually prepared. One of the caves can be walked all the way through, it has an exit on both sides. The other two just end a bit in. If you're keen to go in, you could just use your phone flashlight, like everyone else was doing, but the headlamps make you look pretty cool. We made it to the bottom of the volcano with time to spare, so we checked out the historic Bach's (beach houses). They are the cutest and I'd definitely recommend taking a look! I really loved our little day trip to Rangitoto and I'd recommend it to everyone visiting Auckland! A few tips: bring sunblock!! There is no shade at the viewing point up top, and a lot of the trail is sunny too. The NZ sun takes no prisoners, and a lot of our fellow hikers were beet red by the time we boarded the ferry home. Also, the only bathroom on the island is at the bottom of the volcano, near the entrance. If you're not a fan of other people watching you pee, go here before hiking up. Lastly, bring a LOT of water. We brought 4 litres for the two of us and we drank the last of it just before boarding the ferry home. If it's hot, you'll go through it fast! I'd recommend a hat and extra snacks as well. read more

See all

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. Sview read more

Rangitoto Island - Boardwalk track up to the summit. - Local Flavor Near Me - Auckland, AUK

See all

Rangitoto Island serves as the backdrop for many a beach in Auckland. It's pretty stunning really, just a volcano casually hanging out. I think it's one of thsoe things i;ve gotten so used to that it takes a foreigner to get excited about it for me to be like ,'oh yehhh'. I went here on a few school trips and the sound of kids' running shoes walking on scoria has made me nostalgic ever since. most recently my friends took me here as a surprise for my birthday. I was blindfolded while still in bed and then only saw again when I set foot on the jetti on the island. We spent the day doing a Survivor type competition, exploring the island, reaching the summit and wharf jumping. And of coruse eating and drinking. It was such a great day. The island is so peacful and beautiful, you forget how close you are to the city. It has that feel of 'real' New Zealand. Like the foliage, rocks, and animals just seem so...untouched. The few houses or shacks on Rangitoto canlt be bought, only passed down through families, so it will never get over crowded and people that do come here really value it. A really great way to spend the day. read more

See all

Isolated and looming out of the water of the Hauraki Gulf, this volcano can be seen from many locations around Auckland, the Eastern Suburbs and the North Shore. It's so beautiful to look at from a distance, but the island itself can seem a little boring for those expecting more adventure. Hiking up to the summit of Rangitoto is not a particularly arduous walk, taking about an hour, and the view from the summit is spectacular. You really want to set aside a whole day if you're planning on making the trip, and it is quite enjoyable if you pick a nice day and plan ahead with appropriate footwear, food and drink. The scenery on the hike is rather repetitive (lots of volcanic rocks and shit), but perfect for all you geologists and rock lovers out there. There is a little side track too that leads to the lava caves which are not far away from the main path and worth a look. read more

Rangitoto Island - Local Flavor Near Me - Auckland, AUK

I would highly recommend checking out the little volcanic island of Rangitoto while visiting Auckland. A return trip ferry ride is about $30NZD and the ferry leaves two times a day. Just be sure you make it back to the ferry station in time for the last departure from the island - or else you'll have to spend the night there on the island. Pretty easy hike overall. Approximately 2 miles up to the rim of the crater from the Islington Bay ferry station. Flat most of the way until you reach the volcano - quite a bit of stairs to climb, but it meanders around the volcano with several long switchbacks. The view on the rim of the crater is breathtaking. 360 degree view of Auckland and surrounding areas. As soon as I saw Rangitoto from the Sky Tower, I knew I needed to climb to the top of it. There were a lot of people hiking on the gorgeous, sunny, winter day, but if you make your own pace, it's easy to avoid the crowds. Also very family-friendly. Definitely a must do. read more

Rangitoto Island - Downtown Auckland from the crater rim of Rangitoto. July 2014. - Local Flavor Near Me - Auckland, AUK

Thoroughly enjoyed the 2 hour hike to the top of the once volcanic island. Spectacular views of Auckland and the islands. read more

Rangitoto Island - View of Auckland from the summit of Rangitoto Island - Local Flavor Near Me - Auckland, AUK

See all

Rangitoto Island is a dormant volcano located in the Hauraki Gulf. Only 15 minutes from Auckland's CBD by ferry, Rangitoto is a great place to go to for a day trip. It only roughly takes 30-40 minutes to walk from the wharf to the top of the volcano. On the island there is a lot of native life and trees to observe on the way up and down from the summit. It is perfect to come to Rangitoto with a packed lunch, perhaps your togs and a lot of sunblock! It's certainly a day trip worth making. read more

Rangitoto Island - Rangitoto - Local Flavor Near Me - Auckland, AUK

This is an awesome walk to go on on a nice day. Wait till a clear day take the ferry out, when we went it was $30 return each for adults. It takes about an hour to walk to the summit, you get awesome views of Auckland, Waiheke, and the Coromandel on a clear day, pack a picnic and enjoy it at the top. On the way back down, you can detour half way down to the volcanic caves which is cool, make sure to duck going through, it gets a bit narrow! read more

The largest and oddly enough, the youngest volcanic cone in Auckland city and worth the short ferry ride across for the pohutukawa forest, black lava caves and panoramic view from top. A great hike to the summit as well as fun exploration inside the caves/ tunnels- though be warned, you can't completely see what you exactly you're walking into or what creatures are lurking about. Perfect place for a day trip- whether it be a leisurely walk around on the many different tracks, an additional visit to the neighbouring Motutapu Island, swimming or picnic somewhere on the island. read more

A casual hike full of character, only a short boat ride away from the CBD. Yes it is an island, but do not expect a beautiful island paradise, it is not pretty, but it has a different appeal, a stark barren quality which helps to tell the story of Auckland's natural history. One hour to the summit, a tramp is always more satisfying when there is something rewarding at the destination, and the view at the top of Rangitoto is breathtaking. The very pleasant boat ride and the not to physically demanding walk, make Rangitoto an easy, extremely worthwhile afternoon trip. read more

I lived in Auckland for four years before I managed to get out to Rangitoto Island. My man and I got a discount ferry ticket on Grabone and packed a picnic and headed out there for the day. The climb to the top is as easy or as hard as you want it to be. The first time I went I took the little bus half way and climbed the stairs at the top. The second time I took the generic walking trail. The third time we wanted to challenge ourselves a bit and explore more of the island. We went a slightly obscure way up and down, but it was worth it. Got a great work out, getting to the top felt more rewarding and we saw more of the island. Some of the bays around the base of the volcano are really lovely! Remember there are no shops on the island so hit up the supermarket before you come to bring some picnic food with you, and don't leave any litter or anything there! read more

Rangitoto Island is a mysterious place. It looks beautiful and lush from afar, peering across the Auckland Harbour at us. On postcards, usually framed by a Pohutakawa, it's an icon of kiwi summer. But when the ferry pulls over to it, it begins to look...menacing. A dormant volcano, it has a rocky moon-like surface and boy does it emit some heat. Even on an overcast day it feels at least a few degrees hotter. The climb up to the crater is awesome; much of it is board walk as you pass through the scoria rocks. You can stop off on the way to look at caves formed by lava which is pretty cool. It becomes steeper near the top, but once you reach the crater it's worth it. Don't expect a lake of lava (like I did) but the sheer size of the crater is impressive, as are the views back over the city. It's definitely worth the trip over; it's so close on the ferry but nearly like another planet read more

Take the boat from downtown, enjoy the wonders of the volcanic lava covered landscape. Take plenty of water, wear a hat during hot summer days. No shops here. Great views of Auckland from summit read more

This is a quick day trip for sure. The ferry out there isn't too long and it's very beautiful - especially if you catch it on a day where there are a lot of sailors out and about. Great views. The hike itself is a little bit steep, so brace yourself for that...but the view from the top is worth every step. I'm in my 20s, so the hike wasn't really bad at all...but when my friend and I decided to try and race up one of the steepest parts of the climb, I died out pretty quick. It still took us about 45-60min though. Coming back down, there is another pathway that leads to some caves and stuff like that. Definitely go check those out! Very cool to see, and you can squeeze through little cracks and crevices if you're feeling adventurous. Interesting place as people aren't allowed to live there anymore and the only houses that remain are a few near the dock. There is lots of volcanic rock too and that is an awesome experience to see and walk on. Do it! read more