Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto Island
4.5
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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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- Pippa HLondon, United Kingdom87 contributionsWonderful day outWonderful day out, lots of good walks which are well marked on the maps you get from the ferry, some steep and some flat depending on your capability. Saw lots of gorgeous flora/fauna, and there are a good few signs around explaining the geography/biodiversity. Just make sure you bring water/food as there is nowhere to buy on the island, although be sure not to leave any litter, and make sure you check the ferry times (there was only one out at 9am the day we went) and make sure you're back in time for the ferries as there aren't that many per day. Great day if you have some time in AucklandVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 November 2023
- Lachlan MQueenstown, New Zealand297 contributionsAwesome volcanic islandGreat day trip to Rangitoto. Sailed from Auckland central, around 40 minutes. Plenty of trails and tracks to explore on the island - the summit track is definitely worth the hike up. Easy to spend a whole day, ensure food and water is takenVisited March 2023Travelled soloWritten 28 December 2023
- thaisfunciaSao Paulo, SP338 contributionsGreat Vulcanic IslandWas 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 daughterVisited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 15 January 2024
- MumbaiRidersMumbai, India1,903 contributionsRangitoto IslandRangitoto 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 2024Travelled soloWritten 22 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
2,219 reviews
Excellent
1,427
Very good
683
Average
91
Poor
11
Terrible
7
Larissa K
Auckland, New Zealand187 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 26 April 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, NC7 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.
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 9 February 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 Zealand117 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 16 March 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
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 29 January 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 Republic11 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 11 January 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.
thaisfuncia
Sao Paulo, SP338 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 15 January 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.
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 16 June 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
Melbourne, Australia1,946 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 17 March 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 Zealand190 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
But slippery on the volcanic rocks coming back down so make sure you wear appropriate shoes.
A must do in NZ
Written 22 January 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, UK160 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 14 January 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 1 March 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 25 May 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 20 December 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 21 December 2018
Wieviel kostet die rangitoto Fähre und wo fährt sie ab
Written 20 January 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 20 January 2018
Hi,
May I know must i need to join any tour to Rangitoto Island and Waihehe island?
Thanks
Shane
Written 17 February 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 18 February 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 18 December 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 18 December 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 22 November 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 15 December 2016
Betherwk
Eden, Utah
Do we need to make reservations for the ferry, or can you just walk on?
Written 10 February 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 11 February 2016
How do you get around at Rangitoto? Do you rent a car once you arrive on the island?
Written 11 May 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 12 May 2015
If we choose the 4WD option, can we get out to see lava caves etc?
Written 2 May 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 11 May 2015
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