Complete Guide to Rangitoto Island: Ferry, Hikes & Day Trip Tips

Plan the perfect Rangitoto Island day trip. Ferry details, summit hike, lava caves, coastal walks, and tips for exploring Auckland’s volcanic icon.
Just off Auckland’s coastline, Rangitoto Island is the city’s most recognisable landmark, a volcanic cone rising out of the Hauraki Gulf. Covered in pōhutukawa forest, rich with birdlife, and famous for its summit views and hidden lava caves, it’s one of the best day trips you can take from Auckland.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit, from catching the Rangitoto ferry, to the best walks, what to bring, and tips for making the most of your day.
Getting to Rangitoto Island
Kayakers approach Rangitoto Island across Auckland’s harbor.
The easiest way to reach Rangitoto is by ferry. Hop on the Rangitoto Island ferry for a quick 25-minute ride from Auckland’s downtown ferry terminal (or from Devonport) to Rangitoto Wharf. Ferries run regularly during the day, but be sure to check the latest timetable and plan your return (more on that in the tips section). For the more adventurous, you can even kayak to Rangitoto, it’s about a two-hour paddle for experienced kayakers. Several operators offer guided kayak trips, including special sunset or night kayaking tours that let you watch the sun dip behind Auckland’s skyline from the summit and paddle back under the stars. Arriving by kayak or ferry, you’ll pull into a small jetty at Rangitoto Wharf, where your island exploration begins.
Hiking to the Summit
The most popular adventure on Rangitoto is the hike to its summit. The Summit Track is a well-formed trail that takes about an hour of steady walking each way, winding through rugged black lava fields and lush pōhutukawa forest. Along the way, keep an eye (and ear) out for wildlife – the regenerating bush is alive with birds, and you might spot rare native species like the saddleback (tīeke), whitehead (pōpokatea), or bright green kākāriki parakeets flitting among the trees. As you near the top, the trail leads to the edge of the crater; you can walk a short loop around this volcanic crater rim and marvel at how it’s now filled with dense forest. Just off the main path, a signposted side trail (about 15 minutes each way) leads to some hidden lava tubes – caves formed by old lava flows (more on these below).
Reaching the peak, at 260 m elevation, is truly rewarding. You’ll be greeted with 360° panoramic views – eat a picnic lunch while gazing out at Auckland’s skyline, the emerald islands dotting the Hauraki Gulf, and the distant ranges on the mainland. On a clear day you can see as far as the Waitākere Ranges to the west and the Coromandel Peninsula to the east. If you’re not up for the full hike, there is also a guided 4WD tractor tram (road train) tour that can take you most of the way up the mountain, allowing you to enjoy the summit views with minimal effort. Whether you walk or ride, standing atop Rangitoto’s summit – with Auckland spread out before you and volcanic landscape all around – is an unforgettable experience.
Exploring the Lava Caves
One of Rangitoto’s unique highlights is exploring its lava caves. Just off the summit track, look for signposts to a short trail leading to these cave-like tunnels, which are actually lava tubes left behind by flowing lava from the island’s eruption. There are two main lava tube caves accessible to visitors; the largest stretches about 120 m long, with several entrances where parts of the roof have collapsed. Bring a good torch (flashlight) – once you venture away from the cave entrance, you’ll be in complete darkness underground. Inside, the experience is otherworldly: the air is cool and damp, and your torch beam illuminates walls shimmering with mineral hues – iron and sulfur deposits have stained the lava rock in eerie shades of yellow, orange, and purple. The ground can be uneven, so watch your step as you crouch and wander through these tunnels. It’s a fun adventure for kids and adults alike, and a chance to literally walk through the heart of a volcano. (Tip: The caves are easiest to explore with two people – one to light the way and one to watch footing – but single travelers can manage fine with a bit of care.)
Other Trails and Activities
While the summit hike is the main event, Rangitoto offers more to discover for those with extra time or specific interests:
- Coastal Walks: If you’re keen to extend your trek, try the Lighthouse Track, a roughly 2.5-hour (one-way) walk that winds along the coastline to the secluded sandy beach at Mackenzie Bay. It’s a lovely spot for a rest or a swim on a hot day. Another option is hiking to Islington Bay on the island’s far side. This route follows a coastal road past historic baches (old Kiwi holiday cottages), boat sheds, remnants of old quarries, and even some World War II–era storage bunkers hidden in the bush. Walking through these sites is like stepping back in time. From Islington Bay, you can cross a short causeway over to Motutapu Island, Rangitoto’s older sister island. Motutapu offers a basic Department of Conservation campground at Home Bay, so you could even camp overnight on Motutapu if you plan ahead (Rangitoto itself has no public camping — more on that below).
- Historic Baches & Museum: Rangitoto once had a community of around 30 rustic baches built between the 1910s and 1930s, and many of these charming little cottages still stand today\. As you explore near the coast, you’ll see some of these vintage cabins tucked by the shoreline – a glimpse of Kiwi holiday life decades ago. By the main wharf, be sure to stop into Bach 38, a restored bach that has been turned into a small museum. This tiny seaside cottage museum is filled with 1930s furnishings and photos, offering a fascinating look at how people used to “holiday” on Rangitoto in simpler times. It’s a perfect add-on while waiting for your return ferry.
- Snorkeling & Diving: For a completely different adventure, Rangitoto even has something for underwater explorers. Just off its coast lies Wreck Bay, a spot where at least 13 shipwrecks from the early 20th century now rest on the seafloor. Over the years these wrecks have become artificial reefs teeming with marine life. If you’re a diver or confident snorkeler (and have your own gear or a tour guide), you can explore this underwater graveyard of boats – a haunting and beautiful experience as fish dart through the rusted hulls. The water can be chilly and the site is off the usual tourist path, but it’s a memorable excursion for those inclined. (Note: Always dive with a buddy and take safety precautions; if unsure, join a guided diving trip.)
Tips for Visiting Rangitoto
To make the most of your Rangitoto Island trip, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Bring supplies: There are no shops or cafés on the island, so pack plenty of water and food for the day. Also, there are no public rubbish bins: what you carry in, you must carry out. Leave no trace to keep the island pristine.
- Wear sturdy shoes: The terrain is very uneven and rocky in places due to all the lava rock. A good pair of walking shoes or boots will make your hike much more comfortable. Open sandals are not ideal on sharp volcanic rock.
- Sun and heat protection: Much of the volcano’s surface is black lava rock, which can get extremely hot in the sun and reflects UV rays. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and consider lightweight long sleeves. Even on cooler days, the sun can be intense out there.
- Beware of wasps (in summer): Wasps are known to be present on the island, especially in the warmer months. If you have allergies to stings, carry your medication (e.g. an epinephrine pen) and be cautious when walking near bushes or eating outdoors.
- Protect the island: Rangitoto is pest-free, which means no dogs or other pets are allowed (even on leash) and you should check your bags and shoes for stray seeds or insects before boarding the ferry. Keeping pests off the island helps native birds and plants thrive. There are inspection stations at the ferry departure, use them to clean your shoes of soil and brush off any plant material.
- No fires or BBQs: Open fires are prohibited on Rangitoto, and that includes portable BBQs or camp stoves. The island’s bush is very dry in summer and the volcanic landscape is fire-sensitive. Don’t risk it – bring a packed cold lunch instead of planning a cookout.
- Mind the last ferry: Plan your day so you don’t miss the final ferry back in the afternoon. There is no accommodation or regular transport on Rangitoto if you get stuck after the last ferry leaves (and private water taxis, if available, would be very expensive). Give yourself enough time to walk back to the wharf well before the last ferry departure, and double-check the return schedule when you arrive.
- Overnight stays: Camping is not allowed on Rangitoto Island (to protect the environment). There are also no hotels or public huts here. The only way to stay overnight on Rangitoto is to rent one of the limited historic baches (cottages) through a special arrangement, or to camp on Motutapu Island next door (which is connected by a causeway at Islington Bay) where there’s a designated campground. Unless you’ve made those plans, assume you’ll be returning to the city by end of day.
Visiting Rangitoto Island is an incredible opportunity to experience Auckland’s natural and historical heritage up close. Whether you’re a local looking for a refreshing weekend outing or an international traveler seeking a unique adventure, this volcanic island will not disappoint. From the moment you step off the ferry onto ancient black lava shores, to the time you’re standing on the summit with the world at your feet, Rangitoto offers a memorable journey through New Zealand’s fiery geological past and its vibrant present. Enjoy your trip, take lots of photos, and don’t forget to tread lightly so this treasure remains intact for future generations!