Rangitoto Summit Track
About the Business
Welcome to Rangitoto Summit Track, located in Auckland, New Zealand. As an establishment, park, point of interest, and tourist attraction, Rangitoto Island offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors.
One of the highlights of Rangitoto Island is the opportunity to explore its diverse and vibrant forest. Keep an eye out for unique bird species such as saddleback/tieke, whitehead/popokatea, kaka, NZ parakeet/kakariki, tui, bellbird/korimako, and tomtit/miromiro. The cone and crater of Rangitoto provide the perfect habitat for these beautiful creatures.
For those interested in birdwatching, Flax Point is a must-visit spot. Just a 30-minute walk from Rangitoto Wharf, this area is home to NZ dotterels/tuturiwhatu and various species of gulls. Additionally, you may even spot native skinks basking on the rocks, adding to the island's natural allure.
Rangitoto is a popular destination for boat enthusiasts. Boats can be easily landed at either the Rangitoto or Islington Bay wharves. If you have a small boat, you can also enjoy the beach at Islington Bay on Motutapu Island, accessible by walking across the causeway to Rangitoto. This bay offers a sheltered anchorage and a chance to explore its serene surroundings.
Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will be delighted by Wreck Bay, located on Rangitoto's northern coast. This area was once a "ship graveyard," where obsolete ships were dumped between 1887 and 1947. The wreckage remains just offshore and attracts a diverse array of marine life. To reach Wreck Bay, take the Wreck Bay Track from Islington Bay Road.
Fishing enthusiasts will also find plenty of opportunities along Rangitoto's rugged coastline. The island's rocky shores offer the perfect spots to cast a line and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
Experienced kayakers can embark on a thrilling adventure to Rangitoto. It takes approximately 2 hours to kayak from the mainland to Rangitoto Wharf. Alternatively, you can kayak from the nearby islands of Motutapu or Motuihe or include Rangitoto as part of a tour of the Hauraki Gulf islands. Guided kayak tours and kayak rentals are available from commercial operators.
Please note that certain regulations and guidelines apply within Rangitoto Island. For instance, it is important to be aware of wasp presence during warmer months and come prepared if you have an allergy to wasp stings. Access to the controlled mine base is currently restricted due to asbestos on-site. Additionally, overnight accommodation is not available on the island, so please ensure you do not miss your ferry back to the mainland to avoid expensive alternative transport options.
To protect the native wildlife and preserve the natural environment, dogs are not allowed anywhere on Rangitoto Island. It is also important to check, clean, and seal your gear to prevent the introduction of pests, soil, and seeds that could harm the delicate ecosystem.
Come and experience the beauty and adventure that Rangitoto Summit Track has to offer. Explore the stunning forest, spot unique bird species, dive into the underwater world, fish off the rugged coastline, and kayak through the picturesque Hauraki Gulf. Plan your visit today and make unforgettable memories on Rangitoto Island.
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Reviews
"Totally worth the ferry ticket. An amazing and unique landscape, the views of the crater at the top are really cool. Great views of Auckland city and the surrounding areas from the top too."
"Beautiful easy enough hike to the top of the old volcano. We did it with 5 and 7 year olds. Just make sure to pack plenty of snacks and water. Comfy shoes are a must. Even though a lot of the track from Islington to the summit had tree coverage it can get pretty hot and humid out there. Well marked and maintained walkways, but some of the rocks can be slippery underfoot."
"Small rocks on all walkways make it slippery under foot. Roads are poorly marked. Erotion due to rain/floods on Rongitoto summit track. Dongas are formed for about 2 km No fresh water on island. Pitt toilets smelly. Last ferry at 4pnm. Not able to do all routes on the island due to poor road conditions that slow you down. NOT an easy climb. Heavy on the feet."
"A straightforward but beautiful hike. Easy enough that toddlers were walking up the trail as well. The lava rocks soak up heat, so definitely bring water as you’ll be sweating. Great views at the summit and not too crowded on a weekday."
"Rangitoto is the youngest and largest of the approximately 50 volcanoes of the Auckland volcanic field, having formed in an eruption about 600 years ago. It was set aside as a recreation reserve in 1890 and became a favourite spot for daytrippers. In addition, Rangitoto and neighbouring Motutapu Islands were officially declared pest-free with both islands. For the ferry schedule, only one outbound ferry can be selected, and multiple return ferry for chosen. If you buy the ticket from the Fullers360 website, you can have approximately 10% off the ticket price. Furthermore, you can still book an overnight bach on the island. Today's track is the Rangitoto summit track, which will cost you an hour and 2.5 kilometers to the viewpoint. There are some attractions that can be reached through the forks along the track, such as Islington bay, Wilson's park track, and Lava cave."
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