Rangitoto Island longer walks
Track category
Walking track
Description
Track times are indicative only. Please ensure you have plenty of time to complete your walk and catch the ferry.
Lighthouse walk to McKenzie Bay
Time: 2 hr 30 min one way from Rangitoto Wharf; 3 hr 45 min one way to summit
Astelia in fruit, Rangitoto Island
This walk winds along the coast to McKenzie Bay, one of the two natural sand beaches on Rangitoto, and a good picnic and swimming spot. The road continues on to the summit for those who want a longer walk.
Rangitoto Wharf to summit to Islington Bay
Time: 2 hr 30 min one way
Take the Summit Track from Rangitoto Wharf and at the summit follow Summit Road down to Islington Bay. This is a good walk if you can arrange a ferry pick up at Islington Bay – make sure you check the ferry timetable first as Islington Bay stops are seasonal.
Coastal Track from Rangitoto Wharf to Islington Bay Wharf
Time: 2 hr 30 min one way
This coastal walk passes many remnants of human activity – boatsheds and baches near Rangitoto Wharf, old quarry sites, ruins of war time storage bases for mines, and Yankee Wharf built during World War II. Islington Bay is a popular for swimming, picnicking and as a yacht anchorage.
Note: Sections of this track are over broken lava fields and the footing is rough and uneven. Good foot wear is essential.
Inland route from Rangitoto Wharf to Islington Bay Wharf
Time: 1 hr 30 min one way
This alternative route to Islington Bay passes along a road built by prisoners. The road continued over the causeway to Motutapu Island.
Islington Bay Wharf to Home Bay (Motutapu Island)
Time: 1 hr 45 min one way
From Islington Bay, cross the causeway to Motutapu Island. A walk over farmland and cliff tops leads to Home Bay, where there is a DOC campground.
Islington Bay Road to Wreck Bay
Time: 1 hr one way
The Wreck Bay Track takes a twisting route to a bay on the northern side of Rangitoto. Wreck Bay and the adjacent Boulder Bay where once used as a dumping ground for old ships. The remains of some ships can still be seen at low tide.
Note: Sections of this track are over broken lava fields and the footing is rough and uneven. Good foot wear is essential.
View across Rangitoto to Motutapu Island
Getting there
A number of private ferry operators run trips to Rangitoto Wharf and some to Islington Bay Wharf.
Take care not to miss your ferry back as there is no overnight accommodation on the island and alternative transport to the mainland is expensive!
Islington Bay is a popular anchorage for private boats.
Rangitoto is also accessible to experienced kayakers. It takes approximately two hours to kayak to Rangitoto Wharf. Several kayak operators offer kayak rentals and guided kayak tours to Rangitoto.
For details of all services check with the Auckland Visitor Centre.
Transport on the island
Fullers operate a tractor train ride from Rangitoto Wharf to the summit. Phone +64 9 367 9111 for bookings and details. There is no other public transport on the island.
Plan and prepare
Aerial view of Rangitoto Wharf
- Bring water with you - there are no supplies of drinking water on the island.
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential to cope with the island's rugged lava surfaces.
- Bring a sunhat and sunscreen - heat rays reflecting off the lava can be intense.
Rangitoto is now pest free - looking after the island
You can help ensure the long term success of keeping pests off this island and preventing reinvasion. Before you leave the mainland or travel between islands in the Hauraki Gulf, please:
- Check your boat or kayak and gear for rats and mice, Argentine ants, rainbow skinks, soil and seeds.
- Clean footwear, clothing and gear of soil and and seeds – weeds are a problem on the island.
- Pack luggage and all food you are bringing to the island in rodent-proof containers – no open bags/boxes/containers or plastic bags please.
- Leave your dog or other domestic pets at home – dogs pose a risk to the native species on this island.
- View the biosecurity information brochure for visitors to the Hauraki Gulf (PDF, 389K)
Read more about Treasure Islands
Related links
Guides and commercial tourism providers