Rangitoto Island Things to Do Tips by keeweechic

A Distinctive Icon

The island is fairly unique because its quite symmetrical in shape. It has become a local icon to Aucklanders. The Island is right at the entrance to the Waitemata Harbour . The distinctive shape can be seen all over Auckland.

Address: Rangitoto Island

Take A Bumpy Ride

When you arrive at Rangitoto you have the option of a grand tour around the island or do it yourself by either walking or eliminating the 1 hour hike to the summit and taking the islands tractor pulled road train (the Rangitoto Explorer) to the top which will take around 30 mins one way. This way you get to see some of the island both on the way up going one side, and coming down the other side. Beware though the ride is bumpy and noisy over a gravel road.

Address: Rangitoto Island

A Steep Climb But Worth It

The tractor ride will drop you off at the bottom, 900 metres from the summit, and you will return there to catch your ride back down again.

There is a good hike via a boardwalk to the summit. There are handrails to assist you but if you’re not fit, its quite a climb.

Address: Rangitoto Island

Spectacular Views

Once reaching the summit you will have 360 degree views of Auckland, the North Shore, Whangaparaoa Peninsula and the outer islands in the Gulf.
The cone of the crater is steep and 60 metres deep.

Address: Rangitoto Island

The Hauraki Gulf

The Hauraki Gulf has more than 1,500 sq. nautical miles of cruising and has been the perfect venue for the America's Cup yacht race.

There are many sheltered anchorages and deserted beaches around the numerous islands.

Address: Rangitoto Island

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is considered to be one of the most biologically and geographically diverse marine parks in the world.

Rangitoto is just one of the 48 islands within the park which is administered by the Department of Conservation.

Address: Rangitoto Island

Island History

The Crown purchased Rangitoto in 1854 and it was designated a public domain in 1890. During the 1920s and 1930s prisoners built the stone walls, handpacked roads and trails on the island. Some of the Bach sites which were built and leased to help pay for island developments. Are now preserved as historic buildings. During World War II there were extensive defence installations on the island which including a fire command post on the summit.

Address: Rangitoto Island

Old Lava Flows

As you tour back down the island you will drive past bare lava fields, lava caves, pillars and tunnels and different types of lava flows which are remnants of the Islands volcanic activity.

Amazingly even with these seemingly barren areas, the island hosts over 200 species of native trees and flowering plants. There are more than 40 kinds of fern and several types of orchid – all seem to have adopted strange behaviours because of the unusual conditions

Address: Rangitoto Island

Pohutukawa Forest

The island is covered in pohutukawa trees, which are regarded as the New Zealand Christmas tree. In fact the island's predominantly pohutukawa forest is the largest in the country.

Address: Rangitoto Island