Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto is a dominant feature on Auckland's landscape. The Island is a mere 8 kilometres northeast of Auckland but can easily seen throughout the region. The 5.5 kilometre wide island has a distinctive symmetrical shield volcano cone standing 260 metres (850 ft) above Auckland's Hauraki Gulf.

Rangitoto Island is the largest and most recent of the 50 or so volcanoes that form the Auckland volcanic field.

A regular ferry service to to the island allows visitors to experience the largest Pohutukawa forest in the world and numerous long and short walking trails. Of course, no visit is complete without the trup to the summit to take in the spectacular views of the Gulf, the Waitemata Harbour and of course Auckland city.

The walk to the summit takes approximately 45 minutes. An excellent alternative is the Auckland Explorer which offers an informative guided commentary aboard a tractor driven carriage. 

There is no visitor accommodation, toilet facilities are at the wharves and it is advisable to take enough drinking water.

The ferry takes 25 minutes from Downtown Auckland while it's a 10 minute ferry from Devonport. Visitors should allow 4-5 hours for the trip. The ferry departs daily at 9.15am and 12.15pm (9.25am and 12.25pm from Devonport).