Rangitoto Summit Track

The day hike around Rangitoto Island is a perfect getaway from the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and an excellent way to explore the geology and beautiful scenery in the area. Rangitoto is the largest and youngest of Auckland’s volcanic cones, and it can be reached by a short and scenic ferry ride just across the harbor from downtown Auckland or Devonport Wharf. Rangitoto Wharf is reached by public ferries, while Islington Bay Wharf can be reached only by private boats. Experienced kayakers can spend approximately 2 hours of paddling to reach Rangitoto wharf from Auckland’s shore.

Hikers can choose a guided tour of the area, or easily hike the summit following free maps from the ferry terminal on a journey that is approximately 1 hour each way. The island trails traverse rugged lava surfaces, so it is recommended that hikers bring sturdy walking shoes. There is also no food or water on the island so hikers must be prepared for this day trip and carefully observe the ferry schedule.

The recommended track to the summit is the summit track from Rangitoto wharf, where there is a summit lookout loop and lava cave tracks that hikers can crawl through. Hikers looking for a longer route can take the Coastal Track or the Wreck Bay Track, but this significantly extends the day hike. Hikers can also extend the hike slightly by following the Summit Road down to either the east or west to one of two trails that lead back towards the start of the hike.