Rangitoto Island a very popular Auckland visitor destination
Wednesday, 25 March 2015 by Mark Sandiford
Rangitoto's elongated cone
shape is an iconic image of the Auckland horizon; it is a natural
landmark which holds many hidden gems including a walk to the
summit. Here you can gain a spectacular 360 degree view of Auckland
and the Hauraki Gulf islands.
To experience the beauty and
experience a trip to Rangitoto and the summit is a must-do and a
top Auckland visitor destination for anyone new to Auckland
city.
A short, scenic ferry ride
across the harbour from downtown Auckland brings you directly
to Rangitoto. The Auckland Ferry building is in easy access
from Kiwi International Hotel
and a straightforward walk down Queen St. This easy access makes
the island a favourite destination for day-trippers of all kinds -
local and international, who come to enjoy the majesty of the site,
its geological significance and of course the spectacular views
from the summit.
However, do be warned, there
are no shops or transport on the island and limited drinking water,
so come prepared - bring sun-block, a hat, wear comfortable walking
shoes and if you're keen to picnic, pack a lunch.
Plenty to see and do
Head to the Summit
Walk the 1-hour Summit Track to take in spectacular 360-degree
views from the top. If you'd rather not make the climb or got
little ones in tow, join a guided tour on the 4WD road train to the top.
Rangitoto offers so much in terms of exploration that you should
allow for at least four hours discovery time. Within this period,
and during your climb to the summit, you will traverse lava rock
formations and fields and lush, green forests. About 15 minutes
from the summit there is a track leading to the right, taking you
to lava caves. These are most definately worth exploring, perhaps
call in on your way down - summit first, the rest later?
Go underground
Take a torch to explore the lava tunnels and caves on the
Island. The caves are not immensely deep, some are
simply shallow caverns in the lava, while others are natural
tunnels formed by lava flows, they are however very dark so take a
torch. Pluck up some adventurous spirit, have fun and explore but
do tread carefully, the darkness and uneven lava flow ground, with
twists and turns could be your ankles' worst nighmare.
An added extra
Motutapu Island is a lovely added bonus that is attached to
Rangitoto Island by a causeway established during World War II.
Loved by hikers and those with an adventurous spirit, there is the
option, if you're interested to camp overnight. The Department of
Conservation's Motutapu Island campsite is at Home Bay and Fullers' Motutapu Island ferries
run directly from Auckland to Home Bay, making your trip home nice
and easy.
Time to explore
The rugged lava fields and dense pohutukawa forest make for a
dramatic and 'perfect for exploration', kind of landscape. Venture
over the causeway and explore the walking trails on Motutapu Island
where there are World War II bunkers, tunnels and gun
emplacements.
Water lovers have the option
of taking a guided sea kayaking trip from Auckland out to Rangitoto
- the adventurous can even try a night kayak, where you head out in
the early evening to watch a spectacular sunset from the summit
before paddling back in the dark under the stars towards the
glowing lights of Auckland city.
A regular daily ferry
service from either downtown Auckland or Devonport Wharf makes
getting to Rangitoto easy and convenient. Click here for timetable information. From Kiwi International
Hotel, the Auckland wharf
and Ferry Building is a straight forward walk directly down Queen
Street.