Rangitoto Summit Track

Require a ferry to get to this island. There are 3 services into the island and 3 out and if you miss the last ferry, you would end up stranded here. There aren't any shops or drinking water, but toilets are there at the dock. Ensure to carry food and water when visiting. It can get hot on days when the temperature is slightly above, so make sure to have enough water/hydration. The summit was is a easy to medium hike and can be done by most fit people. If interested, there are another two routes around the island besides a side track walk to the lava caves. In the lava caves, one of the cave can be entered and exited on the other end. Require good physical maneuvers and adequate lighting to do so for anyone who are interested.

Rangitoto is a very unique hike up a volcano that was active about 600-700 years ago. You will be spending majority of the journey going up but I recommend taking your time to keep your heart rate in a Zone 2 level. Don't let others rush you on this hike and if your with a group and you can identify who the slowest member is then put them at the front so the slower folks don't get put through the meat grinder. I would highly recommend lots of water, hydralyte, hiking shoes or proper trainers and workout or hiking gear to wear. Great views above and the lava caves are unique. The paths can be very uneven so take care and watch your footing. Pack a lunch or snacks and enjoy at the top of the summit. You definitely need a moderate level of fitness on this hike but don't rush it.

Good variety of walks in addition to the Summit track, which is about one hour one way. I returned to the wharf via the Mackenzie Bay route so I could see the lighthouse. Suggested timing is 2.5 hours; you may do in less time. It just depends perhaps on how much time you spend on the beach. Have a look at the island map before you go along with the ferry schedule. It's definitely good for all ages. Bring water, food/snacks, and sunblock. Great views! Debatable on cost given all the beautiful tracks on NZ.

Beautiful volcanic island. Bring your own water and food as you cannot get these anywhere on the island.

Rangitoto.....island, vulcan, mountain They say that Mount Eden is the highest mountain in Auckland, but the truth is that Rangitoto is the highest peak in the city, you can see it from any point in the city

What a beautiful place to visit. The walk is relatively easy for the most part and extremely well maintained. The last bit has some medium grade steps that did push my cardio a little, but plenty of beautiful places to stop and admire the view (catch your breath). We went at the very end of Spring and the weather was great but not yet too hot. Take plenty of fluids and snacks as there are no shops on the island, and make sure to only take your rubbish home. We went on the 10.15 am ferry, which gave us ample time to do several walks before the last ferry back at 4.30pm. We did a slow stroll to the summit and followed the cave track on the way down. Then we branched off for the Kidney Fern trail (remarkable little plants with leaves so thin you can see through them), and finished with a walk around the coast to see the historic baches. A fabulous day out suitable for most ages and abilities.

Beautiful track! Although the visibility was poor when I visited, the track itself is amazing and the lava caves were fantastic to see! I took the 10.30am ferry, and it took me (relatively young, fit, and healthy) 40 minutes from the wharf to the summit, 15 minutes to walk the loop around the crater, 30 minutes to the lava caves then 20 minutes exploring the lava caves, and 30 minutes back to the wharf leaving me woth half an hour before the 2.20 ferry It was quite physically demanding! And very warm due to the volcanic rock but well worth it!

Beautiful volcanic island with an easy trail to the top. The one hour hike is rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view of the shoreline - including the Auckland skyline - and surrounding islands. Great day excursion