Rangitoto Island Travel Guide

 4streegrrl Says:  If you have a half day on Rangitoto, you must do the summit climb. It takes anywhere from 35 minutes (me) to an hour or more (most people) to get from the ferry terminal to the top. Once there, you will find benches on which to rest and eat your snack or lunch, and from... 

 allikat Says:  There are a number of lava caves on Rangitoto, which you will come across during your walk (I think you will miss them entirely if you take the tractor-train). The caves are not deep - some are simply shallow caverns in the lava, while others are natural tunnels formed by... 

 keeweechic Says:  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. 

 4streegrrl Says:  In the 1920's and 1930's, three 'bach' communities were developed on Rangitoto Island at Rangitoto Wharf, Islington Bay and Beacon End. The baches were comprised of private weekend or holiday cottages, bungalows, and boatsheds. Built by families during the Depression, the... 

 keeweechic Says:  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. 

 keeweechic Says:  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. 

 keeweechic Says:  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.... 

 keeweechic Says:  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. 

 keeweechic Says:  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... 

 keeweechic Says:  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. 

 keeweechic Says:  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. 

 keeweechic Says:  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... 

 allikat Says:  I am very fortunate - some friends dropped me off at Rangitoto from their boat and picked me up later after I had climbed it and they had enjoyed a days fishing. However, you can get there just as easily via the local Fullers Ferry. From the Downtown Auckland ferry terminal,... 

 SWFC_Fan Says:  Ferries connect the volcanic island of Rangitoto with downtown Auckland several times each day.I caught one of these ferries, operated by "Fullers", for a day-trip during my visit to Auckland in March 2006. The following information is correct as of that date:TimesFerries to... 

 keeweechic Says:  There are a number of private ferries who run trips to Rangitoto Wharf . You can either ‘ do it yourself’ and just take the ferry ride (around NZ$20 – family tickets are also available), or you can book a tour which includes a tour of the island as well. Ferry’s depart from... 

 allikat Says:  Auckland took great care to defend itself from enemy attack during the Second World War, and Rangitoto was fortified along with neighbouring Motutapu Island, Devonport, Waiheke Island (at Stony Batter) and Aucklands Bastion Point. There is still a great deal of evidence left... 

 allikat Says:  For generations, families have been building small holiday homes on Rangitoto - recycling bits and pieces to create a family retreat from the city. In New Zealands North island, these holiday homes are known as baches - on the South island they are more commonly known as...