From the south shore of Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, the island of Rangitoto is quickly discernible — and identifiable — by its symmetrical, elongated shape and its 259-metre volcanic summit.
Rangitoto Island is close enough to Auckland for a leisurely daytrip, just 45 minutes away by ferry.
Daytrip island
While there is a campground at Home Bay with rudimentary facilities, most visitors to Rangitoto Island are daytrippers.
For a day on the island, you'd need to catch an early-morning ferry. Be sure not to miss the last ferry back to Auckland.
- If you do miss the last ferry, there's a telephone at the ferry landing to call the resident ranger.
Walking tracks
Because of its proximity to Auckland, Rangitoto is a convenient picnic island with a number of walking tracks, including one to the island's summit.
If you'd rather not walk all the way to the peak, there's a four-wheel-drive tram to the boardwalk 900 metres to the summit.
Volcanic past
Rangitoto is believed to have been formed by violent eruptions about 600 years ago. It is held unlikely that Rangitoto will erupt again.
You can explore the lava caves and channelways where hot lava once flowed.
Origin of name
Rangitoto is a contraction of the island's complete name of Te Rangi i totongia a Tamatekapua ("the day the blood of Tamatekapua was shed").
Tamatekapua was chief of the Arawa canoe which arrived aroud 1350. Fighting a major battle with the Tainui at Islington Bay, Tamatekapua was to shed his blood in defeat.
