Overview
Planning to visit Motutapu Island?
DOC and Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki have announced a rāhui on Motutapu Island. This means no visitors are permitted on Motutapu Island and access is restricted until the rāhui is lifted.
The volcanic Rangitoto Island is one of the most iconic landmarks in Auckland's city skyline. Sitting majestically off the coast, Rangitoto’s distinctive symmetrical cone rises 260m over the Hauraki Gulf. Climb to the summit for epic views.
Rangitoto erupted from the sea approximately 600 years ago in a series of dramatic explosions. Two episodes 10 to 50 years apart are thought to have lasted for several years each. This makes Rangitoto the youngest island in the Hauraki Gulf and the last and largest volcano to be formed in the Auckland volcanic field. Exploring Rangitoto is a must do day out for locals and tourists alike. A gentle climb through lava fields will lead you to the summit in approximately one hour. Allow extra time to explore the lava caves on the way back, or see the historic bach community near the wharf.
Buy online and save!
Travelling to Waiheke, Rangitoto or Motutapu? Buy your ticket online and access the discounted online rate. With your pre-purchased e-ticket you'll be able to skip the on-wharf ticket queue.
The fare saving applies when purchasing a ticket from fullers.co.nz.
*Pricing is inclusive of GST and may change without notice. All pricing and travel on Fullers360 sailings and tours are subject to our full terms and conditions of travel, available online here.
Where is it?
Rangitoto Island is approximately 8km northeast of Auckland, a 25 minute sailing from downtown Auckland, with some sailings travelling via Devonport. Rangitoto is connected to Motutapu Island by a causeway, so you can walk between the two islands.
What can I do?
- Summit climb - the Summit Track is the most popular walk on Rangitoto, winding through lava fields and native forest to the peak. At the top, take in panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf across to Auckland. The track features a gentle incline, and takes about an hour to reach the top. There are informative signage displays along the way, explaining the island's past volcanic activity and human history. Learn more about Rangitoto Summit Walk.
- Lava caves - explore the island’s lava caves, about 45 minutes into your Summit Track journey. Located 200m from the summit on the eastern side, these lava caves were left behind after the passage of liquid lava. The short diversion leads you to the Rangitoto lava tunnels, about 15 minutes each way. Remember your torch if you would like to explore the caves fully, as it is quite dark.
- Rangitoto shipwrecks - a graveyard for unwanted vessels. At least 13 ships were abandoned here between 1887 and 1947. More info here.
Click here to download a map of Rangitoto Island.
What do I need?
- Plenty of water, snacks and lunch, as there are no food outlets on the island.
- Good walking shoes, sunscreen and a sun hat.
- Swimming gear and a towel in the warmer months.
- A light rain jacket, and warm layers. Temperatures can change quickly, regardless of the season.
- There are no rubbish bins on pest-free islands. Please remember to take all your rubbish, including leftover food, off the island with you.
- Bicycles, scooters and skateboards are not permitted on the island.
- Dogs and fires (including barbeques) are prohibited.
Click here to visit the Department of Conservation website for more details.
How long should I stay?
You'll need at least half a day (4-5 hours) to visit Rangitoto Island.
DON’T GET STRANDED: It's a long swim home!
Please check the time of the last ferry at the start of your trip – a clock on the wharf will indicate the last departure each day.
From time to time, adverse weather conditions require us to sail into Islington Bay Wharf instead of Rangitoto Wharf. This means there are some changes to your walking time on the island.
It may take up to an extra hour to walk to and from the summit from Islington Bay, and the track is shared by vehicles. We recommend you plan your walk accordingly and note the time of the last ferry leaving the island.
If you are unsure of which wharf we will be sailing to, please call our customer care team on 09 367 9111 on the morning of your departure.
Important pest-free island info
- Please check your bags for stowaways, such as mice, rats, Argentine ants and Rainbow Skinks to name a few.
- Ensure your footwear, clothing and bags are clean and free of soil and seeds.
- Your lunch must be packed in a rodent-proof/ sealed container e.g. hard plastic.
- No open bags or boxes will be allowed on-board. Everything you bring must be sealed or zipped closed.
- There are no rubbish bins on pest-free islands. Please remember to take all your rubbish, including leftover food, off the island with you.
- Please note: Dogs and fires (including barbeques) are prohibited. Click here to see the Department of Conservation website for more details.
Read more before you visit a pest-free island here.
Onboard safety guidelines
To ensure you arrive safely please follow our onboard safety guidelines.
Gift voucher redemption
Our sailings to Rangitoto Island are very popular! To ensure travel on a specific day, please book in advance to avoid disappointment. Please follow the booking instructions below:
Call our customer care team on 09 367 9111.
Hours of operation: Monday – Sunday between 7am and 8pm.
Or visit our friendly Fullers360 staff at one of our ticket offices:
- Downtown Auckland: Downtown Ferry Terminal on Quay Street.
- Devonport: Devonport Ferry Terminal.
- Waiheke: Matiatia Ferry Terminal.
If you are redeeming your gift voucher by phone with our customer care team please quote the reference number from the REF# box and choose your date and time of travel. You will be emailed an e-ticket which includes your ferry ticket for travel.
If you are redeeming your gift voucher at one of our ticket offices, you will be given a hard copy of your ferry ticket for travel.
All vouchers are non-refundable and valid for 12 months from the purchase date. Vouchers are not redeemable for cash. Specific products are subject to availability at the time of voucher redemption. For full terms and conditions please click here.
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Travel Alerts for Rangitoto Island
RANGITOTO CANCELLATION - UPDATE: 5:33 pm on Monday 2 August 2021
Please be advised that due to weather conditions, we have had to cancel all Rangitoto Island services scheduled tomorrow - 3 August 2021.
We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.