Rangitoto Island Volcanic Explorer Tour

What's included

Journey on a 4WD road train - Once you arrive on Rangitoto Island, pass under the hand-carved waharoa (gateway) and make your way to the road-train parked just alongside the wharf, where your ranger guide will greet you. Board the train, and enjoy the ride through the lava fields and native forest.

Final climb and scenic views - The tour vehicle will take you to the base of the summit cone, where there are approximately 300 boardwalk steps which lead you to the summit for amazing 360-degree views of Auckland Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf. For your descent, the road-train travels the western side of the island and in time for the return ferry.

Historical commentary - Your knowledgeable guide will recount the island's unique history. Learn about the major eruption that formed the volcanic peak, and the human past – from Maori settlements to historic bach communities built in the 1930s.

Return ferry – The tour includes return ferry journey to Rangitoto Island from downtown Auckland.

Tour overview

• Half Day - tour duration including ferry travel is four hours
• Guided 4WD road train tour through 600-year-old volcanic landscape
• Transport to the base of the summit, and short climb to the top for panoramic views
• Commentary about island's history and geology
• Return trip to the wharf via the western side of the island
• Return ferry to Rangitoto Island from downtown Auckland
• Bookings recommended

Level of fitness

A reasonable level of fitness is required for the walk to the summit. Please note there are approximately 300 boardwalk steps. The walking part of this tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, or people recovering from surgery.

What to bring

• Good walking shoes, sun block and a sun hat
• Change of clothes, swimming gear and a towel
• Plenty of water, snacks and lunch
• A light rain jacket, depending on the time of year and conditions
• Rangitoto has no shops, so the last opportunity to buy food or drink is on the ferry
• There are no rubbish bins on pest-free islands. If you bring food, please remember to take it off the island with you

Don't get stranded!

Should you wish to spend more time on the island, please check the time of the last ferry at the start of your trip – a clock on the wharf will indicate the last departure.

This is a pest-free island - read more before you visit here.