Overview
Walk from the volcanic Rangitoto Island to Motutapu’s lush, green landscape steeped in Maori history.
Rangitoto Island to Home Bay Wharf
- Begin at Rangitoto Wharf, the main arrival point for the Rangitoto ferry.
- Follow the Coastal Track to round the southern coast of Rangitoto for approximately 2 hours, before arriving at Islington Bay Wharf.
- From there, cross the causeway over to Motutapu, and connect to the Motutapu Walkway.
- The walk to Home Bay Wharf will take approximately 1.5 hours, crossing through farmsteads and climbing to the island’s highest lookout point for commanding views across the Hauraki Gulf.
Please note: This walk will take approximately 3.5 hours to complete in one direction. Check the Motutapu ferry timetable to make sure you plan your walk for a day the ferry is operating a return from Home Bay Wharf.
If you plan to walk the return to Rangitoto Island on the same day, it will only be possible on a Saturday or Sunday when we operate an early bird sailing (7.30am) to the island, and a later evening departure (5.00pm).
Time
Time: 3.5 hours one-way
Distance: 9.8 km one-way
Difficulty: Moderate
Know before you go
- Bring water, snacks and packed meals with you. There are no cafés or supplies of drinking water on the island.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes. Choose shoes that can cope with the rugged lava surfaces if starting on Rangitoto Island.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat.
- Bring a jacket and layers, as weather can change quickly.
- A reasonable standard of fitness is required for these longer tracks.
Camping
It is also possible to camp on Motutapu Island at Home Bay – an idyllic beachside campsite among replanted native bush. Bookings are required, and you’ll need to make sure you’ve booked the correct return ferry from either Rangitoto Wharf or Home Bay (when available). For more information about the campsite and to book visit the website here.
This is a pest-free island - read more before you visit here.
Discover Rangitoto Island
