Rangitoto Island longer walks

Track times are indicative only. Ensure you have plenty of time to complete your walk and catch the ferry.  

Lighthouse walk to McKenzie Bay

Time: 2 hr 30 min one way from Rangitoto Wharf; 3 hr 45 min one way to summit

This walk winds along the coast to McKenzie Bay, one of the two natural sand beaches on Rangitoto, and a good picnic and swimming spot. The road continues on to the summit for those who want a longer walk.

Rangitoto Wharf to summit to Islington Bay

Time: 2 hr 30 min one way

Take the Summit Track from Rangitoto Wharf and at the summit follow Summit Road down to Islington Bay. This is a good walk if you can arrange a ferry pick up at Islington Bay – make sure you check the ferry timetable first as Islington Bay stops are seasonal.

Coastal Track from Rangitoto Wharf to Islington Bay Wharf

Time: 2 hr 30 min one way

This coastal walk passes many remnants of human activity – boatsheds and baches near Rangitoto Wharf, old quarry sites, ruins of war time storage bases for mines, and Yankee Wharf built during World War II. Islington Bay is a popular for swimming, picnicking and as a yacht anchorage.

Note: Sections of this track are over broken lava fields and the footing is rough and uneven. Good foot wear is essential.

Inland route from Rangitoto Wharf to Islington Bay Wharf

Time: 1 hr 30 min one way

This alternative route to Islington Bay passes along a road built by prisoners. The road continued over the causeway to Motutapu Island.

Islington Bay Wharf to Home Bay (Motutapu Island)

Time: 1 hr 45 min one way

From Islington Bay, cross the causeway to Motutapu Island. A walk over farmland and cliff tops leads to Home Bay, where there is a DOC campground.

Islington Bay Road to Wreck Bay

Time: 1 hr one way

The Wreck Bay Track takes a twisting route to a bay on the northern side of Rangitoto. Wreck Bay and the adjacent Boulder Bay where once used as a dumping ground for old ships. The remains of some ships can still be seen at low tide.

Note: Sections of this track are over broken lava fields and the footing is rough and uneven. Good foot wear is essential.

• Bring water with you. There are no supplies of drinking water on the island.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes that can cope with the rugged lava surfaces.
• Wear sunscreen and a hat. The heat reflecting off the ground can be intense.