Rangitoto Island longer walks
Located in Rangitoto Island in the Auckland region
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Introduction
Explore Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve on these longer walks. Walk around the coast of Rangitoto, to adjoining Motutapu Island, or continue on from the summit to Islington Bay.Dog access
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 wonderful route for those staying overnight or for visitors with access to a private vessel. This walk is not recommended for day-trippers on the Fuller’s ferry, as it does not allow much time to walk back to the Rangitoto Wharf ferry in time for departure.
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.
Be aware the time of this walk only includes the time from the road to the end of the track one way. It takes an additional 1hr 30 minutes to walk from Rangitoto Wharf via Islington Road.
Note: Sections of this track are over broken lava fields and the footing is rough and uneven. Good foot wear is essential.
Rangitoto Island is in the Hauraki Gulf close to Auckland city.
There are two wharves – Rangitoto Wharf, serviced by public ferries; and Islington Bay Wharf, a popular anchorage for private boats. Private boats may use the wharves for loading and unloading passengers only.
You can take a public passenger ferry or charter. Ferry timetable and fares.
Staying overnight
Three historic baches are available to rent. Bach 78 and Bach 114 are located at Islington Bay and Bach 52 is located at Rangitoto Wharf. More about staying overnight.
Find authorised transport operators to this island.
Rangitoto is also accessible to experienced kayakers. It takes around two hours to kayak to Rangitoto Wharf from the Auckland's North Shore.
- 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.
- There are boardwalks on the summit track and the mangrove boardwalk near the Rangitoto Wharf. These are high in some places and you could fall up to 2m from them. Keep an eye on children.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
Check you are pest-free
Check, clean, and seal your gear to ensure you don't bring pests, soil, and seeds.
Contacts
| Kauaeranga Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 7 867 9080 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
995C Kauaeranga Valley Road Thames 3577 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 343 Thames 3540 |
| Full office details | |