Image: Jaime Apolonio | Creative Commons
View of Auckland from the Rangitoto Summit Track
Rangitoto Summit Track

Located in Rangitoto Island in the Auckland region

A steady climb through pōhutukawa forest and lava fields, with panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf from the summit of this volcanic island.
  • Well-formed paths through lava fields
  • World's largest pōhutukawa forest
  • Fitness required: Moderate fitness
  • Gradient: Gradual incline

Walk through ancient lava fields that now support the largest pōhutukawa forest in the world and provide a home to dozens of shore, sea and forest birds.

At the summit another track circles the rim of the crater.

The tracks cross lava fields and so have sections that are rough, uneven, and slippery with loose gravel underfoot. Sturdy footwear with good grip is essential. Bring all your food and water with you, as there is none on the island. Carry plenty of water as the track can be very hot.

Side trip: Lava Caves Track

Time: 15 minutes one way from Summit Track

The sign posted turn-off for the Lava Caves Track is approxmiately 45 minutes along the Summit Track from Rangitoto Wharf. 

This short diversion leads to lava tunnels and caves. If you want to explore the tunnels and caves, bring a torch. Return to the Summit Track or Summit Road via the sign posted track.

Alternative route: Wilson Park Track

Time: 1 hour 40 minutes from Rangitoto Wharf to summit one way; 1 hour from Summit Track turn-off to summit

This alternative route to the summit branches off the Summit Track before the Lava Caves Track turn-off, approximately 40 minutes from Rangitoto Wharf.

Much of this track is in the bush, so it can be a good shaded option for hot days. There are lots of loose stones on the track when it passes through lava fields – take care.

Rangitoto Island summit walks begin at the Rangitoto Wharf, a 25-minute ferry ride from Queens Wharf. Make sure you arrive back to the wharf with plenty of time, to avoid missing your ferry.

Water taxis also service Rangitoto.

Alternatively, it's a 2-hour kayak to the wharf from Devonport or Takapuna Beach.
What to expect
  • Track surface: Rough and uneven ground – the track crosses lava fields
  • Elevation change: +/- 217 m
  • Gradient: There are some steps on the track
Hazards
  • Rapidly changing weather conditions. Pack a waterproof raincoat and warm clothes.
  • Slippery, rough and uneven track, with loose gravel underfoot in places. You need sturdy footwear with good grip for this track.
  • Wasps – carry antihistamines if you are allergic to their stings.
Amenities
  • There are no rubbish bins on the island – take your rubbish back with you.
  • There is a toilet block at Rangitoto wharf and longdrops the end of the boardwalk near the summit. If you are exploring the wider island, you can also find toilets at Islington Bay wharf and Mckenzie Bay.
  • No fires allowed on the island – this includes no campfires, no cookers, no BBQs and no cigarettes. One spark could cause a devastating wildfire.
  • Tracks not suitable for buggies, as they are rocky, uneven and slippery.
Be prepared

Ensure you take:

  • food and drinking water – there is none available on the island. Carry plenty of water as the track can be very hot
  • sturdy footwear with good grip
  • warm clothes and a waterproof raincoat
  • sun protection.

Rangitoto emerged from the sea approximately 600 years ago in a series of fiery volcanic explosions. It is the youngest volcano in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau and sits right next to the oldest island, Motutapu, which is estimated to be more than 160 million years old.

Thanks to the world’s largest on-island pest-eradication programme, in 2011 Rangitoto was declared pest-free of the seven mammalian pests that had caused damage to the plants, trees and native animals.

Its pest-free status has seen native forest birds such as bellbird/korimako, New Zealand pigeon/kererū, tūī, fantail/pīwakawaka, grey warbler/riroriro, whitehead/pōpokotea and New Zealand parakeet/kākāriki flock back to survive and thrive.

The Hauraki Gulf is a global seabird hotspot with 27 species calling it home. Many visit the pest-free haven of Rangitoto along with shore birds such as New Zealand dotterel/tūturiwhatu and variable oystercatcher/tōrea.

Rangitoto Island is one of the youngest land masses in the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana, but it has a long human history. Read the Māori and European history of Rangitoto Island.

Rangitoto baches

Around 30 classic holiday homes remain today, largely unchanged since the 1930s. Bach 38, adjacent to the Rangitoto Wharf, has been restored and turned into a museum run by volunteers from the Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust. The museum is open on some weekends and by appointment - email info@rangitoto.org. 

The Rangitoto bach settlements are irreplaceable artefacts of New Zealand's architectural and social history and therefore are of national significance.