Rangitoto Island Tours

Just a half-hour ferry ride from Auckland, Rangitoto Island offers active travelers an adventurous escape from the city. This 600-year-old dormant volcano boasts stunning panoramic views of Auckland and a selection of rugged walks both up and around the island, most of them suitable for people of all fitness levels.
The Basics
Rangitoto Island, in the middle of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, is popular with hikers: the easy summit track offers stunning views of the Auckland landscape, and it’s a short walk from the summit to Rangitoto’s striking lava caves. For snorkelers, on the northern side of the island is Wreck Bay, a ship graveyard with wrecks dating back to 1887. Rangitoto is connected to nearby Motutapu Island by causeway, and both islands are home to a wide range of native plants and animals. Rangitoto’s summit track cuts through the world’s largest pohutukawa forest, and birds such as saddleback and kaka live around the summit and in the forest.
You can explore Rangitoto with a guided half-day 4WD or kayaking tour from Auckland. Alternatively, experienced paddlers can kayak to Rangitoto from Auckland; there are rental companies around the city. For easy summit access, ride a “road train” (tram pulled by a tractor) to the top of the island.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Rangitoto Island is ideal for hikers and active nature lovers.
- Discover Rangitoto’s history as a military outpost, and explore the remaining command posts and bunkers near the summit.
- Learn more about Rangitoto’s history at the Bach 38 museum, right next to Rangitoto Wharf.
- Wear sturdy shoes, tote a flashlight, and carry plenty of snacks and water (there are no shops on Rangitoto).
- Rangitoto and Motutapu are proudly pest-free thanks to concerted conservation efforts, so check your bags and clothes before you take the ferry over.
How to Get There
Rangitoto Island is accessible only by boat. Catch a public ferry from Auckland to Rangitoto, anchor your private boat in Islington Bay, or join a guided tour to the island.
When to Get There
It’s best to visit Rangitoto when the weather is good and the skies are clear: inclement weather can obstruct the perfect views of Auckland—and you risk injury on some of the more rugged tracks. Try visiting on a weekday, as Rangitoto is popular with local weekenders.
Stay Overnight on Rangitoto Island
It’s possible—and wonderful—to spend the night on Rangitoto or Motutapu. New Zealand’s Department of Conservation has two private baches (holiday houses), Bach 114 and Bach 78, that travelers can rent for the night. If you’d rather sleep under the stars, there’s a beachside campsite at Home Bay on Motutapu Island.
Address: Rangitoto Island, Auckland, New Zealand
9 Tours and Activities to Experience Rangitoto Island
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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise
Cruise the waters of Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of whales, dolphins and penguins on a half-day tour from Auckland. You’ll board a spacious catamaran at Viaduct Harbour and hear expert guides share informative commentary about New Zealand’s natural wonders. During the whale and dolphin safari, keep an eye out for six types of whales that frequent these waters, as well as seabirds such as Australasian gannets, petrels and terns.
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From
$94.27
From
$94.27
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use

Auckland Rangitoto Island Guided Sunset Kayaking Tour
Paddle a kayak through Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, then step on the shore for a 45-minute guided walk to the Rangitoto crater, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of Auckland's skyline. This 6-hour evening sunset tour is led by a kayaking and hiking guide, which ensures that you can focus on the scenery and the activities rather than navigation and directions. You'll learn much more about the geography, flora, and fauna of the region than you would by exploring independently.
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From
$126.92
From
$126.92

Auckland City and West Coast Full Day Tour
Discover the best of urban and rural New Zealand on this full-day Auckland city and West Coast tour. Travel by luxury vehicle through attractive districts such as Devonport, Titirangi, and Tamaki Drive, and admire colonial homes in Parnell. Check out views over the Waitakere Ranges and explore black sand beaches and dense rainforests, where pohutukawa trees thrive. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 15 people.
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From
$215.58
From
$215.58
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Half-Day Auckland City Guided Tour
See the sights of Auckland on a 3-hour small-group shore excursion in the ‘City of Sails.’ A knowledgeable guide takes you by mini-coach across the Harbour Bridge to tour the city center. You’ll drive along Queen Street and the suburb of Ponsonby, take a stroll at Devonport’s Narrow Neck Beach, visit the Auckland Fish Market and see the city spread out before you from the summit of Mt Victoria. Numbers are limited to 18 people to ensure personalized attention.
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From
$61.39
From
$61.39
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Guided e-bike tour of Rangitoto Island
This full day small group guided e-bike tour is an absolute ‘must do’ experience for active visitors to Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland.
The day gets underway at our base in Auckland city with gear fitout and safety briefing. A pleasant ride through the Wynyard Quarter provides an opportunity to test out the e-bike before we board the ferry for the short, scenic ride to Rangitoto Island.
From here, the tour begins in earnest, exploring Rangitoto; the youngest, most iconic volcano in the Auckland region followed by a tour of neighbouring island, Motutapu-a-Taikehu; one of the oldest islands and now Auckland’s largest working farm.
Professional guides will accompany you throughout the day, ensuring your comfort and enjoyment.
This is an active tour and you will need a moderate level of fitness to make the most of this experience.
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From
$261.58
From
$261.58
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Auckland City Small-Group Morning Discovery Tour
With limited time to explore Auckland, this morning discovery tour takes in all the highlights. Visit sights including The Domain, Waitemata Harbour, and Queen Street; cross the Harbour Bridge to the beaches of the North Shore, explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Devonport and Ponsonby, and take in the views from Mount Victoria.
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From
$61.39
From
$61.39
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Auckland Shore Excursion: City Sightseeing Tour, Harbor Cruise and Sky Tower
While your ship is in port in Auckland, combine sightseeing, a boat cruise and sky-high views from the Sky Tower so you can see the city from all angles. A professional guide points out popular attractions such as Quay Street, the Auckland Museum, and Dominion Parks and Gardens. You’ll visit the Tamaki waterfront and glide under the Harbour Bridge during your 90-minute cruise on Waitemata Harbour. This shore excursion shows you the many sides to Auckland, New Zealand’s premier city.
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From
$123.68
From
$123.68

Fly & Dine - Wine Tasting Tour at Man O' War, Waiheke Island
See the spectacular geography of the North Island’s Hauraki Gulf from the air with a memorable seaplane tour to Waiheke Island. Fly over Rangitoto volcano, blue lakes, and secluded beches before a scenic landing in Man O’ War Bay, where you’ll step out for a gourmet lunch platter and wine tasting at an award-winning vineyard. Get ready for even more spectacular views on a different flight path back to Auckland Harbor.
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From
$475.01
Price varies by group size
From
$475.01
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use

Scenic Flight over Hauraki Gulf and Islands
See the sights of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf from above on this aerial tour. Fly over the Rangitoto crater, Motutapu Island, and Waiheke Island, which is known for its vineyards and sandy beaches. The 30-minute flight ends with a view of the city skyline before a water landing in the heart of the Auckland Harbour.
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From
$328.85
From
$328.85
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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