Rangitoto Island

Perhaps the most identifiable of all islands in the Hauraki Gulf due to its almost symmetrical cone, is Rangitoto Island. Just a short 40 minute ferry ride from downtown, Rangitoto is unique amongst the islands due to its formation by volcanic activity which created its distinctive conical shape. The other unique feature of Rangitoto, again due to its volcanic origins, is the jagged, basalt rock surface covering much of the island. This is the remnant lava outflow from the eruptions which caused the birth of the island creating a mountain of lava rising out of the sea.

The Maori, who were believed to be present at the formation of the island, named it “Bleeding Sky” due to the stunning effects of sunrise and sunset on the ash filled sky. Although Rangitoto has a violent past scientists do not believe that it will blow again.

Incredibly, amongst the harshness of this environment, flora has adapted and today flourishes with excellent examples of Pohutukawa (New Zealand’s native “Christmas Tree”), orchids, ferns and mosses. Although not abundant, birdlife, mainly sea birds, does exist on the island with a notable colony of Black Back Gulls on the western shore.

Today Rangitoto Island is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the Gulf and facilities have developed to keep pace with this popularity. Excellent walking tracks exists over much of the island although, especially on hot summer days, the climb can be challenging. The return trip to the summit takes around 2 hours.

A recent development on the island has been the introduction of a guided safari by tractor driven carriage. This trip takes some of the leg work out of the journey to the summit and allows you to enjoy panoramic 360 degree views of the mainland, the city of Auckland, the North Shore, Whangaparaoa Peninsula and the outer islands in the Gulf.