Rangitoto Island Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Rangitoto Island. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

• Auckland Region | Multi-Island-Hopper Package Tour

• Hauraki Gulf and City Scenic Flight in Auckland Region

• Scenic Flight Tour Around Waiheke Island

• Auckland Sunset Harbour Cruise

There’s no cost to visit Rangitoto Island itself, but unless you’re joining a guided tour or have access to a private boat, you’ll need to take a ferry there and back. Return tickets cost NZ$60 for adults, NZ$27 for kids aged 5–15 years, and NZ$124 for families of two adults and two children.

Ferries depart from Auckland City three times per day—9:30am (9:15am on weekends and holidays), 10:30am, and 12:15pm. Ferries depart from Rangitoto at 12:45pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm (4pm on weekends and holidays). Some ferries travel via Devonport, on Auckland’s North Shore. Up-to-date schedules are posted online.

Allow at least half a day to visit Rangitoto Island, especially if you want to hike to the summit—the walk takes about two hours, return. The ferry timings allow for a leisurely half-day visit, arriving on the island in the morning or early afternoon, and departing again in the early or midafternoon.

The Department of Conservation classifies the return 4.3-mile (7-kilometer) hike to the summit of Rangitoto Island as an easy-to-intermediate walking track. The trail passes through lava fields and pohutukawa forests, and gradually climbs to about 853 feet (260 meters). The ground is uneven and rough in places, with some loose stones, so wear sturdy footwear.

Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks to Rangitoto Island, especially if you’re visiting on a hot day. There are no shops on the island. The rough terrain calls for comfortable shoes and even hiking poles, if you have them. You may also want to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a jacket, depending on the weather.