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If New Zealand is on your mind, let us introduce you to the most charming landscape in the country…. Rangitoto Island! Home to the world’s largest Pohutukawa woodland, this archipelago will add beautiful colours to your trip with its multi-coloured foliage. Being the youngest natural creation, it houses the largest, distinctive, symmetrical volcanic cone that attracts tourists from all over the world. Rangitoto is a major adventure hub that entices all thrill seekers and wanderers. All you have to do is sail 13.3 kilometres from the coast of Auckland, and you’ll encounter the country's largest volcano. Built over 600 years of activity, this volcanic island paints reds and blues on a canvas. It’s no wonder that Rangitoto in Maori means “Bloody Sky” due to its surprising history.
Rangitoto Island is located about 13.3 kilometres away from the coast of Auckland
Hours: 07:30 AM to 5:00 PM
If you’re planning to sail to Rangitoto Island from Auckland, you can hop on to a ferry that departs between 9.15 am to 12.15 pm on weekdays and 7.30 am to 1.30 pm on weekends and public holidays. It takes about 25 minutes to reach. From the Island, one can take a ferry back to the mainland, that departs between 12.45 pm to 4.30 pm on weekdays and 12.45 pm to 5.00 pm on weekends and public holidays.
The tours are open throughout the year (when the weather permits).
Packing checklist:
Rangitoto return
Adults: $30.00-39.00
Child: $15.00-19.50 (5 to 15 years age group)
Family: $105.00 (2 children between age group of 5 to 15 and 2 adults)
(NOTE : The prices vary depending on the tour you select)
It is a rare opportunity to encounter nature at its best so closely. Rangitoto Island, without doubt, is one of the youngest and the largest volcanoes in New Zealand. The view from the summit is breath-taking as faraway lands and blue waters surround it on all sides. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this Isle for its red forests and rare species of birds.
The best way to reach this beautiful island is by taking a guided tour and sailing towards it from Auckland. If you wish to seek some adventure, you can also kayak towards this Isle for a splendid experience.
Resting about 13-14 kilometres away from the coast of Auckland, Rangitoto will give you a glimpse of the isolated world that resides within. This symmetrical summit cone emerges approximately 260 metres above sea level. This young volcano was born 600 years ago and is the largest one amongst the other 50 in New Zealand. Blanketing over 2,311 hectares of area, Rangitoto stands strong till date.
Rangitoto means ‘Bloody Sky’ in Maori. The history of this name goes back to the famous Maori phrase Ngā Rangi-i-totongia-a Tama-te-kapua ("The days of the bleeding of Tama-te-kapua"). The island is believed to be the resting place of Tama-te-kapua, the captain of Arawa waka who was badly wounded after losing the battle against Tainui iwi. A Maori myth that is linked to this place is about the children of Fire Gods. After getting into a fight with the Fire Goddess, the kids lost their homeland which was destroyed by the God of Earthquakes as a backlash to their argument with the Goddess. Rangitoto rose from the sea and Lake Pupuke was formed as a result of the earthquake. The mist surrounding the island is said to be the tears that the children shed due to the sad destruction of their homes.
With an interesting history and an alluring present, this volcano attracts thousands of tourists and globetrotters every year. Climbing on the summit, you will have an amazing 360-degree view of the breath-taking waters and faraway lands. This land offers a plethora of activities, whether it is underwater, on water or land, depending on your interests.
Guided tours will help you explore the volcano or the lands surrounding it (on foot or by road train). Taking a tour is an amazing way to explore this land, getting to know more about its history and stories.
Explore the mysteries of the ocean world by snorkelling. Learn about the mythology of the Maoris and hike through the red forests to spot exotic birds. Get a peek into the architectural history of this land by heading to the Bach 38 Museum. Meander through the black lava caves and spot the emerald islands that surround Rangitoto Island.
It is recommended to wear good quality trekking shoes as the trails are uneven and the rocks are sharp. Don’t forget to stock up on food and water as you will not find any supplies there. Carry sunscreen during summers due to its unexpected climate variations. Reach the shore on time of the last ferry ride as it’s a long swim back to the main city and you don’t want to be stranded without food and water on a deserted island.
