Explore Rangitoto Island – Hauraki Maritime Park
Financial members please register online for this tramp & non-members see further down.
Return to the site of the Tramping Club’s very first trip marking the Club’s 56th anniversary, the first trip being back in 1968!
After a 30 minute ferry trip, arriving on this iconic volcanic island one group will head up on Summit track exploring native forest, Kidney Fern Glen and lava caves before reaching the summit with it’s amazing 360-degree views. Descending to Summit Road and along to Mckenzie Bay following the coastline to the tui loving Kowhai Grove which should be in full bloom, back sea path to the Ferry Terminal. The other group will head along Coastal Track to the back of the island and up to the summit for lunch and after lunch out McKenzie Bay to see the Rangitoto Island lighthouse and back along the track to the wharf and Kowhai Grove and Kidney Fern Grove it time allows.
Expect to see and hear plenty of native birds in amongst the amazing variety of native trees and shrubs. Beautiful native orchids in a few groves too.
A reasonable level of fitness is required; we’ll be walking on a mix of tracks, board walks, lumpy scoria rock tracks and unsealed roads. Distance approx. 20km. Due to the tracks been rock, running shoes or trail runners would be most suitable, tramping boots may not have enough rebound.
Bring plenty of water and all your food and snacks for the day, camera, torch and togs if you’re keen for an early spring swim.
And it's a good idea to ensure you have warm clothes for waiting for the ferry home, but bearing in mind that it's often 4 degrees warmer on the island during the day (please ensure that you have clothes on to handle the heat), than the mainland, due to the volcanic scoria.
** Best free parking is along King Edward Parade.
** As at 01 September - there is also a big group going over to Motutapu for tree planting, so PLEASE ENSURE you book your ferry crossing early & make sure you arrive at the wharf early so you don't miss out. A ticket doesn't guarantee you get on the ferry!
Ferry departs for Rangitoto
Auckland Pier 13, Downtown Ferry Terminal - 9.15am
Devonport Wharf – 9.25am
Ferry return times:
2.30pm - to Auckland city only
4.00pm – Devonport and Auckland - our usual time to return
It is recommended you join the boarding queue promptly as having a ticket does not always guarantee a place on a specific sailing.
Purchase your Fullers ferry tickets online:
https://www.fullers.co.nz/destinations-and-experiences/destinations/rangitoto-island/
Adult Return Fare $53.00, kids $25
Buy tickets online and save. At kiosk price is $57
Organiser: Imogen, Ph 027-2898440
(newbies no texts please).
Non-members: Please phone the trip organiser to check suitability of the tramp between 5pm-8pm if week days.
Maps – Online/Printable/GPS - long tramp
Online/Printable/GPS - short tramp
See the Club website for full details about Covid Restrictions
Please ensure all your gear is clean; read the Island’s biosecurity information here: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/auckland/places/rangitoto-island/
