Rangitoto summit and lava caves

From Rangitoto Wharf walk through the carved gateway and take the signed Summit Track on the left, just past the historic Scout bach. It climbs steadily across black lava fields and through pōhutukawa forest. About 45 minutes up, take the side track right to the lava caves, then return to the Summit Track and climb past the crater viewing platform to the summit lookout and its old fire command post, looking over the Hauraki Gulf and the city. Return the same way.

It is 6.7 km there and back with 264 m of ascent; allow about 2½ hours. The grade is Easy: a rough but well-marked track on loose volcanic rock.

Rangitoto is pest-free: check your bags for rodents, insects and skinks and clean your shoes before boarding; no pets are allowed. There is no water, food or bin on the island, so bring 1 to 2 litres each and take everything home. Wear sturdy shoes on the loose rock, and bring a torch for the dark, low caves.

Fullers360 runs the only scheduled ferry, from the Downtown Ferry Terminal in about 25 minutes. Booking is essential, sailings are few and the last boat back leaves in the afternoon, so check the timetable and do not miss it.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.