Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
walking is easier and the wetlands you skirt are an interesting change from the pounding
sea.
For either route you must first cross Waitahora Lagoon, which is where
Waitahora
Stream
flows into the ocean. A boardwalk provides safe passage and a close-up experience
of this dynamic wetland environment. Look out for flowering native hibiscus in the late
summer.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Rangitoto Island Loop
Duration
4-5 hours
Distance
10km (6.2 miles)
Track Standard
Walking track
Difficulty
Easy
Start/End
Rangitoto Wharf
Nearest Town
Auckland (
Click here
)
Transport
Boat
Summary
Tramp to the summit of Rangitoto Volcano and then along the coast of the island
it created 600 years ago. The views of Auckland are among the best in the region.
Even if you only have a day to spare in Auckland before moving on, seriously consider
warming up your tramping legs with this easy yet fascinating walk in Rangitoto Island
Scenic Reserve. Part of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, this 23-sq-km island is only 10km
northeast of the city, and features several kilometres of tramping tracks that wind through
the black lava fields and around the summit crater of its volcano.
take a tent and sleeping bag, you can turn this tramp into a two-day adventure. At the head
of Islington Bay you pick up the Motutapu Walkway on the east side of the causeway, and
follow it to the DOC camping ground at Home Bay, a tramp of 1½ hours across farmland
and clifftops. The next day is a 2½-hour tramp back to Islington Bay along farm roads via
Administration Bay. The extended Rangitoto-Motutapu Circuit is expected to be formalised
in 2014, making for a three-day adventure with hut-style accommodation along the way.
