Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of Rangitoto Island, taking in the lighthouse in
McKenzie Bay
. Just beyond it is another ce-
ment hut that served as a wireless radar room.
Back at Crater Lookout, follow the long set of stairs that descends to the northeast and
ends at Summit Rd, used by Fullers to drive visitors up from McKenzie Bay. Head east on
the narrow gravel road as it gently descends through more lava fields. Within 30 to 40
minutes of the stairs on Summit Rd, you'll arrive at the signposted intersection with Isling-
ton Bay Rd. Continue heading east towards
Islington Bay
, and in 30 minutes you'll reach a
signposted junction with
Boulder Bay Track
(left). This track is a 1½-hour return walk to
Boulder Bay on the north side of the island. The bay was once used as a wrecking ground
for old ships, and in its first cove are four wrecks - though none can be seen from the island.
Another 15 minutes from the Boulder Bay Track junction, or 5km from the wharf, you
reach a signposted junction; the road to the left continues to Islington Bay Wharf and the
causeway to Motutapu Island. Take the road to the right, marked as the
Coastal Track
,
heading south along the shoreline of Islington Bay. If it's a holiday or weekend the bay will
be filled with boats at anchor.
The gravel road ends at the Yankee Wharf boat ramp, and from here the Coastal Track
continues along the shoreline for another 10 minutes before heading inland. For the next 1½
hours the track stays away from the shoreline and it is a moderately difficult tramp over a
path of loose lava rock. This can be hot and tiring, heading through bush with little to look
at.
Eventually the track emerges at a large lava field, crossing it to return to the shoreline.
The final 30 to 40 minutes to the Rangitoto Wharf is a well-beaten path along the shoreline,
where you can search for seabirds or view Auckland on the horizon. The Coastal Track joins
Islington Bay Rd just before you reach the day shelter and swimming pool at Rangitoto
Wharf.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Aotea Track
Duration
3 days
Distance
25km (15.5 miles)
Track Standard
Tramping & easy tramping
Difficulty
Moderate
