Explore Rangitoto Island – Hauraki Maritime Park
Financial members please register online for this tramp & non-members see further down.
Everyone is reasonsible for booking their own Fullers Ferry ticket. Kids welcome to join in for this trip with parents or caregiver.
Return to the site of the Tramping Club’s very first trip marking the Club’s 57th anniversary, the first trip being back in 1968!
Whilst it might not be a cheap trip, it's worth every dollar, it's a special island. Once you've visited you'll see why.
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 2 x 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 (Saddleback's, Kereru, Tui, Grey Warblers, Quail and more) in amongst the amazing variety of native trees and shrubs. Beautiful native orchids in a few groves too. The worlds largest Pohutukawa Forest and all this amazing flora growing out of the old lava flows.
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 & 16kms. 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 and rain coat in your pack for waiting on the wharf 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 black volcanic scoria.
** Best free parking is along King Edward Parade. The ferry specific parking by the wharf is PAY & DISPLAY!!
Ferry departs for Rangitoto
Auckland Pier 13, Downtown Ferry Terminal - 9.15am
Devonport Wharf – 9.25am
(PLEASE ENSURE YOU ARRIVE & QUEUE EARLY)
Ferry return times:
2.30pm - to Auckland city only
4.00pm – Devonport and Auckland - our usual time to return
****8am pick-up for MASSEY UNIVERSITY students at the usual pick up spot.
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/timetables-and-fares/?from=AUCK&to=RANG
Adult Return Fare $58.00, kids $26
Buy tickets online and save. At kiosk price is more & you may miss out on a ticket.
Organiser: Imogen, Ph 027-2898440
(Newbies no texts please.
Massey University team contact organiser to register).
Non-members: Please PHONE the trip organiser to check suitability before 9pm.
Maps – Online/Printable/GPS - long tramp
Online/Printable/GPS - short tramp
Please ensure all your gear is clean; read the Island’s biosecurity information here:
https://www.fullers.co.nz/travel-information/before-you-go/visiting-pest-free-islands/
Gear list here: NSTC Gear List- March24.pdf
