Rangitoto Island Cruise
Take a private cruise to this Auckland icon that's deeply enriched in history. Emerging from the sea just over 600 years ago, pest-free Rangitoto Island is the youngest volcano in New Zealand.
Best for
Campers, hikers, families, groups of friends, snorkelling and kayaking, wildlife and landscape photographers, nature-lovers.
Time
1 hour to Islington Bay, or 45 minutes to Rangitoto Wharf. Spend 5 hours on the island. Total trip is 6 hours.
Schedule
Pick up 10 am from Z Pier. Leave Islington Bay at 3pm, or Rangitoto Wharf at 3.15pm, arriving back to Auckland approximately 4pm.
Cost
The price depends on numbers and requirements. Enquire to book! Private charters only.
Amenities
Licensed bar, flushing toilet, eftpos, sound system, indoor and outdoor seating.
Boat capacity
The Riverhead Ferry can comfortably fit 49 passengers.
Rangitoto is Auckland's most iconic landmark and a must-do day out for both locals and tourists. It has long been a favourite day-trip for hikers, and a popular place to camp or stay in one of the historic baches. The summit track climbs through the world's largest Pohutukawa forest, and passes the black lava caves open for the public to explore. The peak is 850 feet above sea level, with incredible panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.
The Destination
Where is it?
An island located in the Hauraki Gulf, 8kms off Auckland’s mainland.
How long should I stay?
5 hours is the perfect time to spend on the island. The summit track takes one hour from Rangitoto Wharf (add 45 minutes to go via the lava caves). You can also stay in some of the accommodation options.
How do I get around?
There are multiple walking tracks, even one to neighbouring Motutapu Island.
What do I need?
Sun protection, light rain jacket, good walking shoes, swimming gear, water bottle. Make sure you also pack your own food for the day as there are no shops on the island.
What can I do?
The summit climb, 4WD road-train, lava caves, bird watching, Rangitoto shipwrecks on the Boulder Bay Track, picnics, tour-guided or self-guided kayaking. Campsites and historic huts available to spend the night.
The Cruise
What you'll see
As the closest island in the Hauraki Gulf to Auckland, you'll cruise past Auckland's coastlines and Bean Rock Lighthouse.
Drop-off & pick-up
Your pick-up location is Z Pier, Westhaven Marina. Find out how to get to us here.
Onboard the ferry
Play your own music using our AUX sound system, while you watch the beautiful Hauraki Gulf sail past you. You'll have access to seating in the back and front of the boat, with comfortable indoor couches available to relax too.
Food & Drink
Enjoy the range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from our licensed bar, as well as bar snacks available for purchase. Self-catering for food required. We recommend the Cater Station, or bring your own food to grill on our Weber BBQ. BYO food is free of charge. Eftpos available!
Refunds & Cancellations
Please note the date and time you've requested is still available to others until the deposit or the total amount is paid. Your booking is confirmed when we receive the deposit amount. All our cruises are designed with your safety and comfort in mind. In the event of unsafe sea and weather conditions, we may have to cancel the charter in the interests of your safety. If we need to cancel your trip due to bad weather, we will re-schedule your cruise for a new date or offer a full refund. A pre-warning will be provided 3 days before your departure time, but our owner & skipper will make a final call on the day. When booking, a refundable deposit is required for up to 28 days before departure. Full payment is due 28 days before the date or paid in full if booking within 28 days before your chosen date. Once full payment has been made, it will not be refunded if the charter is cancelled. If you need to cancel the charter due to unforeseen circumstances we can reschedule the charter to an alternative date.
Health & Safety
Your safety is important to us. To ensure that your journey is smooth sailing please make sure you; use handrails when moving around the vessel, remove luggage/bags from seats and aisles, ensure you listen to safety announcements on departure, familiarise yourself with the location of the life jackets on your particular vessel, climbing, jumping or running on board the vessel is not permitted at any time, do not stand on seats or sit on railings, intoxicated passengers that are not fit to travel are not allowed on any of our vessels, and drugs or illicit substances are not permitted on board any of our charters. Please note: doorways on our vessel are 45 centimeters wide (0.45 meters). Please wear soft, comfortable, and supportive shoes — no gumboots, penny heels, and work boots.
Biosecurity Information
We follow and support the biosecurity requirements set out by the Auckland Council and the Department of Conservation. Before travelling into the Hauraki Gulf with us, please ensure your gear is clean and pest-free. For more information on how to check your gear, click here.
Over time, The Hauraki Gulf has been compromised by pollution and fishing. There are many pest-free islands that are home to protected species, so to help keep the Hauraki Gulf clean and safe for all species, we ask you to follow our biosecurity instructions. Watch the video here.
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