Return Ferry to Rangitoto Island

About This Experience

This is a return Fullers ferry ticket to Rangitoto, the volcanic island that fills the view from Auckland's waterfront. It leaves from Pier 13 at the Downtown Ferry Terminal on Quay Street, takes about 25 minutes each way and costs from $35 per person, with a 4.7 rating from 278 reviews.

Sailings are limited. The listing gives one weekday departure from Auckland at 9:30am with the return at 3:30pm; on weekends and public holidays you can leave at 9:15am or 10:30am and come back at 2:30pm or 4:00pm. Before boarding, everyone and every bag goes through a biosecurity check, because the island is a pest-free sanctuary.

Rangitoto rose from the sea about 600 years ago, making it New Zealand's youngest volcano. The Summit Track is a 2.3 km walk each way, climbing about 260 metres through lava fields and native forest to views across the city and the Hauraki Gulf. Most people allow two to three hours return, including a detour to the lava caves about 200 metres below the summit. The walk is optional, and you can stay near the wharf and shore instead.

It suits walkers and families who want a half-day of real hiking close to the city. It is a ferry ticket, not a guided tour: there is no guide, and the island has no shops, cafés or drinking water. If you only want to see Rangitoto from the water, the Red Boats sightseeing cruises pass it without stopping.

Pack food, plenty of water, sun protection and sturdy closed-toe shoes, because the lava is uneven and there is little shade. Clean your shoes before the biosecurity check. Keep a close eye on the time, since missing the last ferry means being stranded, and check the pier on your ticket because of 2026 works at the Downtown Ferry Terminal.

Highlights

• Walk New Zealand's youngest volcano, which rose from the sea about 600 years ago
• A 2.3 km Summit Track through lava fields and native forest
• Detour to lava caves about 200 metres below the summit
• 360-degree views over Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf from the top
• A 25-minute ferry crossing from downtown Auckland
• Pest-free island sanctuary managed by the Department of Conservation

What's Included

• ✓ Return ferry ticket from Pier 13, Downtown Ferry Terminal, to Rangitoto Island
• ✓ Crossing of about 25 minutes each way
• ✓ Access to the Rangitoto Summit Track and lava caves (self-guided)
• ✓ Choice of weekend and public-holiday sailings at 9:15am or 10:30am
• ✓ Reschedule or full refund if the sailing is cancelled for weather
• ✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Not Included

• Food and drinks (no shops or cafés on the island)
• Walking guide or ranger-led tour
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to Bring

• Sturdy closed-toe walking shoes
• Plenty of water
• Food for the day
• Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
• Comfortable clothes and a light jacket
• Camera or phone

Good to Know & Caveats

• Sailings are limited: on weekdays the listing gives one departure (9:30am) and one return (3:30pm), so do not miss the last ferry back.
• There is no drinking water, food or shop on the island; carry everything you need.
• Everyone and every bag passes a mandatory biosecurity check before boarding, and no animals are allowed.
• The ferry leaves from Pier 13 at the Downtown Ferry Terminal, but check the pier on your ticket because of 2026 terminal works.
• Timetables can change with the season and tides, so confirm times on the day; weather cancellations are rescheduled or refunded.
• The summit walk takes about an hour each way over uneven lava; allow two to three hours return.

Meeting Point

Board at Pier 13 of the Downtown Ferry Terminal on Quay Street, Auckland; check the pier on your ticket because of 2026 terminal works.