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The Rangitoto Summit Track is one of Auckland's most popular hiking trails, leading visitors to the summit of Rangitoto Volcano for breathtaking 360-degree views. Rangitoto, Auckland's youngest volcano, formed around 600 years ago, boasts a unique volcanic landscape and striking black lava fields. Along the way, hikers can explore lava caves and rare plants, particularly native species adapted to the volcanic environment. At the summit, panoramic vistas of Auckland city, the Hauraki Gulf, and surrounding islands make it a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Everything you need to know about Rangitoto Summit Track
Take a 25-minute ferry ride from Auckland CBD to Rangitoto Island. The Summit Track is a well-formed 7km return trail (1-1.5 hours) with gentle slopes, perfect for beginners. Don't forget sturdy shoes and water – the 360° summit views over Hauraki Gulf and Auckland's skyline are breathtaking, especially at sunset. Early morning hikes avoid crowds and midday heat.
If you're planning to hike the Rangitoto Summit Track, here are some recommended accommodations:
Be sure to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your stay.
The Rangitoto Summit Track takes approximately 2 hours round trip, featuring unique volcanic landscapes and lava caves. From the summit, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Auckland city and the Hauraki Gulf. Bring plenty of water and sun protection as shade is limited. In summer, look for blooming native Pohutukawa trees (New Zealand Christmas tree).
Transport: Take a ferry from downtown Auckland (~25 minutes) to reach Rangitoto Island.
Rangitoto Summit Track is a volcanic island in Auckland Harbour, perfect for a day trip. For overnight stays, SkyCity Grand Hotel in downtown Auckland offers stunning city views and is close to the ferry terminal for Rangitoto. Alternatively, The Langham Auckland provides luxury accommodations just 15 minutes from the ferry. Budget travelers can choose Attic Backpackers, an affordable and lively option. Remember to book ferry tickets in advance as access to the island is by boat only.
Rangitoto Summit Track highlights:
Difficulty:
Pro tip: Combine with guided HopeGoo tour for lava field exploration
See what other travelers say about Rangitoto Summit Track
I only had a day in Auckland and needed a place to store my bags while going for a run. The friendly host opened the door right away and even let me continue my training right there at the property—such a thoughtful touch! The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the location is unbeatable, just steps from the beach with fresh sea air all around. It’s amazing how much comfort and convenience you can get in such a peaceful spot. I’ll definitely come back if I ever visit Auckland again.
We booked a superior suite with a king bed through the platform, but after checking in, my son mentioned he’d prefer two separate beds. The host was incredibly accommodating and upgraded us to an executive suite with two beds—perfect for our needs. The room was spacious, immaculately clean, and the kitchen was fully equipped, making it easy to prepare meals during our stay. I loved the layout and comfort so much that I extended our stay by two additional days. It truly made our trip to Auckland enjoyable and stress-free. The location is excellent—close to public transit and all the city’s highlights. This place offers great value and a home-like atmosphere. Definitely a top pick for future visits.
We stayed at Terry and Cindy's Bed and Breakfast for two nights during our six-week trip to New Zealand, and it was absolutely outstanding—no other way to describe it. The hosts, Terry and Cindy, are among the friendliest people we’ve met in New Zealand. Their home feels warm and welcoming from the moment you walk in. The room is spacious, immaculately clean, and well-equipped; we even enjoyed a cozy meal inside one evening when it started raining. Breakfast is served family-style and was delicious—fresh, homemade, and full of care. It’s located just a 10-minute bus ride from downtown Auckland, with restaurants, shops, and cafes all within a 15-minute walk. Perfect for travelers who want comfort, hospitality, and great location without the hassle. We couldn’t recommend this place more highly—it truly made our journey special.
I’d absolutely love to stay here again if I ever return to Auckland! The location is fantastic—super convenient for getting around the city, and the room itself is such a unique and cozy space. I especially loved the skylight in the main bedroom—it made watching movies on Netflix feel like a private outdoor cinema under the stars. The only 'issue'? I jokingly asked where the off switch was for the skylight—because it felt so open and magical! Everything about this stay was spot-on: comfort, vibe, and great amenities. A true gem with incredible value. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Auckland.
Staying at The Bays Bed & Breakfast in Auckland was an absolute delight. The room was spotlessly clean, cozy, and filled with natural light—perfect for a relaxing getaway. The host, originally from Fiji, was incredibly warm and welcoming, sharing stories about his culture and local life with genuine enthusiasm. Breakfast was a highlight—fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and full of flavor. I especially loved the homemade jam and fluffy pancakes. The location is fantastic, just steps away from the waterfront, making it ideal for morning walks or watching the sunrise over the bay. With its friendly vibe, attention to detail, and unbeatable charm, this place offers amazing value. I’d happily return and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Auckland.
Our stay at Sunny Character 2 Bedroom Home in Mission Bay was absolutely fantastic—truly one of the best accommodations we’ve experienced in Auckland. The home is incredibly comfortable, with a cozy, well-designed layout that feels like a true retreat. The beds were exceptionally comfortable, giving us our best night’s sleep in years—something we truly appreciate after traveling so much. The kitchen is a real highlight: fully equipped and perfect for preparing meals, which made our trip feel more like home. We also loved the air conditioning—it kept the space cool and refreshing, especially during warmer days. Located just a short walk from the beach and close to public transit, it’s convenient without being too busy. Everything about this property felt thoughtfully curated. We’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing, high-quality stay in a peaceful neighborhood.
I requested a room change during my stay, and the staff promptly accommodated me with another room that was just as nice as the one I had on day one. The new room was quiet, clean, and well-maintained—exactly what I expected from this place. The location is super convenient for getting around Auckland, especially if you're using public transit. The overall experience was excellent, and I truly appreciate how responsive and helpful the team was. I’d definitely book here again without hesitation.
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