For train bookings beyond June 2025 to June 2026, contact us at info@newzealandtravelteam.com.
An Immersive Rail Experience
We have some exciting news for your upcoming journey, we have made changes to our onboard audio commentary which is now available via our new infotainment app.
The infotainment app allows all audio commentary and stories to be available at a touch of a button via your phone.
Our commentary has been upgraded and revised and we are excited to have it available for our passengers.
The app is easy to use, and if you have any issues, please talk to the staff on the train, they will help you to troubleshoot any issues.
Please make sure you bring your own device, USB charger and headphones to enjoy the audio commentary.
We recommend you download the free “Great Journeys New Zealand” app in advance.
Some sections of the app won’t be available until you are on the train, but once connected to the Wifi on the train you’ll will be able to see the full content.
Rangitoto Island sits majestically just off the Auckland coast, a short 25 minute cruise from downtown Auckland. Visible from Mission Bay to Cheltenham Beach, this 600 year old volcano boasts a unique landscape of rugged lava crops, lush native bush and sandy coves. Walk to the top for spectacular 360 degree views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf islands, or hop on board our Volcanic Explorer road train tour for a guided island experience.
Maori know Rangitoto Island as ‘Te Rangi i totongia a Tamatekapua’ – the day the blood of Tamatekapua was shed, in reference to a major eruption that formed the volcanic peak, as well as a battle that occurred between warring tribes fought on the Island. Walking to the summit takes about an hour at an easy pace. Lookouts along the way provide some stunning views as you climb, and you can do a detour to explore the lava caves only 200 meters from the summit on the eastern side. Other tracks that skirt the coastline are sign posted from the wharf and vary in length and difficulty, so plan your visit in advance and make sure you leave enough time to return to the ferry wharf.
Ferries depart regularly throughout the day. Bookings are essential and valid for travel on depature time and date indicated on ticket. Ticket is open for the return journey:
Return times
Weekdays - 12.30 pm / 2.30pm / 3.30pm
Weekends and Public Holidays - 12.30pm / 2.30 pm / 4.00pm
Journey time is approximately 25 minutes from downtown Auckland.
All guest must have a valid ticket to travel on the ferry.
IMPORTANT BIOSECURITY INFORMATION
This island is pest-free and provides a sanctuary for our native wildlife. Please help to ensure the island stays pest-free. Our vessels are licensed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Auckland Council to visit islands in the Hauraki Gulf. We run a biosecurity system on all our vessels which meet the criteria to hold a ‘Pest-Free Warrant’ for the Hauraki Gulf.
What you need to do to prepare for your trip to pest-free Rangitoto Island:
Please check your bags for stowaways such as: mice, rats, Argentine Ants and Rainbow Skinks to name a few.
Ensure your footwear, clothing and bags are clean and free of soil and seeds.
Your lunch must be packed in a rodent-proof/ sealed container e.g. hard plastic.
No open bags or boxes will be allowed on-board. Everything you bring must be sealed or zipped closed.
PLEASE REMEMBER...
From time to time, adverse weather conditions require us to sail into Islington Bay Wharf instead of Rangitoto Wharf. This means there are some changes to your walking time on the island.
It may take up to an extra hour to walk to and from the summit from Islington Bay, and the track is shared by vehicles including our 4WD road train. We recommend you plan your walk accordingly and note the time of the last ferry off the island.
If you are unsure of which wharf we will be sailing to, please call our customer service team on 09 367 9111 on the morning of your departure.
DON’T GET STRANDED!
Please check the time of the last ferry at the start of your trip – a clock on the wharf will indicate the last departure.
