Rangitoto Island is an iconic Auckland landmark and is featured in so much coastal photography around the city. It appeared unexpectedly around 600 years ago, making it the youngest and largest of Auckland's 48 dormant volcanic cones. I recently found out the island is home to the world's largest Pōhutukawa forest, which is so cool. I love the view of Rangitoto Island from the North Shore beaches (first photo), but you can also take a ferry across the harbour from the CBD to explore it on foot!

The best way to explore Rangitoto Island

There are a few different ways to explore Rangitoto Island. If you don’t want to walk, you can take a guided tour on the 4WD road train (how often do you get to say you took a train up a volcano?) or hike up yourself, which takes around 1 hour each way. I personally recommend walking as it’s not difficult, and you’ll get to see the black lava caves on your way up. Once you reach the summit, you’ll get panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf islands, Waitākere Ranges in the west and Hunua Ranges in the east.

If you love an adventure, you can even take a guided sea kayaking trip out to Rangitoto Island. These run during the day and the evening. But the evening tour is extra special as you get to watch the sunset from the summit before kayaking back under the stars with the city lights twinkling in the distance.