Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland. The 5.5 km wide island is a symmetrical shield volcano cone capped by central scoria cones, reaching a height of 260 m(850 ft).Emerging unexpectedly from the sea some 600 years ago, it is the youngest and largest volcano of the 48 Dormant volcanoes in the Auckland volcanic field.Rangitoto means 'Bloody sky' in Maori language and is thought to refer to the serious injury of a Maori chief during a battle on the island. Roads and tracks allow visitors to walk over lava fields and through lava caves (tubes left behind by the passage of liquid lava).It is densely forested with tree's and on arrival at the jetty realized that this island was excellent for trekking to the peak through forested pathways.It has the largest forest of Pohutukawa trees in the World, a indigenous tree of New Zealand. Rangitoto is approximately a 30 minutes ferry journey from Auckland Port with the ferry having a stop-over at Devonport .

In Auckland our cruise ship was docked right in the heart of the city, and just a short walk away from the ferry terminal. We had pre-booked tickets for the 915am Rangitoto ferry, as it was a Saturday and it's a popular crossing. About 30 minutes to get to Rangitoto, and then it's 60 to 75 minutes trek to the top to see the crater. There's some benches at the top to sit and have your sandwiches, before heading down. We got the 230 ferry back to Auckland and we're there early, but I think trying to make the earlier ferry would have been very tight for time. Overall, it was an ok day out, and we were tired at the end of it so just went back to our ship without seeing much else in Auckland. If I had a day in Auckland again I would probably do something else and try to see a bit more of this city.

The Rangitoto Island has a lot of charm and I would definitely recommend taking a ferry from Auckland and visiting it. It’s a perfect idea for a half-day trip. Rangitoto it’s a small, volcanic island with beautiful views from the summit and a little cave. 2-3 hours are enough to climb the highest peak, make a loop around the crater and visit the Lava caves. There is no shops, nor restaurants there, so it’s necessary to bring water and something to eat.