Rangitoto Island in HJauraki Gulf is Auckland’s largest, and youngest, volcano. Though the last eruption at Rangitoto Island was around 600 years ago, there are numerous points of geological and natural interest on the island for explorers. The island includes three settlements dating to the 1920s and 30s, predominantly made up of holiday homes, but incorporating walking paths, tennis courts, swimming pools and even community halls. Today these settlements stand barren, offering a glimpse of the unique communities that existed during the Depression.
Rangitoto Island is home to over 200 native plant species, an extensive network of paths for hiking and walking, and the largest pohutukawa forest on earth. Rangitoto is easily accessed by regular ferries. For those interested in taking a look at the mainland from the summit of the mountain, you can spend about 45 minutes strolling up the trail or opt to book your place on the tractor that crawls the mountain at regular intervals.