Rangitoto Island 

The islands of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park covers 12,000 square kilometres of the precious gulf that merges with the Pacific Ocean north-east of Auckland.
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park covers an area of more than 1.2 million hectares. There are more than 50 islands within the gulf, many of which are public conservation lands. The islands and beaches are simply stunning and the gulf has islands that are extremely different in every sense, from wineries and cafes to the rugged wild beaches that face eastward across the Pacific toward the USA several thousands of miles away.

Rangitoto Island –Erupting from the sea more than 600 years ago, Rangitoto Island is one of the youngest land masses in the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana.

It took approximately 200 years for the island to form to its current distinctive conical shape. There were Māori living on nearby Motutapu, one of the oldest land masses in the Hauraki Gulf, who observed the fiery volcanic explosions over the years. It must have been quite a sight to see and today Rangitoto Island is proudly pest-free.

Islington Bay – lies on the South-Eastern side of Rangitoto between Motutapu, the two islands connected by a causeway. The reliable haven provides great sheltered anchorage for most winds however it is exposed to southerlies. It has excellent holding with a thick muddy bottom – prepare to have to clean your chain! The Islington Bay Wharf may only be used for loading and unloading passengers, if you leave your tender there, it will be removed when you get back. Islington Bay is the perfect spot if you’re wanting to head ashore and venture up to enjoy the panoramic views from the top of Rangitoto or simply to have a fab anchorage and a drink.

Wanting to catch a feed for dinner? The Rangitoto Channel lies between Rangitoto and Bean Rock lighthouses and is home to a vast area of muddy, sandy bottom which holds worms, crabs and shellfish. There are also several small reef structures present and the rocky shoreline of Rangitoto all provide the perfect habitat for snapper. The channel is soft bait heaven, perfect for drifting through with soft baits, especially when the wind and current are moving in the same direction. Ideally you’d want to drift with the current, casting out in front of you and fishing the soft bait along the bottom as long as possible.

Whether you’re looking for a spot to anchor and have a drink, go out for a fish or for those more adventurous – walk up the volcano, look no further than Rangitoto Island, just 9 nautical miles from Down town, Auckland.