Rakino Island Walks

Loop

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Getting There

Getting to Rakino Island is half the fun! Since there is no public car parking available for visitors on the island, you must leave your vehicle on the mainland.

Passenger ferries depart regularly from Auckland’s Downtown Ferry Terminal (Pier 6), taking about 45 minutes to reach Sandy Bay. It is a scenic cruise that takes you past Devonport and Rangitoto, letting you watch the city skyline fade into the distance.

For local residents, a car ferry operates from Half Moon Bay, but this is not intended for casual visitors. When you arrive at Sandy Bay, you will find yourself directly at the trailhead. Simply step off the wharf, look for the local road signs, and begin your walk.

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Wildlife Spotting

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the local community, Rakino Island has been proudly pest-free since 2002. This ecological milestone has turned the island into a thriving sanctuary for native birdlife. As you walk, turn your eyes and ears to the regenerating bush and coastal canopies.

The melodic, bell-like song of the tūī is a constant companion on this walk, and you will easily spot them darting among the flax bushes year-round. You are also highly likely to hear the heavy, distinctive 'whoosh' of kererū (New Zealand wood pigeon) wings as these large, iridescent birds fly between the pōhutukawa branches. Friendly piwakawaka (fantails) will often flutter alongside you on the tracks, catching insects stirred up by your footsteps.

If you are walking during the winter or spring, keep an eye out for the occasional kākā (large forest parrot) visiting from neighbouring islands. Down on the rocky shorelines, particularly around Maori Garden Bay or the quieter corners of Sandy Bay, lucky walkers might spot the rare banded rail darting through the coastal scrub, or even catch a glimpse of a little blue penguin nesting or resting near the water's edge during the spring and summer months.

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Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

Rakino Island is a fantastic year-round destination, but each season brings its own unique magic:

• Summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit. The pōhutukawa trees burst into crimson bloom, the weather is perfect for swimming at Woody Bay, and the island feels like a vibrant tropical paradise.
• Autumn and Spring offer cooler, comfortable walking temperatures, quieter trails, and crisp, clear views across the Hauraki Gulf.
• Winter brings a dramatic, moody beauty to the coastline. While you won't be swimming, the crisp air makes the 150-metre climb a breeze, and you will likely have the entire island to yourself.

• Go fully self-sufficient: There are absolutely no shops, dairies, or public drinking water taps on the island. You must pack in all of your own food, snacks, and plenty of drinking water for the day.
• Pack out your rubbish: Rakino operates under a strict "leave no trace" policy. There are no public rubbish bins, so please bring a bag to carry all your waste back to the mainland.
• Sun and wind protection: The walk is quite exposed with limited shade along the gravel ridge roads. Wear a hat, pack plenty of sunscreen, and bring a windbreaker jacket, as coastal breezes can pick up quickly.
• Start times: Always coordinate your walk start time with the return ferry timetable. Because services can be limited depending on the season, we recommend catching an early morning ferry to give yourself a relaxed, stress-free 4 hours on the island.
• Dog owners: Dogs are welcome on the island and the trails, but please check the ferry operator's guidelines regarding muzzle and leash requirements for the boat trip.

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Local & Regional Context

Rakino Island has a rich and colourful history that adds a wonderful layer of depth to your walk. Long before European settlement, the island was utilised by local Māori, as evidenced by the name of Maori Garden Bay, where kumara was historically cultivated in the fertile coastal soil.

In the 1860s, the island was purchased by Governor Sir George Grey, who wished to use it as a private sanctuary. He built a home here, imported exotic plants, and even attempted to introduce various wild animals before eventually focusing his attention on larger Kawau Island.

In the decades that followed, the island was used for farming, before eventually being subdivided in the 1960s. Today, Rakino is home to a small, passionate, and fiercely independent permanent population. The community lives entirely off the grid, relying on individual solar power systems and rainwater harvesting. Walking through the island, you can really feel this sustainable, community-minded spirit in the air.

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After the Walk

After completing your 7km loop, you will likely have worked up quite an appetite. While the island is blissfully devoid of commercial strip malls, there is one legendary local gem you must try if you are visiting during the warmer months:

• Woody's Pizzeria: Located just a short stroll up the hill from the beach at Woody Bay (about 2km from the ferry landing), this popular seasonal pop-up is an absolute institution. Operating on summer weekends, it serves up mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas in a relaxed, garden setting. With live music often floating through the air and a vibrant, friendly atmosphere, it is the ultimate place to swap stories with locals and refuel. Handy hint: Woody's is unlicensed and there are no shops nearby, so remember to bring your own cold drinks to enjoy with your pizza!

If you are visiting outside of the summer season, pack a thermos of hot coffee and a celebratory treat to enjoy on the beach at Sandy Bay while you wait for your ferry ride back to the mainland.