Yes. Rangitoto is a popular destination a few miles from the city, and Islington Bay, between Rangitoto and Motutapu Island, is a well-used anchorage. The island is a pest-free reserve, so check your boat and gear for pests before landing.
Rangitoto Island is the large, symmetrical volcanic cone that dominates the view from the Waitematā Harbour. It is the youngest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field, formed about 600 years ago, and is covered in lava fields and pōhutukawa forest. It is joined to its older neighbour, Motutapu Island, by a causeway.
Getting there. From the city or the North Shore it is a sail of a few miles. On the way you cross the Rangitoto Channel, the main shipping channel into the port, so keep a careful lookout for ships and cross it briskly at right angles. The streams run strongly through the channel and around the island's shores.
Where to stop.
- Islington Bay, the bay between Rangitoto and Motutapu, is the best known anchorage, and is popular in summer. Check the forecast for wind directions it is exposed to, and the chart for depths and the seabed.
- Rangitoto Wharf, on the harbour side facing the city, is used by the passenger ferry, so do not obstruct it.
Much of the shoreline is sharp volcanic rock, so take care landing by dinghy and choose a sheltered spot.
Protecting the island. Rangitoto and Motutapu are managed by the Department of Conservation as a pest-free reserve. Before you go, check your boat, dinghy and bags for rats, mice, insects such as ants, and seeds or soil on shoes and gear. Take all rubbish home with you.
Ashore. There are walking tracks to the summit, which is about 260 metres high and gives a view over the whole harbour and inner Gulf. The black rock gets very hot in summer and there is no drinking water on the island, so take water, sunhats and sturdy shoes.
As with any trip, watch the weather while you are there. If the wind shifts into a direction the anchorage is open to, leave in good time rather than wait for it to build.
More in the book: Chapter 9, Anchoring and moorings