Volcanic AKL

A field guide to Auckland's volcanic field: the cones, craters and lakes, what to climb, and the history beneath the city.

• Why Are There Terraces on Auckland's Volcanoes?

  The terraces on Auckland's volcanic cones are the remains of pā, fortified Māori settlements, with ditches, banks and food storage pits still visible in the slopes.

• Auckland's Volcanoes and Their Māori Names

  Most of Auckland's volcanoes carry two names, Māori and English, and many now use both. Maungawhau is Mount Eden, Maungakiekie is One Tree Hill, Takarunga is Mount Victoria.

• Browns Island (Motukorea): Auckland's Island Volcano

  Browns Island, or Motukorea, is one of the best preserved volcanoes in Auckland, a small intact cone in the Hauraki Gulf. There is no scheduled ferry, so you need your own boat.

• South Auckland's Volcanic Field

  Some of Auckland's most significant volcanoes sit in the south around Māngere and Manukau, and most visitors never see them. Māngere Mountain and the Ōtuataua Stonefields hold deep history.

• The Volcanoes of Devonport

  Devonport is home to three of Auckland's volcanic cones, including two of the best short climbs in the city. North Head and Mount Victoria give harbour views and history.

• Auckland's Volcanic Lakes and Lagoons Explained

  Several of Auckland's lakes and lagoons are volcanic craters, formed by explosive eruptions that left round basins now filled with water. Lake Pupuke is the best known.

• Auckland's Volcanoes Hiding in Plain Sight

  Several of Auckland's volcanoes sit under the central city, so worn down or built over that most people cross them without realising. Albert Park and the Domain are both volcanoes.

• What Happened to Auckland's Lost Volcanoes?

  Auckland has lost several volcanoes to quarrying and development. Cones like Mount Smart and Green Mount were dug away for their scoria, which is part of why the count varies.

• Best Volcano Viewpoints for Auckland City Photos

  The best volcano viewpoints for Auckland city photos are Maungawhau (Mount Eden) for the skyline, Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill) for the obelisk, and Mount Victoria for the harbour.

• What Is the Easiest Volcano to Walk in Auckland With Kids?

  The easiest volcano to walk with kids in Auckland is Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill), a gentle walk through Cornwall Park with sheep, space and a cafe.

• What Is the Best Volcano to Climb in Auckland?

  The best volcano to climb in Auckland is Maungawhau (Mount Eden). It is the highest cone, has the widest view, and the walk to the top takes under 20 minutes.

• Mount Eden vs One Tree Hill: Which Should You Climb?

  Mount Eden is the higher cone with the wider view and a quicker climb. One Tree Hill is a gentler walk through parkland with more history. Here is how to choose.

• What Are the Tūpuna Maunga and Why Do They Matter?

  The tūpuna maunga are Auckland's ancestral volcanic mountains, taonga of great cultural significance to mana whenua. Here is what they are and how to treat them with respect.

• When Did Auckland's Volcanoes Last Erupt?

  Auckland's most recent eruption built Rangitoto Island around 600 years ago. Here is what that means for the field today and whether it could happen again.

• Why Is Auckland Built on Volcanoes?

  Auckland sits on an active volcanic field because of a hot spot deep in the mantle beneath the city. Here is what that means and why people settled there anyway.

• Can You Walk Up Rangitoto and How Long Does It Take?

  Yes, you can walk up Rangitoto. The summit track takes about an hour each way from the wharf. Here's the ferry, the cost, and what to bring.

• Best Volcanic Cones to Walk in Auckland (Local Guide)

  A local guide to the best volcanic cones you can walk in Auckland: Maungawhau (Mount Eden), Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill), Mount Victoria and North Head, with what to expect at each.