Browns Island (Motukorea): Auckland's Island Volcano
Browns Island, or Motukorea, is one of the best preserved volcanoes in Auckland, a small intact cone sitting in the Hauraki Gulf off the eastern suburbs. There is no scheduled ferry, so you need your own boat or a tour to land.
What is Browns Island?
Browns Island, Motukorea in Māori, is a small volcanic island in the inner Hauraki Gulf, close to the eastern Auckland coastline. It is a compact, well-formed volcano made up of a scoria cone and the remains of an explosion crater and tuff ring. Despite sitting so close to the city, it has stayed remarkably intact, which makes it one of the clearest examples of an Auckland cone in its natural shape.
Why is it so well preserved?
Because it was never quarried or built on the way the mainland cones were. Sitting offshore and largely undeveloped, Motukorea escaped the scoria quarrying that reshaped so many of Auckland's volcanoes. The crater, cone and surrounding tuff ring are all still readable, giving a picture of what many of the mainland maunga looked like before the city grew over and into them.
Can you visit Motukorea?
Yes, but not easily. There is no scheduled passenger ferry, so reaching the island means your own boat or kayak, or a charter or tour. Once there, you can walk over the cone and around the crater and take in the gulf views back to the city and across to Rangitoto. Because access is limited, it is far quieter than the mainland cones, which is part of its appeal.
Its history
Motukorea has a long and significant Māori history, valued for its fishing, birdlife and strategic position in the gulf. It later passed through European ownership, taking the Browns Island name, and was farmed for a time. Today it is a protected reserve. Its combination of intact volcanic form and deep history makes it a standout in the field, even though few visitors make the crossing.
Every cone, even the offshore one
Volcanic AKL maps the whole Auckland field, including Motukorea out in the gulf, with history and geology. Works offline.
Explore Volcanic AKLRelated: Walking up Rangitoto.