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The good news is of course that all of the volcanoes are extinct. The last to erupt was Rangitoto Island ; the last eruptions around 600 years ago created the distinctive island in the Hauraki Gulf that it is today.
Over time and human occupation (both Maori and European) most of the volcanoes have been modified in some way. Some have almost completely disappeared as the result of quarrying or construction. Some craters are actually now water-filled lakes: Lake Pupuke near Takapuna and the Panmure and Orakei Basins. Most of the volcanoes are also accessible to the public, with the surrounding area being part of regional parks or reserves. They are enjoyable places to walk around or to take in great views of Auckland.
Here are some the best volcanoes in Auckland to visit.
1. Mt Eden
This is the highest volcano in Auckland (196 meters/643 feet) and also one of the closest to the center of Auckland. A road takes you all the way to the top and there are close and spectacular views of the Auckland CBD and surrouding areas.
There are actually three main craters on the summit of Mt Eden, giving plenty of places to walk or bike.
Getting There:
Mt Eden is only 3 kilometers from the city center.
2. Rangitoto Island
Perhaps the most distinctive of Auckland's natural landmarks, Rangitoto is both the largest of Auckland's volcanoes and the newest. The last eruptions were only 600 years ago. As a result there is still no soil on the island. However, although it is made up of lava rock there is still an abundance of plant and bird life on the island.
A visit to Rangitoto Island and a walk to the summit makes a great day trip. The views back to the city are breathtaking.
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3. One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie)
One Tree Hill is the second largest volcano in Auckland after Rangitoto Island. It was originally named after a single pohutukawa tree planted on the summit. However, this and successive trees have been cut down over the years, usually politically motivated. Currently there is no tree at the top. However there is a prominent obelisk, erected in 1848 to honor the Maori people in the Auckland area.
One Tree Hill is surrounded by One Tree Hill Domain and Cornwall Park. Together they create the largest park area in urban Auckland, with a total of 220 hectares (540 acres).
4. Mangere Mountain
Mangere Mountain is close to Auckland International Airport, on the shores of the Manukau Harbor. This, and the adjacent Ambury Regional Park, have a number of interesting harborside walks. There is lots of evidence of volcanic activity (the mountain only erupted 18,000 years ago), with ash and lava rock formations scattered amongst the grassland areas.
5. North Head
On the northern side of the entrance to Auckland's Waitemata Harbor, North Head has been an important military strongholds for both Maori and European. There are still the remains of gun emplacements and tunnels dating from their use in both World Wars.
North Head offers one of the best vantage points from which to view Auckland, especially the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. It's a short distance from Devonport, itself a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
6. Other Auckland Volcanoes
Stand atop Mt Eden or One Tree Hill and you will be able to point out many of the other volcanic cones of Auckland. Some of the better known ones are:
- Mt Hobson
- Mt St John
- Mt Roskill
- Mt Smart
- Mt Albert
Auckland Volcanic Field
The wider Auckland region has been largely shaped by volcanic activity and is known as the Auckland Volcanic Field. Fortunately, it is unlikely that there will be any eruptions in the near future. However, it has provided a number of great places in which to enjoy New Zealand's largest city.
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