We go on the Auckland Ring of Fire tour.

We visit, climb, experience and photograph some of Auckland's landmark extinct volcanoes and in the process learn about Auckland's History and Maori Heritage.

Photo Opportunities: A one on one encounter with extinct volcanoes in a city surroundings. 360 degree views of Auckland The submerged explosion crater at Mangere Mountain Auckland Historic sites Maori Heritage sites

Our first destination is Mt Eden, one of the most popular, as the views from the summit are breathtaking! We go around the crater on a 360 degree view tour of Auckland down below. From the summit we look for other volcanoes and identify as many as we can.

Next we head to Mangere Mountain. This is a Maori Heritage site so we dip in History before heading on foot to the summit. Its a pleasant 1 1/2 to 2 hours leisurely walk with fantastic views towards Auckland City, the Manukau Harbour and the depths of the crater.

One Tree Hill is next . We leave our vehicle just below the summit and continue on foot so we can appreciate the craters, views and gorgeous surroundings.

One Tree Hill can be our final destination for the day or, depending on the time of the year, the weather and light conditions we may still go to Mt Hobson to enjoy the views of the Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island as the sun sets. Alternatively we may just enjoy an ice cream and a short stroll through Cornwall Park before heading back to town.

The Auckland Volcanic field comprises about 50 volcanoes.
I have selected the above 3 or 4 because of their history, prominence in the city, and the sightseeing and photographic opportunities they afford.

However, this tour can be tailored to your interests.
Please contact me to discuss.

Coming soon...

Depending on season, weather and your personal preferences our itinerary may change.

Additional Information

Mt Eden
Maori Name: Maunga-whau

It was named after George Eden (Lord Auckland). Mt Eden is one of Auckland's most famous landmarks. Close to the centre of the city, Mt Eden is a constant reminder that Auckland is situated on a potentially active volcanic field.

Height: 196m.
Age: 20-30,000 years
Volume lava: 162 million cubic metres (equivalent to 32,400 Olympic sized swimming pools).

One Tree Hill
Maori Name: Maungakiekie

Maungakiekie )was given its European name (One Tree Hill) by Sir John Logan Campbell, after a totara tree (Te Totara i Ahua) that stood on its summit. This was felled by a Pakeha settler in the 1850s. Campbell tried to replace the totara with a grove of trees, but only a single monterey pine tree survived. This became an Auckland landmark. The obelisk was erected for Auckland’s centenary celebrations in 1940, to commemorate the achievements and character of the great Maori people.

Mangere Mountain
Maori Name: Te Pane o Matoho

20.000 years old, Mangere Mountain is one the largest and best preserved of Auckland’s 48 cones and craters.

Mangere Mountain is one the largest and best preserved of Auckland’s 48 cones and craters, and one of the least modified of the big cone Pa (Maori settlement) sites which once dominated the Auckland skyline. Their warmer, friable volcanic soils were more suitable in New Zealand's temperate climate for growing tropical crops like kumara, taro and gourds and they offered a clear view of potential attackers.

Mt Wellington
Maori Name: Maunga-a-Reipae

Height: 135m.
Age: 9000 years
Volume lava: 160 million cubic metres (equivalent to 32,000 Olympic sized swimming pools).

Mt Wellington is the largest scoria cone (volume of scoria) and the second youngest volcano in the Auckland Volcanic Field, erupting about 9000 years ago.

Mt Wellington is a site of archaeological importance. The terraces, food storage pits and defensive trenches which have been uncovered show that Maori used this area over a considerable period of time The mountain was named in honour of the Duke of Wellington. Its Maori name, Maungarei, is translated as 'the watchful mountain' or as 'the mountain of Reipae', a Tainui ancestor. She traveled to Northland in the form of a bird.