Auckland sits on top of a large volcanic field that has produced
around 53 volcanic scoria cones in the last 140 thousand years. Each of the cones is monogenetic, which means it was formed by a single bubble of magma that rose from deep within the earth. This means the next eruption is likely to occur on the thinner crusted areas between the existing cones.Wherever you are in Auckland, a green volcanic cone is never far from view. Two of the more prominent examples are Maungawhau (Mount Eden) and Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill). Maungawhau, meaning mountain of the whau tree, is the highest of all at 196 metres. It has an oval base caused by three in-line craters. Maungawhau's lava flows covered 5.6 square kilometres and the 'bubble' contained enough lava to fill 32,000 Olympic swimming pools. Maori people lived on Maungawhau until around 1700 when the pa (fortification) was abandoned. Changes to the natural shape of the cone are clearly visible today, providing evidence of Maori terracing, food pits and house sites.Maungakiekie, meaning hill of the kiekie vine, was home to one of the largest Maori settlement structures in New Zealand and included three pa sites. Terracing and pits can be found all over the cone. The mountain has been a reserve since 1840 and in 1901 an affluent early Aucklander had the vision and generosity to gift his adjacent farm to the city as a park. Today they offer an extensive recreational area for visitors and the residents of Auckland. With walking tracks, glades of forest, picnic areas and paddocks of sheep and cattle, there is delightfully rural feeling to this inner city enclave. Maungawhau, Maungkiekie and many of the other larger cones offer long-range, 360 degree views of the surrounding land and sea. Because Auckland is on a narrow isthmus you can easily see from one side of New Zealand to the other.
around 53 volcanic scoria cones in the last 140 thousand years. Each of the cones is monogenetic, which means it was formed by a single bubble of magma that rose from deep within the earth. This means the next eruption is likely to occur on the thinner crusted areas between the existing cones.Wherever you are in Auckland, a green volcanic cone is never far from view. Two of the more prominent examples are Maungawhau (Mount Eden) and Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill). Maungawhau, meaning mountain of the whau tree, is the highest of all at 196 metres. It has an oval base caused by three in-line craters. Maungawhau's lava flows covered 5.6 square kilometres and the 'bubble' contained enough lava to fill 32,000 Olympic swimming pools. Maori people lived on Maungawhau until around 1700 when the pa (fortification) was abandoned. Changes to the natural shape of the cone are clearly visible today, providing evidence of Maori terracing, food pits and house sites.Maungakiekie, meaning hill of the kiekie vine, was home to one of the largest Maori settlement structures in New Zealand and included three pa sites. Terracing and pits can be found all over the cone. The mountain has been a reserve since 1840 and in 1901 an affluent early Aucklander had the vision and generosity to gift his adjacent farm to the city as a park. Today they offer an extensive recreational area for visitors and the residents of Auckland. With walking tracks, glades of forest, picnic areas and paddocks of sheep and cattle, there is delightfully rural feeling to this inner city enclave. Maungawhau, Maungkiekie and many of the other larger cones offer long-range, 360 degree views of the surrounding land and sea. Because Auckland is on a narrow isthmus you can easily see from one side of New Zealand to the other.Auckland Botanic Gardens
With more than 10,000 beautiful and fascinating plants, Auckland 
Botanic Gardens is a gardener's nirvana. Enter through the award-winning visitor centre and unwind over a coffee while you plan your route through the plantings.Begin with the refreshingly different edible garden. Here fruit, vegetables, nuts and edible flowers are featured to encourage people who want to grow more of their own food. There is also an informative display that compares different methods of composting.A more predicable theme, New Zealand natives, offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to find out more about the unique features of New Zealand's natural vegetation. A special feature of this garden is the collection of threatened native species.Deeper into the gardens, past the lower lake, things become a little more exotic. Palms from around the world grow alongside many mature native trees in a delightful setting with two meandering streams.Colour becomes the focus throughout the extensive rose, camellia and magnolia gardens. From here the spring blossom valley leads to the African garden, a collection of plants from the southern end of Africa - an area regarded as one of the world's richest floral kingdoms. Passing the upper lake and the intriguing rock garden, the edible theme emerges once more at the aromatic and informative herb garden. Signage also explores the contribution that herbs make to medicines, dyes, insect repellents, cosmetics and perfumes.From here the visitor centre is once more nearby and a visit to the library can help answer any of the more challenging questions you may have.The Auckland Botanic Garden is conveniently located close to the southern motorway - about 30 minutes drive from the city centre.
Botanic Gardens is a gardener's nirvana. Enter through the award-winning visitor centre and unwind over a coffee while you plan your route through the plantings.Begin with the refreshingly different edible garden. Here fruit, vegetables, nuts and edible flowers are featured to encourage people who want to grow more of their own food. There is also an informative display that compares different methods of composting.A more predicable theme, New Zealand natives, offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to find out more about the unique features of New Zealand's natural vegetation. A special feature of this garden is the collection of threatened native species.Deeper into the gardens, past the lower lake, things become a little more exotic. Palms from around the world grow alongside many mature native trees in a delightful setting with two meandering streams.Colour becomes the focus throughout the extensive rose, camellia and magnolia gardens. From here the spring blossom valley leads to the African garden, a collection of plants from the southern end of Africa - an area regarded as one of the world's richest floral kingdoms. Passing the upper lake and the intriguing rock garden, the edible theme emerges once more at the aromatic and informative herb garden. Signage also explores the contribution that herbs make to medicines, dyes, insect repellents, cosmetics and perfumes.From here the visitor centre is once more nearby and a visit to the library can help answer any of the more challenging questions you may have.The Auckland Botanic Garden is conveniently located close to the southern motorway - about 30 minutes drive from the city centre.Long Bay Regional Park
Long Bay certainly lives up to its name. This seaside reserve includes a 
kilometre-long sandy beach that gentle slopes down to the waters of a coastal marine reserve. Green hillsides provide a buffer from the neighbouring suburbs and a broad, flat grassed area with large shady trees flanks the beach along the length of the bay. There's plenty of room to throw a ball, fly a kite or simply relax in the sun. And it's a safe beach for swimming, so a refreshing dip is on the agenda during summer and autumn.The parkland continues north of the beach for about two kilometres before turning inland along a broad river. A walking track passes along the sandstone cliff tops offering panoramic views across the Hauraki Gulf. The trail leads through patches of native forest and side tracks reveal remnants of World War II gun emplacements. The original farm homestead has been restored and is open for visitors.Facilities at the park include toilets, changing rooms, showers and barbecue sites. Long Bay Regional Park is on the eastern coast about 30 minutes drive north of Auckland's city centre. There is a regular public bus service.
kilometre-long sandy beach that gentle slopes down to the waters of a coastal marine reserve. Green hillsides provide a buffer from the neighbouring suburbs and a broad, flat grassed area with large shady trees flanks the beach along the length of the bay. There's plenty of room to throw a ball, fly a kite or simply relax in the sun. And it's a safe beach for swimming, so a refreshing dip is on the agenda during summer and autumn.The parkland continues north of the beach for about two kilometres before turning inland along a broad river. A walking track passes along the sandstone cliff tops offering panoramic views across the Hauraki Gulf. The trail leads through patches of native forest and side tracks reveal remnants of World War II gun emplacements. The original farm homestead has been restored and is open for visitors.Facilities at the park include toilets, changing rooms, showers and barbecue sites. Long Bay Regional Park is on the eastern coast about 30 minutes drive north of Auckland's city centre. There is a regular public bus service.Great Barrier Island
Great Barrier Island is the largest and most seaward of the Hauraki 
Gulf islands. For thousands of years it has sheltered the gulf from the relentless swells of the Pacific Ocean, creating a boating paradise.The eastern shore of Great Barrier Island faces the ocean with high cliffs and long white surf beaches; the western side offers deep sheltered harbours and calm sandy bays.More than 60 per cent of the island's 285 square kilometres is public land administered by the Department of Conservation. The native forest is laced with beautiful walking tracks, which lead to secluded natural hot springs and an historic Kauri dam. These wilderness areas, foreshores and estuaries are home to several unique plant and bird species. Rising 627 metres above the sea, Hirakimata (Mount Hobson) beckons the hiker with a promise of 360 degree views that will never leave the mind.Great Barrier Island is a popular destination for diving, fishing, surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and camping. Accommodation options range from tent sites to luxury eco lodges. The 90 kilometre journey from Auckland city takes about 3.5 hours by fast ferry or you can catch a 30 minute flight.
Gulf islands. For thousands of years it has sheltered the gulf from the relentless swells of the Pacific Ocean, creating a boating paradise.The eastern shore of Great Barrier Island faces the ocean with high cliffs and long white surf beaches; the western side offers deep sheltered harbours and calm sandy bays.More than 60 per cent of the island's 285 square kilometres is public land administered by the Department of Conservation. The native forest is laced with beautiful walking tracks, which lead to secluded natural hot springs and an historic Kauri dam. These wilderness areas, foreshores and estuaries are home to several unique plant and bird species. Rising 627 metres above the sea, Hirakimata (Mount Hobson) beckons the hiker with a promise of 360 degree views that will never leave the mind.Great Barrier Island is a popular destination for diving, fishing, surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and camping. Accommodation options range from tent sites to luxury eco lodges. The 90 kilometre journey from Auckland city takes about 3.5 hours by fast ferry or you can catch a 30 minute flight. 
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