50 Auckland Volcanoes

Or is that 52, 53 or 55?

Auckland is built on at least 50 volcanoes, making it a very interesting city to explore. A number of the volcanoes are very obvious as they command attention in our landscape, while many others most people are completely unaware.

Download your free list of Auckland Volcanoes! Use the map below to get visiting.

Volcanic cones such as Mt. Eden, One Tree Hill, Mangere Mountain, North Head, Rangitoto Island and Mt Wellington dominate our skyline. Many others are also worth a visit and are full of surprise.

Fog in the crater of Mangere Mountain
Fog in the crater of an Auckland Volcano

As a family, we had an amazing adventure exploring all 50 Auckland volcanoes plus 3 that are on the ‘disputed’ list. Volcanologists agree on a robust list of 50 volcanoes and there is further debate on five.  

This was a truly fantastic family achievement and we would encourage anyone who is interested to give is a go.  We explored the well-known mountains and enjoyed the amazing views,  walked over smaller cones that are now local parks or sports facilities, witnessed sites where volcanoes once were but are now houses or businesses, and in it all learned a lot about our city, Auckland.

Here is a Google Map of all 50 volcanoes, so you can explore. Many can be found, even if just a remnant. Some have completely disappeared under quarrying and urban development but it is still intriguing to visit the site.’

Download your printable pdf list of all 50 Volcanoes, including spaces to tick off each volcano as completed!

It is fascinating to observe the map of Auckland volcanoes and notice how they are grouped on an 18km strip through the centre of Auckland, from Mt.Albert in the west to Otara Hill (south-east) and Pigeon Mountain (northeast) in the east.

Auckland’s Volcanoes follow a strip across the isthmus

The volcanoes of Auckland include volcanic cones, lakes, quarries, carparks, reserves & parks, sportsfields, roads, industrial buildings and homes. Many have a fascinating history and Maori heritage.

You’re at the Top!

The volcanoes section on this website will be developed over the next few months, including links to all the relevant walks for the volcanoes plus a lot of other interesting information and links.

Our hope is that we can provide a resource for Aucklanders and visitors to our great city that will enable them to understand and enjoy what nature has provided.

Volcano Highlights

Mangere Mountain:

This is an amazing mountain and surprised us with its size, variety, beauty, Maori culture and views. The Mangere Education Centre provides insights into Maori history and culture. This is a must-do volcano!

Stunning and Historical Mangere Mountain

Mt. Wellington:

A wonderful place to explore and enjoy. Some flat land to kick a ball, steep banks to roll down and spectacular Auckland views. The Google Map is here.

An additional interesting Mt Wellington walk is available here.

Pukaki Lagoon:

This is a huge circular area of undeveloped land in Mangere that has been purchased by the Auckland Council to become another Regional Park in the future. A spectacular volcano.