One of my New Year resolutions was to walk all of the volcanoes in Auckland. Did you know that there are 52 of them? I haven't quite made the 52, but have managed to walk a few of them over this year. For more information on Auckland's volcanoes and where they are, click on the link here.
Last Saturday, I decided to walk Ōhinerau (Mt Hobson), Te Kōpuke / Tītīkōpuke (Mt St John), Maungawhau (Mt Eden) and Pukekawa (Auckland Domain). The four volcano walk. The total kilometre journey was around 14 km.
The day started off cloudy and as it has rained a lot in Auckland recently, I made sure I was dressed for all weathers. However there was no rain and by the time I finished around 11.00 am, the sun had come out and it was really hot.
These volcanoes are all centrally located in Auckland and are easily accessible to everyone. The tracks are in really good condition and each maunga (mountain) has stairs or a path to access the titi (summit).
Each of the volcanoes has several different entrances and exits, I usually have my favourite ways of going up and coming down the maunga, but you may prefer to choose one of the other entrances, have a look on the Auckland Council website for more details, link below if needed.
Ōhinerau / Mt Hobson
When I walk up Ōhinerau, I usually enter from Remuera Road, it is easy to spot with a large sign at the entrance. After climbing a few steps, I am immediately taken into a bushy entrance way, the path is well set out and stony, easily walkable in any weather. The stoney path is mixed with a few stairs until you reach the tihi. Turn around and enjoy the views or walk around to experience a full 360 view of Auckland city.
The top of Ōhinerau is quite flat and currently has very green grass due to all the rain we have recently experienced. The views from the top are amazing looking out to Rangitoto to the north and over to Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill) to the south.
More details about this walk can be found on the Auckland Council page - link here.
Te Kōpuke / Tītīkōpuke / Mt St John
I like to commence the walk up Te Kōpuke / Tītīkōpuke (Mt St John) from Mount St Johns Road, the entrance is found between number 31 and 39. The entrance path is concrete and leads into a tree lined path. However it is not long before your reach the stairs. The stairs are well maintained and fairly easy to ascend. There is a path to the right that you can use instead of using the stairs, the path leads around the maunga.
Even through Te Kōpuke / Tītīkōpuke is the smallest of the group of maungas in this blog, the views are still amazing. It is usually fairly quiet and I frequently find that I am the only one on the maunga.
Like all of the maungas, make sure you stick to the well worn paths and as the crater is sacred, please do not walk through it.
More details about this walk can be found on the Auckland Council page - link here.
Maungawhau / Mount Eden
I have walked up Maungawhau many times over the years, I find that Maungawhau has this kind of aura about it and always provides some inner peace as you walk up the road to the tihi. There are many entrances to Maungawhau, but as always, remember to stick to the well worn paths, to observe this cultural site.
The entrance I used this time was off Owens Road, you can see from the picture above, that this is the entrance that the Coast to Coast walk uses. In this direction you look for the blue sign with Coast to Coast written on it and a large arrow, if you look on the other side, I think the coast to coast sign is green.
The development of boardwalk is almost completed and is being well used. This extension is being put in place to prevent further damage to the maunga. Like many people, upon reaching the tihi, I decided to have a bit of a break on the boardwalk, have something to eat and take a few pictures. The boardwalk has been a great addition and has made the walk more accessible and help to preserve the maunga.
Maungawhau is a popular walk for many people and the boardwalk is always busy with lots of people enjoying the views and taking some time for a breather. There are many side paths and tracks to enjoy, lots of birdlife, trees and bushes. A place of nature and enjoyment. I hope you enjoy the walk as much as I always do.
For more information on Maungawhau have a look at the Auckland Council site - link here.
Pukekawa / Auckland Domain
I believe we are lucky to have Pukekawa on our doorstep in Auckland. The grounds are extensively used for sports in both summer and winter. There are many other events that are also held here. The gardens are extensive and well cared for, with a variety of trees and plants to explore.
Apart from the plants, Pukekawa has many other things to have a look at. The Winter Gardens with the two large glass houses are worth a visit, I always stop and admire the statues and love to say 'Hi' to Venus and a visit to Pukekawa is never complete without a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
For more information on Pukekawa have a look at the Auckland Council site - link here.
Although I completed the four volcanoes as one walk, you can complete any of these as a single walk, just remember, while you are walking, stop and enjoy, listen to the birdsong and enjoy the surroundings.
Happy Walking.
Trish
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