The Auckland Volcanoes and Ranges Mini-list
For a city built on a volcanic field, Auckland has surprisingly few large peaks in its urban area. Nevertheless, it is surrounded by ranges like the Waitakeres and Hunuas, and the Hauraki Gulf is home to the volcanic islands of Rangitoto and Great Barrier. The Auckland Perfect Ten may be small, but at times the tracks can be rough and they provide a good taste of New Zealand tramping.
Although a trip up the Sky Tower or a drive up Mt Eden gives some good views over Auckland, neither of these provide the same natural beauty as a trip to the Waitakeres or out to Rangitoto. Almost all of the peaks on this list can be easily reached as day trips from Auckland city, and they provide a great way to get off the beaten track and see the Auckland region’s wild side.
| # | Name | Height (metres) |
Region | Difficulty | Walk Duration |
Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auckland, Mt | 305 | Auckland | Easy | 4 hours | Oct to July |
| 2 | Dome Summit | 336 | Auckland | Easy | 2-3 hours | All Year |
| 3 | Hirakimata | 627 | Auckland | Easy | 6 hours | All Year |
| 4 | Kohukohunui | 688 | Auckland | Easy-Medium | 5-6 hours | All Year |
| 5 | Mangatangi | 487 | Auckland | Easy | 5 hours | Oct to July |
| 6 | Rangitoto | 260 | Auckland | Easy | 3-5 hours | All Year |
| 7 | Tamahunga, Mt | 437 | Auckland | Medium | 4 hours | All Year |
| 8 | Te Toiokawharu | 474 | Auckland | Medium | 4-6 hours | All Year |
| 9 | William, Mt | 373 | Auckland | Easy | 3 hours | Oct to July |
| 10 | Zion, Mt | 272 | Auckland | Easy | 1-4 hours | All Year |