Maungauika is a volcano forming a headland called North Head at the east end of the Waitematā Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand, in the suburb of Devonport. Known for its sweeping views over the harbour and the Hauraki Gulf, since 1885 the head was mainly used by the military as a coastal defence installation, which left a network of accessible old bunkers and tunnels as its legacy, forming part of the attraction. The site was protected as part of Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park in 1972 and listed as a Category I historic place in 2001. As part of a 2014 Treaty of Waitangi claim settlement the volcanic cone was officially named Maungauika and the reserve renamed Maungauika / North Head Historic Reserve. Maungauika is the Māori word for Mountain of Uika.
The original scoria cone has been substantially altered, first by marine erosion and later by the various generations of people who have occupied the headland. It was first used by Māori, and the Tainui waka was reputed to have put ashore close by at what is now Torpedo Bay. The Tainui people named the spring 'Takapuna', which was later used for the nearby beach. Some early photographs of the area show that they used to work gardens on the hill's lower slopes, though the pā fortifications of other cones in the area seem absent. European visitors during the 1850s have also described a settlement at the foot of the hill with gardens and racks for the drying of fish.
Monday | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Tuesday | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Wednesday | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Thursday | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Friday | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Saturday | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Sunday | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Andre Bourgeois | Jan 7, 2018
Great activity for kids and adults alike. Expect amazing views and lots of fun walking through old tunnels and rooms dug/buried in the stone. I highly recommend a flashlight or at the very least make sure your cellphone light works well.
Raghav Abbhi | Jan 16, 2018
A scenic spot with loads of history associated with it. The reserve is easily accessible by car or foot. Car park is also available. Ideal for a quick visit if in the vicinity.
Dennis Niu | Feb 2, 2018
Every summer i head out there.I always have the family such a adventurous place to go.The outdoors the fresh air .. tunnels to investigate play or hide.hill to slde down take cardboard.Have a picnic sometimes maybe a bit windy. Good place to walk or run for exercise. Highly reccomend this place for families and a historic background
April Palmer | Dec 5, 2017
A really cool place to explore, make sure you bring a torch! There's a nice walk around the head with a few different pathways. On a nice day you get lovely clear views of Rangitoto from one side and auckland from the other. The military buildings and tunnels are a great time and very interesting to have a look around in, if not a bit creepy feeling in the dark! Very green and lush grass make it a great picnic spot and easy parking makes it even better! Good for a short stroll or a longer time for some exploration.
Rob Hutton | Dec 20, 2017
A wonderful place to explore. Limited parking up the top - park at the bottom and walk is a good idea. Take a torch and explore the tunnels - kids love it, just be careful if the cliffs.
David HB | May 2, 2018
This is the best spot to see the whole city from the top. It's a great location for taking photos and you can also see the Browns island from there. there is also a couple of toilets up there.
Bob Barnes | Jun 30, 2018
Interesting place. Video almost essential viewing to give context. Parking lines would be handy. Some people have no idea that others may want to park too.
Alex Tjahjana | Apr 26, 2018
A beautiful reserve overlooking the bay. Plenty of paths for walking, as well as the conservatory department "huts" hosting historical videos about the North Head hill. You can see the disappearing gun, used as one of Auckland's main defence against any water attack. You can also find fortresses around the reserve; some are still open explore though most are already sealed.
benaifer Bilia | Jun 30, 2018
Amazing views all the way to the Coromandel on a sunny clear winter day!!! So many good food places in Devonport on the way in !!!!
Deeksha Nanaiah | May 6, 2018
Love this place. Nice to walk around abc explore the underground cave/establishments. Very well maintained. Good to come here with kids, saw a lot of kids having fun looking at the cannon baller and caves.
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