Auckland Volcanoes

You haven't seen Auckland until you've checked out its cones

When you're sprawled out on the grass at the Auckland Domain, remember that you're perched on a volcano. Along with Albert Park, this was the site of one of Auckland's first eruptions.

The largest, and most recent, eruption was around 600 years ago at Rangitoto. During this time the region was dotted with 48 volcanic cones. You can still spot these cones today – just look for the tell-tale green pastures in an otherwise densely built-up city.

A visit to Auckland is not complete without a trek up at least one of these cones and the two most popular are Mt Eden and One Tree Hill.

Mt Eden is the highest volcano on the Auckland isthmus and provides stunning views over the city and its harbours.

One Tree Hill was one of the largest Maori settlement complexes in New Zealand and has been claimed to be the largest pre-historic earth fort in the world.

Here's three top ways to check out these locations:

Via the Coast to Coast walkway, a half-day walk from the Waitemata Harbour to the Manukau Harbour; courtesy of a guided walk with a local guide from the Ngati Whatua tribe or privately by car, or on foot.