Takarunga / Mount Victoria — Attraction in Devonport-Takapuna

Edit Takarunga / Mount Victoria is the highest volcano on Auckland's North Shore, rising to 87 m. Its age is currently unknown. Its lava flows now line much of Devonport's waterfront. An important pa (fortification) once occupied its slopes, and some of the pa's earthworks can still be seen.1] A scoria mound known as Duders Hill, on Takarunga / Mount Victoria's southern slopes was mostly quarried away. The name Mount Victoria comes from Queen Victoria and the name Takarunga means "the hill standing above". Jules Dumont d'Urville climbed the hill in 1827.[2]

Takarunga Mount Victoria Mount Victoria North Shore Sailing.jpg Takarunga / Mount Victoria as seen from the south on the Waitematā Harbour, the Devonport ferry terminal in the middle distance. Highest point Elevation 87 m (285 ft) Coordinates 36.8266°S 174.7990°E Geography Location North Island, New Zealand Geology Volcanic arc/belt Auckland volcanic field The hill provides panoramic views of Auckland's Waitematā Harbour and the inner Hauraki Gulf. Over the years the peak and upper slopes have housed a signal station for shipping,[3] artillery emplacements, farmland, and various concrete army bunkers, some from as early as the 1870s. One bunker now serves as the venue for the Devonport Folk Music Club.[4]

The slopes of Takarunga / Mount Victoria are also home to Devonport Primary School, Takarunga Playcentre, a tennis court, a cemetery, a water reservoir which maintains supply to the area, and a scenic lookout. The old Signalman's House is now home to the Michael King Writers Centre which provides writers-in-residence programmes, hosting for visiting writers, residential workshops for experienced writers, and a series of workshops for young poets and emerging writers.[5] The writer-in-residence programmes are supported by Creative New Zealand and the University of Auckland.[6]

In the 2014 Treaty of Waitangi settlement with the Tamaki Makaurau Collective of 13 Auckland iwi, the volcano was officially named Takarunga / Mount Victoria and ownership was vested to the collective. It is now co-governed by the collective and Auckland Council in common benefit of the iwi "and all other people of...

Mount Victoria or Takarunga (Māori name) is a dormant volcano located in the Devonport town of the Auckland region. It is an easy hike to the summit any healthy person can make under 30 minutes.

From Kerr Street there is an easy walkway which takes about 20-30 minutes to reach the summit. At the summit, you will get 360-degree panoramic views right from the Auckland CBD to the Waitakere ranges in the west covering Waitemata Harbour, Rangitoto, Waiheke islands, Great Barrier Islands, North Auckland and to the Waitakere ranges. Mt Victoria summit is a very popular place to take sunset photos, particularly in the summer. It is also a great viewing place to watch ships arriving and departing the main Auckland harbour.

European settlers named it after Queen Victoria, but it was also called as Flagstaff Hill, after a signal station for the Port of Auckland was positioned on the summit in 1841. Mt Victoria has been a public reserve since 1880. Military bunkers were constructed during the WWI and WWII times and visitors can still see the remaining concrete structures and the artillery at the summit.

On the summit you will come across a number of colorfully painted mushroom features kids love to play with. These are in fact the vents for a water pumping station which lies underneath. Summit also is the location for a radio and communications repeater station.

The tar sealed road to the summit is now closed for private vehicles, but the public can use the road for cycling or walking to the summit.

The eastern slope of Mount Victoria houses the Michael King Writers Centre which provides writers-in-residence programmes. It hosts visiting writers, conduct residential workshops for experienced writers, and series of workshops for young poets and emerging writers. The writer-in-residence programmes are supported by Creative New Zealand and the University...

This is one of the most stunning viewpoints in Auckland. From the summit you get sweeping panoramic views of the city skyline, Rangitoto Island, and the Hauraki Gulf. It is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, when the sky lights up in golden colours and the harbour comes alive with ferries, yachts, and ships.

The climb is short but a little steep, whether you walk or drive, and the open grassy summit is perfect for relaxing or having a picnic while you take in the scenery. Despite being close to the city, it feels peaceful and spacious, with plenty of room to enjoy the views without feeling crowded.

Tips for visiting: • Sunset and sunrise give the most dramatic views. • Comfortable shoes are recommended if walking up. • Bring a camera, because the lookout is one of the most photogenic spots in Auckland.

Overall: Takarunga / Mount Victoria is a must-visit landmark. It combines cultural significance, natural beauty, and unbeatable views of Auckland. I would highly recommend it to both visitors and locals, and I will happily...