January and April, 2013
So, what is it that makes Auckland unique and special among the world’s great cities? As far as Rich and I are concerned it’s obvious: dormant volcanoes! According to our guidebook, there are 48 visible volcanic cones in the area. On top of that, many of these cones are pa sites, terraced by ancient Maori people to make them protective forts. The tree-cleared, grassy landscape only adds to their exotic look.
During our first visit (in January), a friend drove us up to the top of Mount Eden, which today is a park, wealthy residential neighborhood, and viewing point for seeing the city of Auckland. Yes, it had an amazing view of the city, but I think even more amazing was looking down into what was obviously the caldera of an extinct volcano. In fact it was one of the most unusual things we’ve ever seen. Visible on the horizon were other extinct volcanic cones, a pretty remarkable sight.
On this subsequent visit to Auckland, Rich and I went to see another dormant volcano, One Tree Hill, now the site of a huge park at the base and viewing area at the top. As we drove into the park and headed towards the hill, we saw what looked like hundreds of sheep grazing the area. When they said sheep graze on this hill, I though they meant a few scattered here and there, not an army of them! It looks more like a strange dream more than anything real . . . “I had the weirdest dream, and you were there and there were sheep everywhere . . . !” If you have a fear of sheep, do not come here!
(Is anyone actually afraid of sheep? Apart from wool allergies? Or someone who finds mutton disgusting? –Rich)
We arrived at the top of the hill and watched the sun set over the surrounding scene: the monument above us, sheep grazing on the terraced hillsides around us, the grassy volcano caldera just below us, and dormant volcano mounds amid the cityscape below. Very surreal.
I have to say I’m surprised these dormant volcanoes are barely mentioned in the guidebooks, and when they are it’s more about the history of the parks that cover them now. Does New Zealand not realize that not every city has these? Perhaps we should write a letter to the New Zealand Tourism Board advising them that 48 dormant volcanoes might attract more tourists than a sky tower or a yachting-themed waterfront, nifty as those things are.
Below is our gallery combining the park on the way to the top of Mount Eden, the peak at Mount Eden, and our sunset trip to One Tree Hill. Click on any picture to scroll and enlarge. –Cyndi
