Maungauika / North Head
Maungauika
A volcanic headland at the eastern end of Devonport, with gun batteries and tunnels from the late 19th century through WWII, overlooking the harbour entrance.
North Head (Maungauika in Māori) is a volcanic headland that guards the entrance to Waitematā Harbour. Fortifications began in the 1880s amid the “Russian threat” and remained in use until WWII. The hill contains many tunnels, ammunition magazines, and gun emplacements. It is now jointly managed by Māori iwi and the city council and is open free of charge. A loop track around the hill offers views of the ferries and sailboats entering and leaving the harbour, and of Rangitoto and Waiheke Island. It's about a 20-minute walk from the Devonport ferry wharf. Bring a torch to explore the tunnels. At the foot of the hill is Cheltenham Beach, good for swimming.
Opening hours
Pedestrian access all day; vehicle gates open by day
Nearby sights
- Devonport
- Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium
- Mission Bay
- Auckland War Memorial Museum
- Auckland Domain & Wintergardens
- New Zealand Maritime Museum
- Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
- Queen Street