Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Auckland > Central Auckland > Mt Hobson - Remuera

Mt Hobson - Remuera

Location

Main pedestrian access is off Remuera Road with paths to the top. There is also access from Dilworth and Mt Hobson Roads.

Description

Mt Hobson-Remuwera (143m) is a large scoria cone built by lava fountaining from a central crater. There are two distinct areas of the reserve. The northern side is reasonably formal with constructed, formed walkways which wind up the slopes through exotic and native planted trees, including the daffodil War Memorial located in the north east corner of the reserve. Seating and litter bins are provided at the daffodil War Memorial and alongside the path. The southern side of the reserve is predominantly grazed pasture with clearly visible archaeological sites and no clear linked walkways. From the summit and upper slopes of the cone there is a virtual 360o panorama of the city.

The first alterations to the natural form of Mt Hobson- Remuwera resulted from Maori occupation of the cone as a pa site. This involved numerous excavations such as terraces and pits. Subsequent modifications include a small quarrying operation. After quarrying had ceased the site was planted in trees. The construction of three water reservoirs and a pump building on the cone has also resulted in changes to the natural landform, particularly the reservoir situated on the summit. Housing now extends well up the northern and south eastern slopes. Construction of the trig station and formed track to the summit on the northern slopes are further alterations of lesser significance.

Despite modifications, Mt Hobson-Remuwera is one of the best preserved of the volcanic cones on the Auckland isthmus. Much of the land area of the reserve, including the summit, ridge and many of the steep slopes, is in pasture grazed by cattle. The grasslands are punctuated by widely scattered pohutukawa trees, small groves on the westerly slopes and old hawthorns on the southern side of the collapsed rim. A woodland of large trees extends along the lower northern and eastern margins of the reserve and up the north easterly slopes to the edge of the summit ridge. English oaks and pohutukawa are the most common species. A squat macrocarpa, a holm oak and a medium sized Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) are present amongst the plantings. A local feature of note is the long established commemorative plantings of daffodils in a war memorial on the lower northern slopes.

The ancient Maori name for the hill is Ohinerangi, ‘the dwelling place of Hinerangi’. Later the hill became known as ‘Remuera’, a corruption of Remu-wera meaning ‘the burnt hem of a garment.’ This was due to a Hauraki woman who was killed and eaten by the Waiohua members of the pa in the 1700s.

Information panels are provided at the Mt Hobson Lane and Remuera Road entrances. These panels outline the history of the reserve and include a map identifying walking tracks and archaeological sites. Signage identifies the daffodil War Memorial and explains that it is a dedication to the memory of those who lost their lives in the World War II. A plaque on a stone seat positioned within the daffodil area also explains their significance.

Level

Easy

Amenities

• Benches
• Birds
• Dogs Allowed
• Historical
• Plant Life

Source

www.aucklandcity.govt.nz

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