Takarunga / Mount Victoria

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 of Auckland.

It is a beautiful panoramic view of Auckland in the distance, the harbour and the surrounding areas; the islands and the Pacific Ocean. It should be a relaxing walk up or drive however in our case we took the Segway Tour from Magic Broomstick. At the peak you can view the old disappearing gun as well.

Beautiful place. It was windy but not cold and we had excellent day up there. Views are amazing.

Beautiful and Tranquil place for some fresh air and stunning views of Rangitoto and Auckland City

Well worth a visit. We waited and got a lift up to the top. Wouldn't recommend walking it's a steep climb. 360 degree views from the top are fantastic.

It's a good spot to view the whole skyline of Auckland. My suggestion for you is that you bring a hat, water and sunscreen.It's easy to arrive walking there using the Devon Port and you will be able to see many stores on the way.

It is about 30 minutes walk from Devonport ferry terminal. You can see beautiful 360 panorama view, and also Auckland downtown, Sky Tower. It was very clear sunny autumn day, we weren't tired to see around more than hours. Maybe you had better to have something drink.

Superb view from the top, almost 360 degree. You get to see the skyline of Auckland. Good walk at the Broadway as well as up the hill.

Climb, a freshly cut lawn is getting you great photos. This is one of the quietest places to have a bird's eye view of Auckland. Know where the restrooms are before you climb or be empty. This place is gorgeous.

Short walk good for families. on top with 360 degrees view of CBD. Scenic view. Few parking available onsite.Aside from walking in Mt Victoria you could also go for a walk in Devonport wharf which is really nice. Playground available for kids and have some picnic. Huge free Parking beside the playground but beside the wharf you have to pay.