Auckland Volcanoes Tour: Four Summits in a Half-Day

Four volcanic craters and panoramic city views in one morning

This half-day small group tour from Auckland takes you on short hikes to the summits and craters of four of the city's youngest volcanoes (Mt Wellington, Mangere Mountain, One Tree Hill and Mt Eden) with a local guide who explains the volcanic geology and Maori history at each stop. Hotel or port pickup and drop-off anywhere in the city are included. The tour operates in all weather, so bring walking shoes and rain gear.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Auckland's volcanoes and history

• View volcanic islands of Hauraki Gulf
• Walk to Mt Wellington crater
• Walk around Mangere Mountain craters
• See One Tree Hill and Cornwall Park
• Walk around Mt Eden crater

The experience

You're picked up from your hotel or cruise port and driven to the first volcano. Mt Wellington, a 10,000-year-old crater, sits at the start of the day. The walk to its summit is short and moderate, and from the peak you see the volcanic islands of the Hauraki Gulf (Rangitoto and Motukorea), and learn how early Maori settlers arrived and built communities on these volcanoes. The guide explains the Auckland Volcanic Field and what makes this city geologically unusual.

From there you move to Mangere Mountain, where you walk around its craters and hear about the large Maori settlement that once thrived on the volcano. The views shift west toward the Manukau Harbour and Auckland's coast. At One Tree Hill, you get a summary of New Zealand's early history (the British and Maori interaction), and drive through Cornwall Park to see the crater and, often, grazing sheep. The final stop is Mt Eden, where you walk the crater rim and stand at the summit with views of the entire city and the surrounding volcanoes spread out for photographs.

The whole tour takes about five hours. Along the way you'll watch for native New Zealand wildlife. There's a stop for a meat pie or snack from a local bakery if you want one (at your own cost). At the end, the driver drops you anywhere in the city instead of returning you to a single point, which means you can head straight to your next stop without backtracking.

What’s included

• Hotel or cruise port pickup with drop-off anywhere in the city.
• local guide leading all four volcano hikes.
• bottled water throughout the tour.
• air-conditioned vehicle between stops.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to14h before

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Voltours Limited

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're arriving by cruise ship or staying without a car: pickup from your port or hotel and drop-off anywhere in the city means you don't need to arrange transport, and the five-hour half-day format leaves your afternoon free. The small group size and moderate pace suit a first-time visitor who wants to understand Auckland's volcanic geology and Maori history without a full-day commitment.

Traveler reviews

4.83★★★★★★★★★★

146 verified traveler reviews

5 ★128

4 ★13

3 ★3

2 ★2

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the walk like on this Auckland volcano tour?

You'll do short hikes to the summits and around the craters of four volcanoes: Mt Wellington, Mangere Mountain, One Tree Hill and Mt Eden. The walks are on moderate uphill sections, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Wear walking shoes and bring rain gear in case the weather turns.

How old are the volcanoes I'll be hiking?

Mt Wellington is about 10,000 years old. All four volcanoes on the tour are among Auckland's youngest, and all are inactive. The guide explains the Auckland Volcanic Field and the Maori settlements that were built on these craters over centuries.

What does the tour include, and what costs extra?

Hotel or port pickup and drop-off anywhere in the city are included, along with a local guide, bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle. Food and drinks are not included. There's a stop at a local bakery where you can buy a meat pie or snack at your own cost.

Can I book this tour if I'm arriving by cruise ship?

Yes, the tour includes pickup from the cruise port and drop-off anywhere in Auckland at the end, so you don't need to arrange your own transport. The five-hour tour fits within a typical port day.

What will I see from the summits?

From the volcanic peaks you'll see panoramic views over Auckland, the volcanic islands of the Hauraki Gulf including Rangitoto and Motukorea, the Manukau Harbour on the west coast, and the surrounding volcanoes. Mt Eden's summit offers views of the entire city and is a good spot for photographs.

Does the tour operate if the weather is bad?

Yes, the tour operates in all weather conditions. Bring sunscreen, walking shoes and wet weather gear in case rain arrives. Dress appropriately for the conditions on the day.