April 19, 2021
Today we continued climbing the peaks of Auckland. At 143 meters high, Ohinerau / Mt. Hobson is smaller than Maungawhau / Mt. Eden and Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill (both of which we have previously blogged about) and a much easier climb. It has been extensively modified by human use, first as a pa, then as a quarry and finally as a water reservoir. Its Maori name references Hinerau, the goddess of whirlwinds and the English name references William Hobson, New Zealand’s first Governor.
Ohinerau sits at the middle of the affluent suburb of Remuera. Back in the eighties we rented a small one bedroom flat there for $100 a month, which seems inconceivable now. We stopped at the top to enjoy the view over our old suburb.
Because a reservoir now occupies the volcano’s cone, there is a large flat area at the summit, much like a mesa.
Remnants of the large pa that occupied the site still remain, including terraces and food pits.
From the top we could see Maungawhau / Mt. Eden and Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill.
It was still early afternoon but the Southern Motorway was already becoming busy. Such are the joys of Auckland traffic.
Here are some more of the spectacular views from the top.
Mal and Lauren 