McLennan Hills

McLennan Hills is a group of volcanic hills made up of several scoria mounds in Auckland, formed by the local volcanic field. The area now shows a mix of natural landforms and modern development, with homes and green spaces integrated into the terrain.

The hills formed through volcanic activity and were a significant area for Māori settlement before European colonization. Later, quarrying operations heavily altered the hills, which eventually became a residential neighborhood.

The hills were an important location for Māori communities, serving as strategic positions for fortified settlements between two harbors. Visitors can still sense the connection to indigenous history in the landscape and local stories today.

The area is easily reached on foot and accessible via several walking paths, making it ideal for a casual stroll through the neighborhood. Visitors should note that most of the terrain is privately developed, and much can only be viewed from public pathways.

The area went through an unexpected transformation from quarry sites to greenhouse facilities before eventually becoming today's residential development. This series of uses shows how human activity on this volcanic landscape shifted dramatically over the span of a century.

GPS coordinates: -36.92921,174.84647

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:03