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All New Zealand Auckland Browns Island

Browns Island

This quiet island in the middle of a bustling city is actually a volcano dotted with Māori ruins.

Auckland, New Zealand

Added By
Barbara Hayes
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Browns Island.   bumblebarb / Atlas Obscura User
Browns Island.   bumblebarb / Atlas Obscura User
Browns Island.   bumblebarb / Atlas Obscura User
Browns Island.   bumblebarb / Atlas Obscura User
Browns Island.   bumblebarb / Atlas Obscura User
Browns Island.   bumblebarb / Atlas Obscura User
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About

In the middle of busy, urban Auckland harbor, there's a little spot of green. It's a peaceful place, one without tourist boats and very few structures at all. You may notice it while standing on the city's shore, or while cruising along on a ferry to one of the more developed islands.

This oasis of serenity is Browns Island, or Motukorea in Māori.  Though it looks quiet, it's actually a remnant of the land's volatile past, as it's one of the Auckland volcanic field's most intact volcanoes.

The island once bustled with human activity, too. It's speckled with archaeological ruins from Māori pā, meaning villages or defensive settlements. For centuries, the Māori gardened on the little island and used it as a base while fishing.

Regular tour boats don't stop at Browns Island, but it's accessible by private sailboat, kayak, or seaplane. When you're on the island, you'll notice it seems like a steep, grass-covered hill plopped within the harbor. You can see down into the main caldera from the top of the hill, as well as three volcanic cones on the curving slopes. 

Related Tags

Islands Cities Volcanoes Geology Ruins Archaeology

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There's a beach on the north side of the island in a sheltered harbor where sailboats anchor and kayaks pull up on the shore.

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Stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich Māori culture.

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Added By

bumblebarb

Published

February 5, 2019

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Sources
  • https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/16088/motukorea
  • https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/heritage/heritage-publications/by-region/auckland/motukorea-browns-island-archaeological-landscape-heritage-assessment/
Browns Island
Browns Island
Auckland
New Zealand
-36.829985, 174.894571
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