Have you heard about a volcano that was mostly quarried away? Welcome to Little Rangitoto. It is officially known as Maungarāhiri. This scoria cone once stood 75 meters above sea level. That made it 30 meters higher than the surrounding land.
Little Rangitoto is located in Remuera New Zealand. It is part of the Auckland volcanic field. The name Maungarāhiri refers to Rāhiri. He was an ancestor of Ngāpuhi. Rāhiri journeyed around the North Island Te Ika-a-Māui.
In the 1700s and early 1800s, the volcano was a seasonal farming site. It belonged to Ngāti Whātua-o-Ōrākei. Today the quarry site is Little Rangitoto Reserve. It was partly filled with refuse in the 1950s. Remnants of the southern slopes still exist. They lie south of the reserve. Houses in Ventnor Road now cover them.
Did you know Little Rangitoto had a lava flow? It burst forth from the northwestern base of the cone. The lava flowed north. It went down the valley west of Orakei Basin tuff ring. It moved out into what is now Hobson Bay.
Part of this flow is still visible. Look for it among the mangroves. Find the Shore Rd bridge across the creek. It is near St Kentigern School carpark. The toe of the lava flow is now buried. It is under mud and a railway embankment. This is near the Hobson Bay marina.
Little Rangitoto is a reminder of Auckland’s volcanic past. It shows how human activity can reshape the landscape. The area is now a reserve for all to enjoy. It offers a glimpse into Auckland’s geological history. The name Maungarahiri connects us to the stories of the past. It reminds us of Rāhiri’s journey. It was once a thriving farm. Now it is a green space. Little Rangitoto’s story is a testament to change. It connects nature history and people.