Can you imagine a 196-metre hill overlooking a bustling city? That’s Mount Victoria. Right here in Wellington New Zealand. This isn’t just any hill. Mount Victoria holds centuries of stories. Its original Maori name is Tangi Te Keo. This comes from a legend about taniwha. These are mythical creatures. They tried escaping a lake that became Wellington Harbour. One taniwha died. Its spirit became a bird named Te Keo. It mourned atop Mount Victoria. Another name for Mount Victoria is Matairangi meaning ‘to examine the sky’.
Mount Victoria played a significant role in Wellington’s development. The New Zealand Company planned Wellington in 1840. They set aside land for public green spaces. This included Mount Victoria. It became part of the Wellington Town Belt. The intention was for it to remain open to all citizens. However leases were granted. This caused debate about public access. Attempts were made to sell portions of the Town Belt. This included parts of Mount Victoria. Thankfully these attempts failed. Land was also used for Wellington College and Wellington Hospital.
From its earliest days Mount Victoria was a popular spot. People enjoyed walks there. The views were stunning even in 1846. Voyagers described the views in great detail. They noted the majestic views of the Hutt Valley. They also admired Evans Bay and the harbour. Harrier clubs used Mount Victoria for runs. There were even races from the summit. The wind on Mount Victoria is legendary. Frank Morton described it as encountering a powerful ox running downhill. It was strong enough to shave a man. He even suggested multiplying Willis Street wind speeds by ten to estimate the wind at the summit.
Mount Victoria wasn’t just for recreation. There was a signal station on the summit. This relayed shipping information from Beacon Hill. A time gun was installed in 1878. This was used to set clocks. It was a 24-pounder from Fort Britomart. The Artillery Volunteers hauled it uphill. Its last firing was in 1967. There was even a suggestion of placing windmills for electricity generation. Mount Victoria also had quarries. These provided gravel for city streets. However this caused concern about damage to the hill. The quarries eventually closed.
Mount Victoria’s history is filled with mysteries. A skeleton was found there. There was a deep hole called the Devil’s Ear. A Roman coin was discovered. It seems Mount Victoria has always held a certain intrigue. Mount Victoria continues to be a cherished landmark. It offers breathtaking panoramic views. It’s a place where history nature and stunning views converge. Enjoy the stunning views from Mount Victoria.