Big King

This large scoria cone is the sole remaining cone of what was probably the most complex of Auckland's volcanoes. The initial eruptions were wet explosions through the main sandstone divide between the Manukau and Waitemata catchments took place almost 30,000 years ago and resulted in the largest explosion crater in the Auckland field; 800 m across and nearly 200 m deep. Subsequently, dry fire fountaining created a number of scoria cones. Five significant cones up to 45 m high dominated the area, with a dozen or more smaller mounds (15 m or so).

The complicated remains of the volcano were named Three Kings by Captain Hobson's surveyor (Felton Mathew). Only the largest of the cones (known as Big King) remains after extensive quarrying razed all the other cones.

Maori called the cones Te Tatua o Mataaho, which translates as "the war belt of Mataaho". The name was subsequently changed to Te Tatua o Riukiuta, in reference to the bringing together of the diverse genealogical lines of the local iwi (tribes) by Riukuita, a senior Tohunga of the Tainui waka.

Big King carries a water reservoir on its top, and is used as an off lead exercise area for dogs. The remains of defensive earthworks can be sign in the terracing of the sides of the cone.

Tonight was book club and I stopped to take this photo as I was heading to where we were meeting tonight. I talked about the collection of Monbiot essays I have read and been deeply affected by; How Did We Get Into This Mess?