North Head Historic Reserve, Auckland

Maungauika is a volcano located on the eastern end of the Waitematā Harbour in Auckland. It forms a headland known as North Head and is situated in the Devonport suburb. This site is renowned for its panoramic views of the harbor and the Hauraki Gulf. Historically, since 1885, the military primarily utilized North Head for coastal defense purposes, resulting in the construction of a network of accessible old bunkers and tunnels that now serve as a key attraction.

In 1972, Maungauika was designated as a protected area within the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, and it received recognition as a Category I historic place in 2001. As part of a 2014 Treaty of Waitangi claim settlement, the volcanic cone officially received the name Maungauika, and the reserve was renamed Maungauika / North Head Historic Reserve. In the Māori language, Maungauika translates to "Mountain of Uika."

Since the Navy school vacated the summit area in 1996, the Department of Conservation has managed the area as a nature reserve. This reserve offers picturesque walks along the shoreline and to the summit, providing excellent views of Rangitoto Island and Auckland due to the hill's elevated position. Exploring the gun emplacements and tunnels is also a popular activity, with a substantial degree of access available to the public, although flashlights are necessary for exploration.

In 2014, the Tamaki Makaurau Collective, consisting of 13 Auckland iwi, officially named the volcano Maungauika and renamed the associated reserve "Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve." Ownership was given to the collective for the benefit of Tāmaki Makaurau iwi, hapū, and Auckland residents. Maungauika has cultural significance, and efforts are ongoing to restrict drinking, smoking, and vehicle access to the summit.