Travel writing: some of Northland's best cold volcanoes to climb
How many volcanoes have you climbed since Monday? Up the top of the country, you could do a volcano a day for a week and never get burned or frostbit. Yes, what Northland lacks in snowy peaks, it makes up for in rocky volcanic knobs (long-since cooled, we can assure you). The peninsula is the country’s most-remote region and is decorated with prominent stone mountains in bizarre shapes, and lain with well-maintained tracks to the top.
The best part of it all: each peak is climbable in less than two hours return and – considering Northland’s gentle subtropical weather – views are reliable.
From Bald Rock to Paul’s Rock
Why not begin your journey through Tai Tokerau at Volcano 1, the landmark 238m Bald Rock in Kaiwaka, 90 minutes north of Auckland. Carry on another two hours north along SH1 and you’ll get to Whangaroa Harbour. There, the perfectly bell-shaped St Paul’s Rock (volcano 2) is at the top of Old Hospital Road above Whangaroa’s quaint seaside village. It’s less than one kilometre from the car park to the top of this volcanic dome. Across the water, if you can make it over there, is volcanic remnant number 3, Duke’s Nose, described as “Tolkienesque” by the local newspaper.
Whangarei Heads: three volcanoes for the price of one
Your next cold volcanic cone, Mt Manaia, sticks out on Whangarei Heads like a collection of candlesticks. From some directions, this andesitic agglomerate volcano resembles a human face; from other directions, you’ll see bagpipes, a birthday cake or a castle. Manaia – a hugely popular two hour return climb to 420m – is sacred to local iwi Ngātiwai. The craggy peaks represent ancient tribesman Manaia, whose family were turned to stone in a dispute over the infidelity of Manaia’s wife.
The same volcanic magma pipes which crafted Manaia are responsible for the rocky knobs of cold cauldrons Mt Aubrey (215m) and the epic Bream Head (490m) and Mt Lion (395m) – all of which are within a 15 minute drive from Manaia.
These are volcanoes 4-6 in your week’s journey. Each of these mighty peaks is walkable within a morning or afternoon, though you can expect some 45 degree climbs.
Don’t forget Dargaville’s volcanoes
Maungaraho is a shark fin of solidified magma that was once the plug of Tokatoka Volcano which erupted nearly 20 million years ago. To climb to its trig point, you’ll need to haul yourself up chains for the upper half of the 30 minute climb. To get to Maungaraho, just drive 20 minutes south of Dargaville along State Highway 12 then turn onto Mititai Road.
The second part of volcano 7 is just up the road. Tokatoka is a needle of a mountain, just 180 metres high. It’s a far sharper, pointer version of its sibling. The difference is at the bottom of this one, the Tokatoka Tavern awaits.
michaelboturwriter.com...
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52.5% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.7% Critical thinking
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30.1% Resilience and adaptability
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2.7% Other - I will share below!
Whangarei Film Society - screenings for Thursday February 26th, 2026
Good People
Welcome to 2026!
The film night for our first WFS screening for the year will be on Thursday 26th February in the Capitaine Bougainville Theatre at Forum North, 7 Rust Ave Whangarei.
Please note: There will be one screening only for the evening. It will follow the WFS AGM at 6pm.
We will be screening the NZ doco, Not Only Fred Dagg But Also John Clarke at 7:15pm.
Thanks to all for your continued support of WFS and hope to see you there.
NOT ONLY FRED DAGG BUT ALSO JOHN CLARKE
New Zealand, 2025, Documentary, 103 mins
Cast: Sam Neill, Ben Elton, Bryan Dawe
Director: Lorin Clarke
When satirist John Clarke died in 2017, the world mourned an icon. He was a defining comedic voice who wrote and appeared in numerous films and TV productions, and who – in a beloved double act with Bryan Dawe – skewered political hypocrisy for almost 30 years on current affairs shows.
In a series of recorded conversations with his daughter, writer/director Lorin Clarke, John traces his steadfast resistance to authority back to his childhood and offers delightful insights into his four decades in the entertainment industry.
Weaving together personal anecdotes, a rich television archive, tales from international comedy greats and riches from Clarke’s work and letters, this is a deeply personal insight into a legend of the antipodean screen and a tribute to the disruptive power of creativity.
"In New Zealand, he was bigger than The Beatles." - Sam Neill
Showing at Forum North, 7 Rust Ave Whangarei on Thursday, 26th February at 7:15pm following the WFS AGM at 6pm.
View the trailer at: www.youtube.com...
Tickets: Door sales only. $10 WFS members. Non-members pay $5 extra as an Associate Membership fee per film (Total of $15).
WFS members from 2025 who register and attend the WFS AGM will be admitted to the film screening that night for free.
All welcome. Cash only please – NO EFTPOS AVAILABLE.
The latest product recalls
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Food and household item recalls:
⚠️Cereulide toxin risk in Nestlé brand Alfamino Infant Formula (0-12 months) recalled due to the possible presence of the toxin cereulide
Nestlé Milo Dipped Snack Bars
BC Hot Water Bottles sold at Bargain Chemist
Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
Nature Baby Sleeping Gown
Product Recalls: Toys
Sensory Game Controller - sold at Kmart
Product Recalls: Cosmetics
Outside Beauty & Skincare SPF 50+ Mineral Primer (2 batches)
Anessa and Shiseido Anessa sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Biore and Kao Biore sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Kose Sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Mentholatum sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Pigeon sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Rohto sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Product Recalls: Electronics
Harvest Right Freeze Dryer HRFDSBKP-PP sold at Costco
Product Recalls: Other
Michelin X Multi Z and X Line Energy Z, size: 355/50R22.5, load/speed index:156K
UPDATED GASGAS Motorcycles: GASGAS Cross Country and Motocross model motorcycles with BRAKTEC brake system. New VINS added
Check the New Zealand Transport Agency's handy vehicle recall list here.
See past months' recalls. Stay safe, neighbours!
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