Much of Aucklandis built over a dormant, but not yet extinct, basaltic volcanic field. Over 50 volcanoes dMuch of Auckland is built over a dormant, but not yet extinct, basaltic volcanic field. Over 50 volcanoes dot the environs of this city of more than a million people, the biggest in New Zealand. And not far offshore of Auckland proper in Hauraki Gulf, one volcano makes for a pretty spectacular day trip. Browns Island (aka Motukorea) is uninhabited, and no ferries stop here, so visitors need to use small vessels or seaplanes for transport.Browns Island is just one of a scattering of islands in the vicinity—Hauraki Gulf Marine Park features over 50 of them, some open to the public, while others are marine reserves off-limits to those without a permit... See more See less
