Browns Island

In the middle of busy, urban Auckland harbor, there's a little spot of green. It's a peaceful place, one without tourist boats and very few structures at all. You may notice it while standing on the city's shore, or while cruising along on a ferry to one of the more developed islands.

This oasis of serenity is Browns Island, or Motukorea in Māori.  Though it looks quiet, it's actually a remnant of the land's volatile past, as it's one of the Auckland volcanic field's most intact volcanoes.

The island once bustled with human activity, too. It's speckled with archaeological ruins from Māori pā, meaning villages or defensive settlements. For centuries, the Māori gardened on the little island and used it as a base while fishing.

Regular tour boats don't stop at Browns Island, but it's accessible by private sailboat, kayak, or seaplane. When you're on the island, you'll notice it seems like a steep, grass-covered hill plopped within the harbor. You can see down into the main caldera from the top of the hill, as well as three volcanic cones on the curving slopes.