Explore the real-world places that appear in Under the Mountain by Maurice Gee. Each location on the map shows what happens there in the novel, the real history of the place, and what's there today. Featured locations include Mount Eden (Maungawhau), Rangitoto Island, Mount Albert (Owairaka), Mount Mangere, One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) and 6 more.
Mount Eden Road — Volcano crater and the twins' first encounter with the Wilberforce menace
Mount Eden is one of the volcanic cones beneath which the sleeping Wilberforces lie. Rachel and Theo Matheson, the red-haired twins, are drawn to the mountain and learn that the cones hide enormous creatures that must be destroyed. The cone is central to the twins' training under Mr Jones and to the final struggle to save the city.
Maungawhau is a scoria cone formed roughly 15,000 years ago and was a major fortified pa for Maori. Its deep crater is considered tapu, and climbing the crater itself is now forbidden.
The summit is Auckland's highest natural point on the isthmus and offers panoramic views. It is managed jointly by Maori iwi and the Tamaki Makaurau Authority, and visitors can walk the rim but not enter the crater.
Visit: Maungawhau / Mount Eden Summit Reserve (park)
Hauraki Gulf — Island volcano
Rangitoto is the youngest and largest of Auckland's volcanoes and features in the twins' struggle against the Wilberforces. The young volcano's lava fields and the harbour crossing to reach it become part of the twins' perilous quest to defeat the creatures. Its barren, hostile landscape suits the menace of the story.
Rangitoto erupted about 600 years ago, and was witnessed by early Maori in the area. In the 20th century, baches were built on the island, and many remain as heritage buildings.
Rangitoto is a Department of Conservation scenic reserve reached by ferry from downtown Auckland. Visitors can hike to the summit, explore lava caves, and see the historic baches.
Visit: Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve (park)
Mount Albert Road — Volcanic cone
Mount Albert is among the volcanic cones that conceal the sleeping Wilberforces. The twins and Mr Jones must watch and counter the activity beneath the cones across the city. The cone forms part of the web of volcano-linked threats they must overcome.
Owairaka was a major Maori pa site, with extensive terracing and kumara storage pits. Quarrying in the 20th century damaged parts of the cone.
The cone is a public reserve with a walkway to the summit and views over western Auckland. The terraces and remains of the pa can still be seen.
Visit: Owairaka / Mount Albert Domain (park)
Mangere — Volcanic cone near the airport
Mangere Mountain is one of the cones where the Wilberforces' power stirs. The twins' struggle takes them to the volcanic landscape of south Auckland, where the creatures' underground presence is strongest. The wide crater and open slopes provide a stage for the dangerous encounters.
Te Pane o Mataaho is one of the best-preserved volcanic cones in Auckland, with extensive Maori terracing and a large crater. It was a major pa and gardening site.
Mangere Mountain Education Centre and the surrounding reserve are open to visitors. Sheep still graze the slopes, and the crater and terraces are clearly visible.
Visit: Ihumatao / Mangere Mountain Domain (park)
Cornwall Park — Volcanic cone
One Tree Hill is among the cones connected to the underground world of the Wilberforces. Rachel and Theo move among the cones, using their powers and the Last Stone to counter the creatures. The hill's central position in the city makes it a key part of the story's volcanic network.
Maungakiekie was the largest and most important pa in pre-European Auckland. Sir John Logan Campbell gifted the surrounding Cornwall Park to the people of Auckland in 1901.
Cornwall Park surrounds the hill with farmland, walking trails, and a visitor centre. The summit has an obelisk marking the grave of Campbell.
Visit: Cornwall Park (park)
Waitemata Harbour — Crossing between mainland and island
The twins' journey to Rangitoto takes them across the harbour waters, where the Wilberforces' power also threatens. Water plays a significant role in the twins' struggle against the creatures. The harbour represents the vulnerable edge of the city.
The Waitemata Harbour has been central to Auckland's growth as a port since the 1840s. Maori had long used it for travel and fishing.
The harbour is busy with ferries, yachts, and commercial shipping. Ferries run regularly from downtown Auckland to Rangitoto.
Visit: Downtown Ferry Terminal (landmark)
North Shore — Beach and coastline
The North Shore's coastline sits within the story's setting along the Hauraki Gulf. The twins are connected to the water and island landscape that frames the final battle. The beach represents the everyday world of Auckland that the Wilberforces threaten to destroy.
Takapuna has been a popular beach suburb since the early 20th century. It sits opposite Rangitoto Island and was a seaside resort for Aucklanders.
Takapuna Beach is a popular swimming beach with cafes and a weekend market nearby. Rangitoto is clearly visible across the water.
Visit: Takapuna Beach (park)
Devonport — Volcanic cone
Mount Victoria is another of the volcanic cones across the Auckland isthmus beneath which the Wilberforces lie. The twins' awareness of the volcanic network grows as they encounter each of the cones. The summit's view across the harbour shows the scale of what must be protected.
Takarunga was a Maori pa site and later used as a military lookout and fortified position in the 19th century. Disappearing gun emplacements remain nearby at North Head.
The summit is a public reserve with sweeping views of the city and Waitemata Harbour. It is a short walk from Devonport village.
Visit: Takarunga / Mount Victoria (park)
Auckland isthmus — Family home of Rachel and Theo
Rachel and Theo Matheson are ordinary twins from a suburban Auckland home until they are called to confront the Wilberforces. The tidy, familiar household contrasts with the underground horror they discover. Their home life is disrupted as they learn of their special heritage.
Auckland's isthmus suburbs expanded rapidly in the early to mid-20th century, with bungalows and villas spreading across volcanic landscapes. Many suburbs were built right beside the old volcanic cones.
The suburbs of the isthmus remain residential, mostly private homes. The fictional home has no specific public site.
Eastern Auckland — Volcanic cone
Mount Wellington is part of the volcanic field where the Wilberforces' power is felt. The twins' struggle includes pursuing the creatures through the volcanic landscape of the east. The cone is one among many that connect the buried threat.
Maungarei was a large Maori pa. Its southern side has been heavily quarried, though the summit and crater remain.
The summit reserve is open to visitors and offers views across eastern Auckland. A walking track climbs the cone.
Visit: Maungarei / Mount Wellington Summit Reserve (park)
Takapuna — Volcanic crater lake
The twins encounter water-linked dangers across Auckland, including the crater lakes that echo the volcanic origins. Lake Pupuke represents the underwater side of the Wilberforce threat. It reflects the twins' need to face the creatures in all elements of their city.
Lake Pupuke is a volcanic explosion crater filled with fresh water, formed over 100,000 years ago. It has long served as a source of water and recreation for the North Shore.
The lake is used for swimming, diving, and rowing, with walking paths around its edge. Parts of the shoreline are accessible parks.
Visit: Lake Pupuke Reserve (park)
More by Maurice Gee: All Maurice Gee books
Other nearby maps: The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera locations map