The island has a long history of Maori occupation. A human and animal quarantine station operated 1872-1941, subsequently used as New Zealand’s primary naval training base to 1963. The remnant concrete water tower is a well-known Gulf landmark.
The entire Motukorea/Browns Island archaeological landscape is outstanding because of its completeness and intactness. Sites include rare archaic middens, fish traps and stone structures.
The island was extensively used for gardening from at least 1400 by Ngati tai the principal iwi. The Sunde ‘footprints’ site is a widely acclaimed archaeological site. The 1936 military fortifications survive relatively complete including a rare set of 12 barracks buildings.
In 1894 over 120 people died when the SS Wairarapa was wrecked on Great Barrier Island in New Zealand’s third biggest maritime disaster.
The 1863-64 Waikato War was one of the most controversial and influential episodes in New Zealand's colonial development. This fort site in South Auckland is significant as one of only ten military sites that are protected and open to visitors.
Te Maraeroa Flat on Hauturu was extensively used for cultivation by Māori then Pākehā. The ground was never disturbed by powered machinery and so has high archaeological value.
The island was occupied by Māori from at least 1400 to 1856, with Ngati Paoa and Kawerau being the principal iwi. Today key heritage features are the 1865 lighthouse still operating and relatively complete lighthouse station.
Learn facts and features about Mangere Mountain, which is one of the largest and best preserved volcano in the Auckland region.
Historic conservation