Homeschool activity: Maungauika / North Head

A few weeks ago, our family spent a wonderful afternoon at Maungauika/North Head in Devonport.

I remembered this mountain full of tunnels from my childhood, and wanted my kids to explore it too. Luckily for us it had even more to see than I'd recalled.

We went to Maungauika/North Head armed with maps we had printed off from the Kiwi Guardians website so the kids could look for the activity pole and claim their medals. Finding the pole was a real highlight for the kids, and it took some hunting.

Things I hadn't remembered about Maungauika/North Head:

How amazing the views are! Since the mountain juts out into the Hauraki Gulf, you get 240 degree views of Auckland, and they are stunning.

Looking out over Auckland's CBD.

Emirates racing boat.

A view of Rangitoto Island.

Looking down on Cheltenham Beach.

There were also a lot more buildings, tunnels and cannons than I remembered.

Looking down into a cannon loader. 

Looking up into the cannon loader. 

One of the many tunnels to explore. 

And I had completely forgotten about the natural caves:

So if you're looking for something fun and frugal to do with the kids these holidays, definitely check out Maungauika/North Head. And remember to search for the Kiwi Guardians post while you're there, so you can claim your own medals and certificates.