Date visited: 25 January 2021
Elevation: 73m
Volcanic history
Matukutūreia or McLaughlin’s Mountain is a volcanic cone located in Wiri. It was originally a crescent-shaped scoria cone with terraces and kūmara pits. Matukutūreia was extensively quarried, reducing it to a pyramid-shaped mound. However, a small part of the summit and the eastern side of the cone remain. Until 2010, the maunga housed a water tank that supplied water to the Papatoetoe area. The tank was removed when the maunga and surrounding land was handed over to the Department of Conversation.
This maunga and nearby Matukutūruru (Wiri Mountain) are collectively called Matukurua or Ngā Matukurua. This name refers to the lava field that was formed when these volcanoes erupted.
Our visit
When we visited Matukutūreia I was unfortunately unaware that the fence visible in these photos doesn’t extend all around the entire maunga, so we did not climb it. Now that I know it in fact can be climbed, we will go back at some stage and get some photos from the tihi.
While I was researching this maunga I discovered an entry about it on a website called Paranormal New Zealand, which claims the maunga is haunted. Allegedly there have been reports of mysterious lights around the perimeter and overhead at night, which has led some paranormal folks to suggest that the maunga might be an ancient pyramid or a burial tomb. Obviously, I have no way to verify any of this information but it’s nonetheless intriguing. For the record, I did not see anything out of the ordinary.
Directions and facilities
The most direct access to this maunga is at the end of Wilco Place in Wiri, which is a cul-de-sac. There is a small wire fence that you could hop if you were so inclined. However, off McLaughlin Road, there is a long driveway leading to the maunga. As for facilities, there are none. This is another industrial area.
Happy adventuring,
