Long before the era of European settlement, the ancient volcano of Mt. Victoria was the site of a Maori pa (fortified village) of the local Kawerau tribe. On the northern and eastern flanks of the hill you can still see traces of the terraces once protected by palisades of sharpened stakes. Don't be put off by its name -- this is more molehill than mountain, and the climb isn't much. Mt. Victoria is signposted on Victoria Road, a few minutes' walk from the Esplanade Hotel.
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