Mount Wellington dominates the landscape of South Auckland and provides superb vistas of the Tamaki Estuary and the low portage to Manukau Harbour. It was once such a strategic place that it was the scene of many battles. By the time of European settlement, it was mostly abandoned. The summit is accessible by road from Mountain Road off the Panmure roundabout. From the summit you get extensive views of the gigantic Winstone Quarry, which provides an excellent look at the scoria and volcanic tuff that underlies most of Auckland.