Stockade Hill, Howick

Stockade Hill was the location of the stockade built to protect Howick, New Zealand and its population from Māori on the warpath. It is located on the main road into Howick. Howick's war memorial is located in the centre of the remains of the stockade's earthworks which are readily visible today.

The stockade was constructed of loop holed sheets of iron surmounting a ditch and bank, and enclosed barracks for regular troops. Women and children slept here at night for several weeks in 1863 when there was fear of attack during the Land Wars. Bavarian mercenaries stationed here in 1863 erected a Christmas tree, believed to be the first in New Zealand, and sang carols.

To the south of the hill on the main road can be seen the original concrete road that ran all the way from Howick to Panmure, thus allowing much shorter travel times between Howick and Auckland.

Until recently the hill had two large concrete water tanks providing water to Howick. These have now been removed. Each year the ANZAC Day (25 April) parade ends at the top of the hill, where a service is held.