Saddle Hill (New Zealand)

Saddle Hill is a prominent landmark overlooking the northeastern end of the Taieri Plains in Otago, New Zealand.

A lookout on the northern slopes of the hill commands a good view across the plains, with Lake Waihola visible 25 kilometres to the west in clear weather.

Of largely volcanic origin, the hill is part of the extinct Dunedin Volcano complex, with a base of Cretaceous breccia overlaid with Miocene igneous rocks, these in turn overlaid with Cenozoic sediments.

[1] Erosion has revealed a volcanic plug on the western peak, giving the hill its distinct breast-like shape.

A DCC landscape architect reviewed the visual effects of quarrying in 2008 after concerns from local residents, and found the hill to be "relatively unchanged".

Saddle Hill from the Taieri Plains, showing the shape which gives the hill its name. East to the left.
Saddle Hill from the main street of Mosgiel.