To the northwest is North East Valley, the thalweg of Lindsay Creek, a tributary of the Water of Leith.

[2] Although commissioned for the centenary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the monument was not constructed until the 1950s, owing to the enforced strictures of World War II.

A large stone from Edinburgh in Scotland is also incorporated in the monument, symbolising the ties between Dunedin and its sister city.

The reserve, located only five kilometres from central Dunedin, is a popular site for both locals and visitors, and affords an excellent panoramic view over the city.

In October 2006, a series of bush fires caused extensive damage to the plantations of forest which cover the western slopes of the hill.