Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill

Maungakiekie is a 182-meter volcanic peak in Auckland with extensive archaeological remains from ancient Māori times. The terraces, storage pits, and garden mounds show how earlier residents shaped the mountain.

The location served as the largest fortified Māori settlement in the Tāmaki Makaurau region, housing thousands of residents spread across four distinct areas. This role as a major Māori center shaped the mountain for generations.

The summit holds a 21-meter obelisk built as a memorial to Māori people, with Sir John Logan Campbell's grave situated beneath it. This site brings together memory of Māori heritage and European presence in one shared space.

The walk starts from Manukau Road via a 3-kilometer path and takes roughly 50 minutes to climb 3,900 steps to the summit. The route is clearly marked, but the terrain is steep, so wear comfortable shoes and allow time for the climb.

The original tōtara tree that gave the hill its English name was cut down in 1852, later replaced by a pine tree. That pine stood until 2000, when it was also removed from the summit.

Location: Auckland Region

Elevation above the sea: 213 m

Made from material: basalt

GPS coordinates: -36.90017,174.78313

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:27