Mount Donald McLean

Mount Donald McLean is a 389-meter summit in the Waitakere Ranges near Auckland, wrapped in dense native forest. The mountain is dominated by kauri, rimu, nikau, and totara trees that shape its appearance and give the forest its layered structure.

The mountain formed from the Waitakere volcano, which began erupting roughly 23 million years ago during the Miocene epoch. Only the eastern slopes remain from that ancient structure, as extensive erosion has worn away the rest of the original volcanic cone.

The summit carries the Maori name Te Rau-o-te-Huia, meaning 'The Plumes of the Huia' after an extinct bird once found in this region. The site sits within the traditional lands of Te Kawerau a Maki iwi and holds spiritual significance for Maori people.

The peak can be reached via the Puriri Ridge Track or the Donald McLean Track, each offering different lengths and difficulty levels. Both walking routes wind through forest, giving visitors options to choose based on their fitness level and available time.

On clear days, the viewing platform at the peak offers a distant view of Mount Taranaki, a striking snow-capped volcano on the far side of the North Island. This surprising vista makes the summit a rewarding spot for photography and understanding the scale of the region.