Green Hill

Green Hill is a volcanic cone in East Tāmaki formed from lava and scoria rock, rising notably above the surrounding landscape. The hill was restored to its natural shape through extensive reconstruction work after decades of quarrying removed much of the original formation.

The site was originally called Mātanginui by Māori before the Styak family renamed it Green Hill as a reference to their Northern Ireland homeland. Quarrying in the 20th century significantly altered the formation until restoration efforts began to recreate its original shape.

The hill holds deep meaning for Ngāi Tai people, who built a fortified settlement on its peak and cultivated stone gardens across the slopes. These spaces show how the land was actively used and cared for over time.

The hill is easy to access today and has walking paths that allow you to explore the site. The best time to visit is during drier weather, as the slopes can become slippery after rain.

The site was once a landfill that produced so much methane gas it powered an energy plant starting in 1992. This surprising use shows how the location served different purposes over the decades.