One Tree Hill

If you want to ramble through wide green spaces, head for One Tree Hill. One Tree Hill Domain and the neighbouring Cornwall Park together form the largest area of parkland in Auckland city.

One Tree Hill (or Maungakiekie in Māori) is a 182 metre volcanic peak. It is an important memorial place for both Māori and other New Zealanders. Maungakiekie is the largest and most complex volcanic cone fortress in the southern hemisphere. It has hundreds of living terraces, food store pits, defensive ditches and banks that for centuries supported a population of 5,000 people. From the tihi, signallers would communicate with the network of volcanic Pā across Tāmaki.

The hills scoria cones erupted 20,000 - 30,000 years ago, creating lava flows that covered an area of 20 square kilometres, mostly towards Onehunga, making it the largest (in terms of area covered) of the Auckland volcanic field. The summit provides views across the Auckland area, and allows visitors to see both of Auckland's Harbours.

Sir John Logan Campbell, who is buried on the summit, gave the name One Tree Hill to Maungakiekie. He was inspired by the sacred Totara he saw on his first visit here in 1840. Te Totara i Ahua was cut down as part of the colonisation of Auckland during the 1850s and 60s. Campbell attempted to replace the Totara however only a single Monterey Pine survived. The tree was damaged after successive attacks by Maori protestors, and was eventually felled for safety reasons in 2001.

Today, the superb parkland fanning out from the hill is grazed by sheep and cattle. As you walk or drive around the parks you can enjoy beautiful stone walls, wizened olive groves, avenues of oaks and a kauri plantation.

You can also explore the extensive walkways, or relax with friends at the picnic and barbecue areas.

Entries to One Tree Hill Domain and Cornwall Park are off Manukau Road at Royal Oak; Greenlane West and Campbell Road.

One Tree Hill was celebrated by U2 on the album The Joshua Tree.