Maungakiekie One Tree Hill

Come explore one of Auckland’s oldest and most treasured ancestral mountains, Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill! Standing 184 metres tall and offering unbeatable panoramic views of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland, this majestic maunga is bursting with rich history and natural beauty.

The name Maungakiekie means ‘hill of the kiekie vine,’ once abundant on its slopes. This maunga was more than just a pretty landscape—it was one of the largest and most bustling Māori pā (settlements) in the region. Thousands of Māori lived here in organised communities, with terraced slopes, fortified walls, and māra hūpara (traditional Māori playgrounds). You can still see traces of this history today, but please remember, the summit (tihi) is a wāhi tapu (sacred site), so we ask all visitors to tread respectfully and stick to the designated paths.

Maungakiekie has always been a place of significance, especially when it comes to trees. One early name for the tihi (summit) was Te Tōtara i Ahua, after a sacred lone tōtara tree that stood proudly until it was felled in 1852 by Pākehā vandals. Later, Sir John Logan Campbell, planted trees on the tihi, and the last of them—a towering Monterey Pine—became the famous “one tree” of One Tree Hill. The pine was first vandalised in 1994, and then again in 1999. Although the original tree is gone, the Tūpuna Maunga Authority is nurturing new plantings, and one day, a new "one tree" will take its place. In rememberence, Sir John is buried at the tihi, beside a 21-metre obelisk

Today, Maungakiekie remains a must-visit destination, blending ancient history with the vibrant life of modern Auckland. While the summit road is closed to private vehicles, it’s a fantastic walk or cycle—perfect for soaking up the scenery and connecting with the sacred energy of this iconic place. Come for the views, stay for the stories, and leave with a deep respect for this living cultural treasure!