Ōtāhuhu Mount Richmond

Grab your running shoes and bring the whānau (family) to enjoy this surprising and engaging gem off the Mount Wellington Highway. Walk through time on this Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountain), that erupted around 30,000 years ago. The area is well known for its recreation amenities and is currently undergoing an upgrade to its sports fields to include a wide range of sports from rugby, rugby league and kī-o-rahi (traditional Māori ball game). 

If you take the short climb to the tihi (summit) on this Tūpuna Maunga, you’ll get views overlooking the Manukau Harbour. On a clear day, you can even see out to Rangitoto Island. 

The full name of Ōtāhuhu/ Mt Richmond is “Te Tahuhutanga o Te Waka Tainui” which means “the ridgepole of the Tainui canoe”. This refers to the portage of the Tainui waka from the Waitematā to the Manukau harbour just south of this Maunga.  

This waka portage was of vital strategic importance to Māori voyagers at the time which meant that Ōtāhuhu / Mt Richmond and nearby hills were fortified for strategic protection. The Maunga was modified with terracing for living and defence, and pits were added for the growing and storing of food crops.  

As you explore the grassy slopes of Ōtāhuhu / Mt Richmond, you’ll still find evidence of an impressive steep-sided defensive position on the eastern end of the complex. You’ll also find several of the pits. 

Remember to stick to the paths, and keep furry friends (dogs) on leash, and delight in this geological and historical marvel.