Ōwairaka Te Ahi-Kā-a Rakataura Mt Albert

Come and delight in the expansive views across Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland, and revel in the natural beauty of Ōwairaka / Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura / Mt Albert. Formed from an eruption around 120,000 years ago, this Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountain) remains a place of significance to Māori and an important archaeological site. 

When you visit, you’ll want to stay a while to enjoy the native flora and bird life. Ōwairaka, means the “dwelling place of Wairaka” who was the daughter of Toroa, the commander of one of the great Māori voyaging canoes Mātaatua. This Tūpuna Maunga is also known by the name Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura, meaning the “long burning fires of Rakataura”. Rakataura was the leading tohunga or expert practitioner on the Tainui waka (canoe). 

Ōwairaka / Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura / Mt Albert was an important Māori pā (fortified village settlement) with Māori first interacting with this Maunga to create terracing and defence works. The terracing provided flat surfaces to live on including kāuta (cooking shelters) or areas, pātaka (storehouses), and whare puni (sleeping houses).  

Although terribly damaged by quarrying you can still see stone walls, storage pits and middens bearing evidence of past human activity. stick to formed paths to protect sensitive areas. 

There’s so much to appreciate about Ōwairaka Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura with its archaeological values, and its alluring cultural and ecological landscape. And with a short 20-minute walk to the tihi (summit), you call also appreciate the glorious scenic views. With park facilities, a visitor car park, a sports field, this hidden oasis in a central location is one to enjoy with whānau (family). This is a popular destination for dog owners with a dedicated off leash area to play, but please remember to keep our Maunga clean and pick up after your furry friends.