Maungakiekie One Tree Hill

Maungakiekie One Tree Hill is the largest pre-European archaeological site complex and one of the largest pre-iron-age forts globally. With four tihi (summits), Maungakiekie was once a highly defended complex with terraces, storage pits, garden mounds, and earth oven pits.

Visitors should not walk on or through these highly sensitive archaeological features.

The maunga, which stands at 184 meters above sea level, is one of the oldest volcanoes in the Auckland volcanic field, with 20 square kilometers of lava flow fields surrounding a large, complex scoria cone.

The tihi was once home to a lone tōtara and later a single Monterey Pine which most people in recent times associate as the one tree of One Tree Hill. In 2016, the Tūpuna Maunga Authority planted a grove of three tōtara and six pohutukawa on the same spot as the previous Monterey Pine. The intention is that a single tree will ultimately remain when it is able to survive on its own.

The summit road and tihi at Maungakiekie One Tree Hill were permanently closed to private motor vehicles in 2018 to recognize the cultural, historic, and archaeological significance of the maunga. Maungakiekie offers a rich history and stunning views of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.