Your Ultimate Guide to Auckland’s Treasured Maunga

The Role of the Tūpuna Maunga Authority

The tūpuna maunga (ancestral mountains) are vital to Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau, the 13 iwi and hapū (tribes) of the area. The slopes of the maunga show remnants of past settlements, including terraces for villages, gardens, storage pits, and forts. These sacred sites, or wāhi tapu, are managed by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, which works to protect and restore the maunga while balancing public access with conservation efforts.

Must-Visit Maunga in Auckland

Here’s your guide to Auckland’s treasured maunga, each offering a unique view into the city’s rich history and cultural landscape.

Maungawhau / Mount Eden

Auckland’s Maungawhau, a popular maunga in the city's centre, features award-winning boardwalks, native plants, and city views. The nearby Te Ipu a Kōrero information centre offers insights into its history and significance. Its steep crater is considered highly tapu (sacred) and is believed to be the domain of Mataaho, a Māori deity associated with volcanic forces and earthquakes in the region. Maungawhau means "mountain of the whau tree," a tree that was previously abundant in the area.

Te Tātua-a-Riukiuta / Big King

Te Tātua-a-Riukiuta is the last peak of a trio from a former volcano. Its name means "the belt of Riukiuta," in honour of Riukiuta, a prominent tohunga (priest navigator) of the Tainui waka (canoe) who helped unify local tribes. Historically, the site featured a pā (village) with kūmara pits and terracing. It's a popular dog-walking spot; visitors must leash dogs and clean up after them to preserve the area.

Pukewīwī / Puketāpapa / Mount Roskill

Pukewīwī features newly planted native vegetation along the motorway edge leading up to the tihi (summit). The terraces and pits here offer a tangible connection to its Māori history. Puketāpapa translates to "flat-topped hill," reflecting its distinctive shape.

Ōhinerau / Mount Hobson

Ōhinerau, a tranquil spot in central Auckland, features well-preserved terracing and archaeological sites. Its name means "the place of Hinerau," referencing the Māori goddess of whirlwinds. An alternate name, Ōhinerangi, translates to "the place of Hinerangi, girl of the sky." Since Auckland's establishment as a city in 1840, the area has witnessed its growth. Visitors can take quiet walks while observing the busy motorway traffic below.

Ōtāhuhu / Mount Richmond

This maunga has been the site of extensive native replanting efforts. Visitors may notice the contrast between the new plantings and older exotic trees, highlighting the ongoing restoration work. Ōtāhuhu refers to the narrowest part of the Auckland isthmus, historically a strategic location for Māori settlements.

Te Kōpuke / Tītīkōpuke / Mount St John

A hidden gem, Te Kōpuke features terraces and rua (storage pits) that reflect its use as a pā. The gentle walk along the top provides excellent views of the surrounding area. Te Kōpuke is "the prominent mound," indicating its landscape presence.

Ōhuiarangi / Pigeon Mountain

The nearby wetlands, planted by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, offer a beautiful and ecologically significant landscape. Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated paths to protect the site's integrity.

Ōwairaka / Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura / Mount Albert

Ōwairaka, with its well-preserved terraces and rua pits, is a significant historical site. Ōwairaka means "the place of Wairaka," a revered female ancestor. Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura, or "the long-burning fires of Rakataura," signifies the enduring guardianship of this maunga by Rakataura, a tohunga of the Tainui waka, who influenced the early settlement of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Respecting the Maunga

When visiting these sacred sites, please keep the following in mind

• Stay on marked tracks to preserve archaeological features.
• Keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them.
• Avoid entering craters, which are considered wāhi tapu (sacred places).
• Respect restoration projects by not disturbing newly planted areas.

Experience Auckland Through Its Maunga

Auckland’s maunga are living connections to the past. Exploring sites like Maungawhau or hidden gems like Te Kōpuke provides a deeper understanding of the rich history and culture of Tāmaki Makaurau.