One Tree Hill / Maungakiekie Auckland
Iconic volcanic cone offering panoramic Auckland views and a rich historical narrative. Explore the summit and surrounding parkland.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer views
One Tree Hill / Maungakiekie Auckland
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic volcanic cone offering panoramic Auckland views and a rich historical narrative. Explore the summit and surrounding parkland.
"Magnificent view at the summit of One Tree Hill, a must-see for breathtaking views of Auckland."
🚶 Walk to the Summit
Parking at the mountain top is closed; enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk from the base.
📸 Capture the Skyline
The 360-degree views are spectacular, especially on a clear day. Don't forget your camera!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Summit of Maungakiekie
Breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Auckland city, the harbor, and surrounding landscapes.
The Obelisk
Summit of Maungakiekie
A prominent monument offering historical context and a focal point for photos.
Cornwall Park Grounds
Base of Maungakiekie
Explore the beautiful parkland, historic trees, and walking paths surrounding the volcanic cone.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Maungakiekie
Understanding the 'One Tree' Legacy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walk to the Summit
Parking at the mountain top is closed; enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk from the base.
📸 Capture the Skyline
The 360-degree views are spectacular, especially on a clear day. Don't forget your camera!
☕ Cafe Break
A charming cafe is available before the uphill walk for refreshments.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk to the summit is gentle but requires good footwear.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk to the Summit
Parking at the mountain top is closed; enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk from the base.
📸 Capture the Skyline
The 360-degree views are spectacular, especially on a clear day. Don't forget your camera!
☕ Cafe Break
A charming cafe is available before the uphill walk for refreshments.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk to the summit is gentle but requires good footwear.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the magnificent and breathtaking 360-degree views from the summit of One Tree Hill, calling it a must-see for its spectacular landscapes and iconic status. The peaceful walk and the beauty of Cornwall Park are also frequently highlighted as major draws.
"Magnificent view at the summit of One Tree Hill
On New Year Day 2024 and 5/1/2024, my husband and I went to the summit of One Tree Hill. We enjoyed the stunning views there and took many photos.
Apparently, there’s no more tree on top of the hill but two short trees are locked with the steel cage.
We highly recommend you to walk up to the summit of One Tree Hill to enjoy the breathtaking taking view."
Addie Lane
"A must-see for anyone in the area, beautiful landscapes and views of Auckland and the surrounding suburbs. There is a nice little cafe before a gentle uphill walk to the mountaintop where you can experience some of the history that this iconic landmark represents."
CJ Clapham
"Beautiful, easy, peaceful walk to a great vantage point with 360° views of Auckland. The park landscape and the variety of enormous trees are worth seeing in their own right"
Scott Novak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to Cornwall Park and park at the base of Maungakiekie. From there, it's a pleasant 20-minute walk to the summit. Public transport options are also available, with bus routes serving the surrounding areas.
Unfortunately, parking at the very summit of One Tree Hill is closed. Visitors need to park at the base of the hill within Cornwall Park and walk up.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore Cornwall Park and the paths leading up to Maungakiekie. It's a great option for a more active visit.
Several bus routes service the areas around Cornwall Park, making it accessible via public transport from Auckland's city center. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient options.
One Tree Hill is located about 10-15 minutes drive south of Auckland's central business district (CBD), making it an easily accessible attraction.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to One Tree Hill and Cornwall Park is free. You can enjoy the views and park grounds without any admission cost.
Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill are generally open from dawn till dusk. The park is accessible year-round, though specific facilities like the cafe may have their own operating hours.
No booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during park hours.
While generally open, it's always a good idea to check for any temporary closures or event notifications on the Cornwall Park website.
The cafe at the base of One Tree Hill typically operates daily, but it's best to check their specific opening hours online before your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
For stunning photos, aim for a clear day. Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting, with sunset providing a beautiful glow over the city skyline.
The summit offers the most iconic 360-degree panoramic views, perfect for capturing the entire Auckland cityscape and beyond.
Drone usage may be restricted in public parks. It's advisable to check the official Cornwall Park regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
Expect to capture sweeping cityscapes, harbor views, the historic obelisk, and the beautiful parkland surrounding the volcanic cone.
The area around the obelisk provides a great foreground for city shots. The walking paths also offer lovely framing opportunities with the park's trees.
🎫 🌳 Park & Nature
Maungakiekie, or One Tree Hill, is a significant volcanic cone with a rich Māori history. The iconic pine tree that gave it its English name was removed in 2000. An obelisk was later erected at the summit. +1
Maungakiekie is a culturally significant site for Māori and a prominent landmark in Auckland. It was gifted to the community by John Campbell in 1841.
Yes, there are numerous walking trails within Cornwall Park that lead up to the summit of Maungakiekie and explore the park's diverse landscapes.
While the original iconic tree is gone, Cornwall Park features a variety of mature trees, including oaks, pines, and native New Zealand species, contributing to its beautiful scenery.
Absolutely! The expansive grounds of Cornwall Park offer many picturesque spots perfect for a picnic with family and friends.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the summit views are impressive, the real fun for kids might be in exploring the park itself. Look out for the various trees, open fields for games, and the general sense of adventure that comes with climbing a volcanic cone. The cafe at the base also offers a convenient spot for a treat.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Nature Lovers
The park is home to a diverse range of trees and flora, making it a pleasant environment for a peaceful walk or a more vigorous hike. The summit views are the reward for your efforts, providing a stunning natural amphitheater of Auckland.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of Maungakiekie
The iconic pine tree that gave the hill its English name was a beloved landmark for decades but was tragically attacked and removed in 2000. This event marked a significant moment in Auckland's history. Today, the summit is crowned by an obelisk, erected in memory of the early settlers and the land's history, serving as a focal point for visitors.
Visitors can explore the summit and learn about the hill's past through interpretive signage. The surrounding Cornwall Park offers a beautiful setting for walks, picnics, and enjoying the diverse flora, including many mature trees that contribute to the park's charm.
Experiencing the Summit Views
Many visitors recommend making the walk to the top, even though the direct summit parking is closed. This gentle uphill trek, taking about 20 minutes, allows you to soak in the atmosphere and appreciate the scale of the park. The obelisk at the summit provides a historical anchor and a great spot for photos, with the city stretching out behind it.
For photographers, the summit is a dream. The interplay of light and shadow across the city, especially during sunrise or sunset, creates dramatic and memorable shots. Even on a slightly overcast day, the views are impressive, offering a different, perhaps more moody, perspective of Auckland.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit