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One Tree Hill - Auckland region - Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand

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This volcanic cone was the isthmus' key pā and the greatest fortress in the country. At the top (182m) there are 360-degree views and the grave of John Logan Campbell, who gifted the land to the city in 1901 and requested that a memorial be built to the Māori people on the summit. Nearby is the stump of the last 'one tree'. Allow time to explore surrounding Cornwall Park with its mature trees and historic Acacia Cottage (1841).

The Cornwall Park Information Centre has fascinating interactive displays illustrating what the pā would have looked like when 5000 people lived here. Near the excellent children's playground, the Stardome offers regular stargazing and planetarium shows that aren't dependent on Auckland's fickle weather (usually 7pm and 8pm Wednesday to Sunday, with extra shows on weekends).

To get to One Tree Hill from the the city take a train to Greenlane and walk 1km along Green Lane West. By car, take the Greenlane exit off the Southern Motorway and turn right into Green Lane West.

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This volcanic cone was the isthmus' key pā and the greatest fortress in the country. At the top (182m) there are 360-degree views and the grave of John Logan Campbell, who gifted the land to the city in 1901 and requested that a memorial be built to the Māori people on the summit.

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Island Flora

The majority of Motutapu is in farmed pasture. The original forest has gone but there are small post- eruption native forest remnants including puriri, karaka, taraire, mangeao, kohekohe, and flax. Pohutukawa trees grow on the coastal fringe. There are now approximately 100 hectares of volunteer restoration planted native forest. The island is also host to a number of unwanted plants including rhamnus (evergreen buckthorn), moth plant, woolly nightshade, apple of Sodom, pampas and smilex. These pests are being brought under control through a concerted weed programme. Some exotic trees, planted by the early European settler farmers, such as Norfolk Island pine, macrocarpa, pinus radiata and poplars can be seen in the landscape.

Native Vegetation

Originally Motutapu would have been covered with coastal lowland forest similar to that growing on Waiheke and other Hauraki Gulf islands. The Rangitoto eruption, 600 years ago, understandably had a major impact on this forest as volcanic ash covered island. Since the arrival of Europeans in 1840 the mixed broadleaf/podocarp forest has been cleared to the point where today the island is mostly in pasture grasses with only small remnants of the post eruption forest dotted across the island and around the coastal strip.

The forest remnants include pohutukawa, tawapou, kohekohe, taraire, mahoe, puriri, kowhai, mangeao and karaka. Most of the native vegetation that is growing naturally occurs in the coastal fringe (cliffs, cliff tops and dune areas) and is made up predominantly of pohutukawa some of which are quite old and very beautiful..

The island is undergoing a major transformation with volunteers from the community planting a native forest. Since 1994 approximately 100 hectares have been planted with over 500,000 eco sourced native saplings raised in the Trust's island nursery by volunteers. The Home Bay Forest is the largest area of native trees, many now over seven metres high with dozens of native seedlings regenerating naturally under the rapidly growing canopy.

The majority of the initial trees planted are species such as manuka, kanuka, coprosma, ake ake, cabbage trees, flax, houpara (five finger), ngaio, karo, and mahoe - to help establish the forest. After these first phase plants, bigger species that will form the canopy are being planted in the habitat which has been created. These include puriri, pohutukawa, rewarewa and kowhai, tawapou, taraire, tawa, nikau, kauri, kahikatea, kohekohe, karaka, mangeao, tanekaha and wharangi. Native ferns such as shaking brake and mamaku (black tree ferns) are introducing themselves into the native plantings.

Exotic Vegetation

Motutapu has not escaped the introduction of imported plants. There are a number of large exotic trees planted by the early European settler farmers. Norfolk Island pines can be seen in Home, Station and Emu Bays and there are a number of shelter belts of macrocarpa, cryptomeria, gum trees and pine trees scattered across the island. Surrounding the Reid Homestead and alongside the stream in Home Bay there is an interesting array of exotic trees including Moreton Bay and Port Jackson figs, Norfolk Island Hibiscus, walnuts, flame trees, and London planes.

The island is host to a large number of unwanted plants including rhamnus (evergreen buckthorn), moth plant, woolly nightshade, apple of Sodom, pampas and smilex. Some of these species pose a serious threat to the native plantings. There is a year round programme of weed control by volunteers and contractors to combat these plant pests.

Island Nursery

In the earlier years the trust planted little baby plantlings as "root trainers". More recently, we moved to "PB3's" - the 6 month old tree. These make planting more reliable but are slower to plant than the root trainers.

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The majority of Motutapu is in farmed pasture. The original forest has gone but there are small post- eruption native forest remnants including puriri, karaka, taraire, mangeao, kohekohe, and flax. Pohutukawa trees grow on the coastal fringe. There are now approximately 100 hectares of volunteer restoration planted native forest.

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Get a taste of Auckland's island of wine in the Hauraki Gulf.

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By Boat

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The Auckland - Waiheke connection. Daily departures from downtown Auckland, enjoy food and beverage on board, take in the scenery and relax on your sailing across the beautiful Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island.

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Sealink

Sealink provides the perfect start to your journey - Stretch your legs, savour a coffee or snack on board and soak up the outstanding scenery that's to be enjoyed from the comfort of our vessels.

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Wilson Parking

Pay just $40 per 24 hours and park at Princes Wharf right by the Ferry Terminal. There is no limit on how long you can park for.

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Your guide to Waiheke Island | Waiheke.co.nz

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Waiheke Island Tourism and Local services website, everything you need for your trip to paradise. Waiheke.co.nz for travel recommendations, what to do, accommodation and more.

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Viewed from the mainland, Motutapu in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf looks like a quiet haven from the bustle of New Zealand's largest city.

But it hasn't always been that way. During its varied past Motutapu has been intensively settled and cultivated by Maori, hosted Victorian picnic parties of over 10,000 people, and at times during World War II was a base for more than 1,000 military personnel.

The Department of Conservation's future management of the island as a public reserve will be guided by a Conservation Management Plan (the Tāmaki Makaurau motu plan) that will be jointly approved by Ngā Mana Whenua and the Auckland Conservation Board.

There are hundreds of archaeological sites as well as relics of the island's more recent European history.

Community restoration

Motutapu is much older than neighbouring Rangitoto Island, and completely different geologically and botanically.

A major 50 year community project to restore Motutapu's cultural and natural landscape was launched in 1992, aiming to transform the island into a mosaic of protected archaeological and historic sites, replanted forest, restored wetland and pasture.

Volunteers are helping to revegetate parts of the island. However, most historic heritage sites will be kept under grassland so that surface features are visible and subsurface remains are not damaged by tree roots. Historic buildings and structures are being maintained and restored.

A pest free island

Motutapu was declared pest-free in 2011 thanks to the successful removal of all pest mammals from both Motutapu and Rangitoto islands. This is a significant milestone in the Auckland Office's ambitious and exciting programme to restore these iconic islands in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.The restoration of these islands protects the world's largest pohutukawa forest, and provides a 3,800 ha environment that can now support some of New Zealand's most loved wildlife, including takahe and tieke/saddleback. Seven pests - feral cats, rabbits, stoats, hedgehogs, Norway rats, ship rats and mice - were eradicated from the islands between 2009 and 2011. This built on the successful removal of possums and wallabies from the islands in the 1990s, and the reforestation of parts of Motutapu.

Since 2011, reintroductions have included tuturuatu/shore plover, two freshwater species - red fin bullies (fish) and koura (crayfish), tieke/saddleback and popokatea/whiteheads. Native species have also self-introduced including the NZ parakeet/kakariki and pateke/brown teal.

The Motutapu Island Restoration Trust, formed in 1993, administers funding and organises volunteers for the restoration project. Since 1994 the Motutapu Restoration Trust has been restoring parts of the island in partnership with the Department of Conservation.

Boats in Home Bay in the 1900s, Motutapu Island

A sacred island

Motutapu is a taonga (treasure) with many special places. National reserves like Motutapu protect natural, historic and cultural heritage for all New Zealanders, and help safeguard the biodiversity of the planet. The tangata whenua of Motutapu have a spiritual, cultural and historical relationship with their taonga.

According to tradition, Motutapu was named after a place in the Polynesian homeland of the New Zealand Maori. The island is said to have been settled by the Maori ancestor Taikehu, who arrived on the Tainui canoe. It later became known by his descendants as Te Motu tapu a Taikehu, or `the sacred island of Taikehu'. Motutapu remains a place of special significance to the Tainui tribal confederation, and in particular to Ngai Tai.

Maori were living on Motutapu even before Rangitoto emerged from the sea some 600 years ago. The earliest settlement sites were blanketed with ash from the emerging volcano, and archaeologists have found the footprints of people and dogs preserved in solidified ash layers after Maori returned to Motutapu between eruptions.

The soils that formed on Motutapu from the ash showers were fertile and easily cultivated, attracting intensive Maori settlement. Today the landscape is dotted with sites of kainga (villages), pa (earthwork fortifications), kumara storage pits, former gardens, and middens (food refuse deposits). More than 300 archaeological sites are recorded, and there are probably many more yet to be discovered.

Farm settlements

Home Bay, 1900

After centuries of Maori occupation, Motutapu passed into European ownership. Farming began on the island in 1840, and homesteads were established at Emu Bay and at Home Bay soon after. The settlers planted the tall Norfolk pines and other exotic trees which mark these farm settlement sites and stand as familiar landmarks on the skyline.

The last of the early farmhouses, a 1901 villa built at Home Bay for the Reid family, is preserved as a reminder of homesteads once seen on the shores of many Gulf islands.

Deer, wallabies, ostriches and other exotic animals were introduced to Motutapu as a visitor attraction by Robert Graham in the 1860s, and by the early 20th century the island had become a popular visitor destination. Home Bay was a favourite picnic spot. On one day in 1903, ten steamers ran 15 trips from Auckland, transporting as many as 14,000 people to the bay.

Military base

During World War II, Motutapu, Rangitoto and other Gulf islands were fortified to defend Auckland Harbour from seaborne attack.

WWII observation post at Billy Goat Point, Motutapu Island

Between 1936 and 1944, military camps and barracks, underground ammunition stores, observation posts, roads, and a causeway from Rangitoto were built at a cost of more than £500,000. The Motutapu defences included a battery of 6 inch guns, and anti-aircraft, machine gun, radar, and searchlight installations.

The guns have since been removed, but many of the concrete emplacements and underground structures have been left as a reminder of the very real threat that New Zealand faced during the war. The military barracks at Administration Bay have also been kept, and are now an Outdoor Education Camp, run for school students by the Motutapu Outdoor Education Trust.

There are a number of roads and walking tracks to explore the island, which is joined to Rangitoto by a causeway built in WWII.

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Viewed from the mainland, Motutapu in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf looks like a quiet haven from the bustle of New Zealand's largest city. But it hasn't always been that way. During its varied past Motutapu has been intensively settled and cultivated by Maori, hosted Victorian picnic parties of over 10,000 people, and at times during World War II was a base for more than 1,000 military personnel.

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Rangitoto Island is one of Auckland's most unique and iconic landmarks located only a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland

Rangitoto Island is also the youngest of Aucklands 48 volcanoes, being only 600 years old. The Island itself is 5.5km wide, with its distinctive symmetrical cone towering 260m high, making the island a widely visible landmark in Auckland.

Environment

Rangitoto is considered to be a special environment and in the late 19th century, Rangitoto Island was given the status of a recreational reserve, meaning it is protected by the Department of Conservation. Since then it has became a very popular destination, with both tourist and locals enjoying day trips on the island. This island has more than 200 species of flora and also features the largest Pohutukawa forest in the world. In 2011, a complete eradication of rabbits, stoats, cats and rats was undertaken. Thus, bird life always flourishes in this place.

Rangitoto is considered to be a 'shield volcano'. Meaning, it has been formed from liquid lava, which cooled down and hardened. People witnessing the formation gave this volcano the name Rangitoto, which means bleeding skies.

Rangitoto Walks

Rangitoto Island offers a wide range of long and short walks for visitors. The most popular walk is considered to be the Summit Track, which takes around 1h from Rangitoto Wharf to the summit and offers specular views of the Waitemata Harbour and Auckland City. While the majority of the walks are easy, please take care while exploring Rangitoto Island and bring appropriate footwear and drinking water. A great way to relax after enjoying the walks is to bring a packed lunch and picnic at the top. For full details on the walks access our Rangitoto Walks page Rangitoto Walks

How do I get there?

Getting to Rangitoto Island is easy! Just jump on one of the frequent Rangitoto Island Ferry's from either downtown Auckland or Devonport. The scenic ride takes about 25mins and is a great way to start off your Rangitoto Adventure. For further details on getting to Rangitoto Island please visit our Rangitoto Ferry page Rangitoto Ferry

History

During the 1930s a large focus was on improving tourist experience on the island and more than 140 holiday houses were constructed along the island's shoreline at Beacon End, Islington Bay and Rangitoto Wharf. These days, no one lives on this island, and most holiday homes have been removed. However, some of them are preserved, while others are undergoing restoration

Looking for more info on the history of Rangitoto Island?

Help our native Plants and Animals

Pests Rangitoto Island is pest free and a sanctuary for many native plants and animals. In order to keep it this way we ask that visitors check their gear for pests before arriving on the island. Before you arrive check for stowaway pests - Please check your gear for pests, including Rats, Mice and Ants - If arriving by boat or kayak, please check your vessal for stowaways including, Rants, Mice and Ants. Looks for signs of pests, including droppings and chewed items. Dogs Dogs and other pets are not permitted on Rangitoto Island as they can harm our native wildlife including Kiwi or other nesting birds. DOC More Information on the DOC Rangitoto Island restoration project can be found here - http://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/rangitoto-and-motutapu-islands-restoration-project Call the DOC hotline to report sightings of pests on Rangitoto island - 0800 362 468

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Rangitoto Island is one of Auckland's most unique and iconic landmarks located only a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Rangitoto is considered to be a special environment and in the late 19th century, Rangitoto Island was given the status of a recreational reserve, meaning it is protected by the Department of Conservation.

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Rangitoto, Auckland's youngest volcano - Roadside Stories

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Rangitoto, as seen from Browns Island/Motukorea

Māori history

Māori have a strong association with the island. They have never lived there because of the arid, rocky terrain, but used the island's summit as a lookout over the Hauraki Gulf in times of war, as well as a parrot reserve/haui-kaka. There are ancient burial caves located on the island which serve as a resting place for bones brought across from Motutapu.

Māori know the island as 'Nga Rangi-i-totongia a Tamatekapua' which translates to 'the day the blood of Tamatekapua was shed'. Tamatekapua was the chief of the Arawa canoe which arrived in around 1350. He fought a major battle with resident iwi (tribe) Tainui at Islington Bay on Rangitoto allegedly caused over adultery, the fight that followed left Tamatekapua's face bloodied and bruised.

Historic photo of Islington Bay, Rangitoto

Māori myths

There are several Māori myths associated with Rangitoto. One such story tells us about the children of the fire deities, who lived in the Auckland area. It goes like this;

One night a 'tupua' couple, started to argue. This couple were children of the Fire Gods. In their argument they cursed the fire deity Mahuika. Mahuika heard them and went to Mataoho, the deity of earthquakes and eruptions. He sent an eruption to destroy the couple's mainland home on behalf of Mahuika.

As a result, their home was swallowed up by the earth to become Lake Pupuke on Auckland's North Shore; this led to Rangitoto rising out of the sea. When mist surrounds Rangitoto, it is said that it represents the tears of the couple as they weep over their lost home.

European history

Historic photo of picnickers, Rangitoto

Although at first reluctant to buy an island that was 'all rock', in 1854 the Crown bought Rangitoto from its Māori owners for £15. In 1890 the island became a public domain and a popular destination for picnickers and boat day trippers.

During the 1920s and 1930s, prisoners built 19km of handpacked roads and trails, some of which are now used as walkways on the island. They also constructed stone walls (from discharged volcanic lava) around the landings at Rangitoto and Islington Bay wharves as well as the island's swimming pool (no longer in use).

Bach (pronounced "batch") sites (summer holiday houses) were leased to private citizens to help pay for island developments. Around 30 of these classic holiday homes remain today, largely unchanged since the 1930s. Bach 38, adjacent to the Rangitoto Wharf, has been restored and turned into a museum, run by volunteers from the Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust. The museum is open on some weekends and by appointment. Bach 38 Museum at Rangitoto Wharf will be opened by appointment at info@rangitoto.org. Opening hours are from the first Fullers ferry on the day to the last ferry of the day.

Historic photo of Rangitoto's tidal swimming pool

During WWII Rangitoto was a prohibited area and the summit was used as a base for harbour defence fire control and as a radar station. There was also a large complex of buildings at Islington Bay from which the harbour's minefields were operated.

Rangitoto wrecks

Wreck Bay on Rangitoto hosts a ship graveyard. These ships were scuttled (not wrecked) between 1887 and 1947 as this was considered the most cost effective means to get rid of unwanted vessels.

Some of the wreckage is still visible on the foreshore and in the intertidal zone at Wreck Bay, Boulder Bay and along the adjacent coastline. You are welcome to explore the wrecks, but remember they are protected, so please do not remove or disturb any items.

Wrecked boats, Boulder Bay, Rangitoto Island, 1955

Rangitoto Wharf

Wreck Bay on Rangitoto hosts a ship graveyard. These ships were scuttled (not wrecked) between 1887 and 1947 as this was considered the most cost effective means to get rid of unwanted vessels.

Some of the wreckage is still visible on the foreshore and in the intertidal zone at Wreck Bay, Boulder Bay and along the adjacent coastline. You are welcome to explore the wrecks, but remember they are protected, so please do not remove or disturb any items.

Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust

Aims to conserve and interpret the historic bach communities on Rangitoto for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust website

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Rangitoto, as seen from Browns Island/Motukorea Māori have a strong association with the island. They have never lived there because of the arid, rocky terrain, but used the island's summit as a lookout over the Hauraki Gulf in times of war, as well as a parrot reserve/haui-kaka.

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The following places to visit are shown on the map adjacent. This is only a provisional map, done in 1980s and based on university student projects, but it will help you to find your way around the mountain. Please stay on the road (walk facing traffic) and formed paths please.

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Many separate lava flows contributed to the formation of Mt Eden, a large, prominent, scoria cone which is really three overlapping cones, the southern most cone (present day Mt Eden) is the highest and measures 196 meters above sea level and has a wide conical crater that is about 50 metres deep. Even after the heaviest rains, water does not accumulate on the rocky surfaces, but finds its way through the cracked rock, into the old stream channels underneath the solidified lava, and flows along them to reach the surface again at Western Springs.

Archaeological sites bear testimony to occupation of the mountain by Maori and the mountain remains a focal point for the residents of the suburb. In 1869 a road to the summit was thought to have been built for the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh and in the 1870s a reservoir on top of the mountain improved the Auckland water supply.

At the same time in order to protect the cone 27 hectares forming the Mt Eden domain was set aside as crown land.

In the 1920s access was improved with the laying of paths and steps to the summit and in 1927 a tea kiosk was erected on the mountain. The kiosk was surrounded by rose gardens planted during the depression of the 1930s but have since been removed. The mountain remains a popular tourist attraction and a wonderful vantage point to view the Auckland Isthmus. The people of Mt Eden love their mountain, it looms over Mt Eden Village and people have to look up, making Mount Eden seem higher than it really is. With green pastures and friendly cattle grazing on the slopes the people of the city have a reminder of their rural past.

Pre-European Settlement

Life on the Auckland isthmus offered Maori many advantages. The temperate climate, fertile volcanic soil and easy access to the two harbours made Tamakimakau-rau a favored area. It offered a plentiful supply of food from the sea and land and had good communications with areas to the north and south. Thus Tamakimakau-rau was a much fought over area. They called the mountain Maungawhau, 'the mountain of the whau', a shrub believed to have been growing in the area and valued for its cork-like wood, used for floats on fishing nets.

Maungawhau (Mt Eden) and Owairaka (Mt Albert) were two of the volcanic cones on the isthmus that were used as fortified villages or pa. Possible build as early as 1200AD a chief, Titahi, taught the people how to develop terraced gardens on the sides of these mountains and ditches; palisades and stone walls to provide protection and defend against enemy attack. The area was well visited and the dominant Waiohua tribe intermarried with visitors from Tainui (Waikato), Kawerau and Ngati Whatua. However these allegiances did not protect the Waiohua from attack.

During the 1700s Kiwi Tamaki was the Ariki of the Waiohua people and Tamakimakau-rau experienced a period of peace. However war came to the area after Tamaki went north to a tangi at Kaipara where he and his men murdered several Te Taou chiefs. Te Taou were a sub-tribe of Ngai Whatua and soon Waiohua wree attached by Ngati Whatua. The first battle at Tatitrangi was a resounding defeat for Waiohua. Another battle followed at Parau where Kiwi Tamaki was killed. This marked the end of both Owairake and Mungawhau as populated cones. During the early 1830s the musket armed Nga Puhi raided the isthmus driving its inhabitants into the Waikato. Few had returned by the time Auckland was declared the capital of the new colony.

Early Land Purchases

In 1840 having settled upon Auckland as the site of the capital for the new colony Governer Hobson secured a 3000 block of land for the government. It was purchased from local chiefs and included the northern part of the suburb of Mt Eden. The following year a 13,000 acre block was purchased by the crown. Once surveyed and divided the land was subsequently offered for sale and gradually the trappings of colonial life grew upon the landscape. The area was farmed and the fertile volcanic soil produced a variety of crops with wheat being extensively grown in the 1850s.

Mt Eden's first industry was the Eden Flour Mill established in 1844 later industry was to centre on the Mt Eden Quarry and the Colonial Ammunition Company.

Surburban Development

The suburban development of Auckland depended on the availability of land, affordable transport and the desire of middle class to move out of the crowed inner city. The population in Mt Eden had grown from 1135 in 1881 to 3144 five years later. At the dawn of the twentieth century the farms which had graced Mt Eden had largely been replaced by housing. The area was where some of Auckland's businessmen erected their country residences. In 1870s further subdivisions followed and gradually villas and bungalows filled the gaps and by 1930s a new form of housing was visible. New buildings containing several flats, these were stylish homes for fashionable people.

The population had increased 63% from 1886. Mt Eden and the surrounding areas were fortunate in having a plentiful supply of volcanic stone which proved a suitable material for road making. Mt Eden was doubly lucky in also having a labour resource to help prepare the stone and building of the roads. This was one of the few advantages of having a prison in the area. However, roads were costly to build and maintain in the nineteenth century and toll gates were located on some of the main roads to help pay for upkeep. Horse drawn buses were the first form of regular public transport in the late 1870s.

In 1881 a long awaited transport service began with the opening of the railway connecting Newmarket with Helensville. Goods and passengers could be transported more quickly as the trains stopped at Mt Eden, Kingsland, Morningside and Mt Albert. Electric trams began connecting Mt Eden with the city in 1902, the original tram shelter remains at the base of the mountain.
Cucksey's Store
Mt Eden Village

In 1881, Cucksey's Store located on the corner of Stokes Rd and Mt Eden Rd opened and heralded the birth of the Mt Eden Village. The 'Est 1873' inscribed on building is a reference to when Alfred Cucksey's started his business located at the Auckland Markets on the Market Reserve which is present day Aotea Square. 1885 the wooden Cucksey building had been joined by Tills Bakery and in 1886 the first post office in Mt Eden Rd was completed with a daily horseback mail service operating from here for many years. In 1896 the Mt Eden Bowling Club established, purchasing land fronting Mt Eden Rd between Valley Rd and Tills Bakery and the holding was increased by 2 acres in 1910.
Mount Eden in 1905
The Mt Eden Methodist Church on the corner of Ngauruhoe St and Mt Eden Rd, was constructed in 1899, designed by Arthur Herbert White and the Sunday School behind the church was built in 1910 also to White's design.
Land was subdivided for housing and villa construction facing onto Mt Eden Rd. Latter these sites became too valuable and had commercial buildings located on their front yards.

These villas can still be seen located behind shops on Mt Eden Rd. A good example of this is Circus Circus cafe on the corner of Ngauruhoe St and Mt Eden Rd, built prior to 1905 in the front yard of the house behind. Cucksey's timber building was replaced in 1905 a permit was issued for the construction of the new two storied brick building, the architect was JM Walker and the builder W .Firth and the value of work was recorded as Â£2.300 and the brick building still stands on this site.

In 1905 a butcher and boot maker were also operating. Also several blocks of shops had been established by the 1920s and the shopping centre continued to grow over the coming decades.

In the 1930s the land which had been used by the bowling club was redeveloped for shops with dwellings above.
Wilson's Service Station
The site on the corner of Valley and Mt Eden Rd was developed as what was probable Mt Eden's first petrol station and garage, In October 1930 the council issued a permit to Mr Dodd for a building valued at £1,000. the builder was Mr CE Heron.
At the other end of the village the blacksmiths shop was altered and converted to a Motor Shed. During WWII the building was taken over by the Air Force and was said to house air craft frame parts. Underneath this site is a well, water was drawn for Crystal Aerated soft drinks who manufactured from this site for some time.

The provision for local entertainment included the Crystal Place in Mt Eden Rd built in 1929 for the Hippodrome Theatre Company with shops on either side and a dance hall in the basement.

Mt Eden Heritage Walks

To download a copy of the Mt Eden Heritage Walks brochure click here.

Mt Eden is full of heritage and character which can be seen in the architecture and buildings, homes and gardens dotted around this leafy suburb.

Initially the land around Manugawhau (Mount Eden) was utilised for farms, but from quite early on the area hosted country residents of professionals and business people from Auckland. Between 1870 and 1875 most of the farm land was subdivided into large suburban phots, and the main roads formed by the Mt Eden Transport Board. Mt Eden's first school opened in 1877 on the corner of Mt Eden and Valley Roads which is now the home of the Valley Rd International Church. In 1879 Manugawhau (Mount Eden) was officially progected as public reserve. The tea kiosk located half way up Manugawhau was built in 1927 and in 2006 closed. There are plans to turn the kiosk into an information centre where visitors can learn more about Manugawhau and it's people.

On the eastern slopes of Mt Eden were constructed several large country houses set in extensive grounds these included:

Harewood House, now the site of the Mercy Hospital http://www.mercyascot.co.nz/about-us/our-history/mercy-hospital/

Justice Gillies Rocklands Hall, now offering affordable accommodation http://rocklands.co.nz

Alfred Buckland's Highwic, now a listed historic house open to the public and available for private functions http://www.historic.org.nz/places/places-to-visit/auckland-region/highwic

The Hellaby Family home of Florence Court is a fine Edwardian mansion which is still a private residents but operates as a B & B and wedding venue

Josiah Clifton Firth's home of Clifton House is a private residents

Eden Gardens which is close to the current Government House and official Auckland residence of the Governor General http://www.edengarden.co.nz/index.cfm

Mt Eden is a leafy suburb with a large number of houses built during 1870 to 1930 which are lovingly looked after today. The style of these houses reflect the architecture influences of colonial villas and the Californian and English bungalow designs.

Californian Bungalow: The typical New Zealand "Californian Bungalow" of the 1920s was strongly influenced by popular American housing trends of the time. A typical Californian bungalow features a low-slung form, asymmetrical composition, shallow pitched gable roof with wide eaves, deep porches, bowed bay windows, revealed structural elements such as exposed rafter tails, emphasis on hand-crafted and rustic materials (including use of shingles), and an informal open plan.

English Bungalow: By the 1930s, the Californian bungalow was joined by the simpler English-influenced bungalow, sometimes referred to as a "bungalow cottage." The large porches and layered gable configuration gave way to buildings with little or no ornament, shallow hipped roofs with boxed eaves, projecting box windows, leaded or facetted glass, inglenooks, and hefty porch supports. The state houses of the 1940s share many similarities with these English-style bungalows

Many of the original rock walls made from the volcanic basalt rock are still visible and the trees planted some 80 to 100 years ago are tall specimens today.

In the 1950s and 1960s the Mt Eden suburb became unfashionable and the old houses of Mt Eden were comparatively cheap to buy. This became the golden opportunity to turn the big old houses into flats to meet the growing accommodation needs of those heading to work in Auckland. Unfortunately this also meant that many old houses were demolished or removed and sausage flats were built in their place. These sausage flats which are uninteresting brick and tile rectangle boxes can be found doted in amongst the old houses.

Mt Eden became slightly bohemian during the 1960s and 1970s as a community of artists, writers, teacher and university lectures made it their home. The old houses divided into three or four individual flats became home to the many student and the sausage flats provided one to two bedroom accommodation for the workers.

Mt Eden Village is regarded by many as the Home of the Arts in Auckland, due to the large number of creative activity in and around the suburb and the large number of artists who make it their home.

To download a copy of the Mt Eden Heritage Walks brochure click here.

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Many separate lava flows contributed to the formation of Mt Eden, a large, prominent, scoria cone which is really three overlapping cones, the southern most cone (present day Mt Eden) is the highest and measures 196 meters above sea level and has a wide conical crater that is about 50 metres deep.

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The second-largest of the 46 volcanoes that dot the Auckland landscape, Maungakiekie was once the site of a massive pā (fortified village), home to several thousand people. By the time of European settlement the pā had been abandoned, and a single tōtara tree grew on the summit. This was later replaced by a single Monterey pine, and Maungakiekie became known as One Tree Hill.

Transcript

Narrator: Maungakiekie, or One Tree Hill, is one of Auckland's most iconic mountains. Maungakiekie means 'mountain where kiekie grows abundantly.' Kiekie is a native vine that grows in forests, so the mountain was probably originally covered in trees.

Like many hills in Auckland, Maungakiekie, is a volcanic one. There are 46 volcanoes in Auckland, all within 20 kilometres of the city centre. Auckland's volcanic landscape is of such unique importance that it is being considered for nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The oldest volcanic cone, where the Auckland Domain is located, erupted about 150,000 years ago. The most recent, Rangitoto Island erupted only 600 years ago.

Maungakiekie is the second largest volcanic cone in Auckland, after Rangitoto. It is over 180 metres high and has three craters.

According to Māori tradition, Auckland's volcanoes surfaced during a battle between the peoples of the Waitākere Ranges, west of Auckland, and the Hunua Range, in the south. When the Hunua people advanced against the weakened Waitākere forces, a shield of volcanic explosions stopped them in their tracks.

Auckland's volcanic cones were ideal sites for pā, or fortified villages. Māori ringed their palisaded fortresses with terraces of housing, storage pits, and large gardens on the surrounding fertile soil.

Maungakiekie was the stronghold of Kiwi Tāmaki, paramount chief of the Waihua iwi, or tribe, which dominated the area in the early 18th century. His pā housed about 4,000 warriors. You can still see the terracing and kumara pits from the pā today.

Kiwi Tāmaki and his iwi lived in relative peace until tensions with the neighbouring Te Taoū iwi erupted when he and his warriors killed members of Te Taoū at a funeral feast. This led to a battle at Paruroa, now known as Big Muddy Creek, on the Manukau Harbour. Kiwi Tāmaki was killed in the battle, which occurred around 1740.

By the time Europeans came to New Zealand, Maungakiekie pā had been abandoned and the mountain had also become known as Te Tōtara i Āhua, because of the single native tōtara tree that stood at the top.

But this tree was cut down by a Pākehā settler in 1850, probably for fencing or firewood. Sir John Logan Campbell, a wealthy community leader, tried to make up for it by planting a grove of trees, but only a single Monterey pine survived.

Campbell bequeathed substantial land around Maungakiekie to the city, and he was buried on top of the mountain. In 1940, the monumental obelisk which stands at the top of One Tree Hill was erected, incorporating his grave. This obelisk was originally erected for Auckland's centenary celebrations and commemorates 'the achievements and character of the great Maori people.'

Maungakiekie's international profile was lifted after the Irish supergroup U2 wrote the song 'One Tree Hill'. When the band toured New Zealand in 1984, lead singer Bono visited the landmark and it left a vivid impression. When U2's crew member, Aucklander Greg Carroll, died as a result of a motorbike accident, the band's next album, The Joshua Tree, was dedicated to Greg and featured the song 'One Tree Hill'.

In 1994, Māori activist Mike Smith attacked the Monterey Pine on the top of Maungakiekie with a chainsaw. Some Māori felt that a pine tree, as a non-native plant, was inappropriate for a place of such importance to Māori. There was another chainsaw attack in 1999 and two years later the tree was removed as it had become unsafe as a result of the attacks. No tree has been planted to replace it.

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Maungakiekie-One Tree Hill - roadside stories

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The second-largest of the 46 volcanoes that dot the Auckland landscape, Maungakiekie was once the site of a massive pā (fortified village), home to several thousand people. By the time of European settlement the pā had been abandoned, and a single tōtara tree grew on the summit.