Last updated May 2026
Te Kōpuke / Tītīkōpuke (Mount St John) is a 126-metre volcanic cone in Epsom, one of Auckland’s older inner-city suburbs. It’s one of the smaller tūpuna maunga (ancestral mountains) managed by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, but it packs in a good viewpoint, an intact crater, and a pleasant 1 km walking loop that works well as a morning or evening circuit. The name Te Kōpuke means “the prominent mound.”
Positioned between Maungawhau (Mount Eden) to the west and Ōhinerau (Mount Hobson) to the east, Te Kōpuke is part of the cluster of central Auckland maunga that define the suburb’s skyline. It’s a quieter walk than some of the bigger cones and suits those looking for a shorter loop or a first tūpuna maunga experience.
Practical Information
| Location | Epsom, Auckland |
|---|---|
| Height | 126 m |
| Access | Free; seasonal gate hours |
| Gate hours | Summer: 7:00 am – 8:30 pm | Winter: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Main track | 1 km loop, approximately 30 minutes |
| Crater | 125 m wide, 20 m deep — visible from rim path; do not enter |
| Parking | Street parking on Market Road, Mount St John Avenue and Belvedere Street |
| Facilities | No toilet facilities at site; benches at summit |
| Managed by | Tūpuna Maunga Authority / Auckland Council |
About the Maunga
Te Kōpuke is one of the 14 tūpuna maunga returned to Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau under the 2014 Treaty of Waitangi collective redress settlement. Like all the tūpuna maunga, it is considered a living ancestor by mana whenua — the 13 iwi and hapū with ancestral connections to the Tāmaki Makaurau region.
The cone bears significant archaeological features from its history as a Māori pā. Kumara storage pits and terraced housing platforms are still visible on the slopes — visitors are asked to stay on the marked paths and avoid walking on or disturbing these earthworks. The crater is considered wāhi tapu (sacred) and visitors must remain on the rim path rather than entering.
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority’s restoration work is ongoing at Te Kōpuke, with native planting on the lower slopes and pest control to support habitat recovery.
The Walk
The main circuit is a 1 km loop taking around 30 minutes. It rises from the access points at street level — Market Road, Mount St John Avenue or Belvedere Street — up to the crater rim, then continues around the top before descending. The path involves steps and some steeper grass sections; sensible footwear is recommended.
From the rim, the views encompass a wide arc of Auckland’s volcanic field. You can clearly see Maungawhau (Mount Eden) to the west, Ōhinerau (Mount Hobson) to the east, and on a clear day the Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island beyond. The crater itself — 125 metres wide and 20 metres deep — is a good example of a well-preserved Auckland volcanic crater.
The maunga is gated, with access during daylight hours only (7:00 am to 8:30 pm in summer, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm in winter). Street parking is available on the surrounding roads; the maunga is also accessible on foot from the Epsom/Mount Eden area.
Cultural Significance
The crater at Te Kōpuke is classified wāhi tapu — a sacred place — and visitors are explicitly asked not to enter it. Walk around the crater rim rather than across it. This applies to all tūpuna maunga craters where similar restrictions exist.
The site holds archaeological traces of the pā that occupied the maunga for generations before European arrival. The Tūpuna Maunga Authority provides educational resources and guided cultural experiences for those interested in the deeper history of the maunga.
Where to Learn More
Tūpuna Maunga Authority — Te Kōpuke / Tītīkōpuke — cultural background, access hours and restoration information.
Auckland Council — Te Kōpuke / Tītīkōpuke Path — track notes and access details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter the crater?
No. The crater is classified wāhi tapu (sacred) and visitors must stay on the crater rim path. Please respect this.
What are the opening hours?
The gates are open from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm in summer and 7:00 am to 7:00 pm in winter. The maunga is closed outside these hours.
Is there parking at Te Kōpuke / Mount St John?
There is no dedicated car park. Street parking is available on Market Road, Mount St John Avenue and Belvedere Street. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not permitted on the tūpuna maunga.
How long is the walk?
The main loop is 1 km and takes around 30 minutes, including the crater rim section.
Are there toilets on-site?
No toilets are available at the maunga. Plan accordingly before you visit.
For more Auckland volcanic cone walks, see our guide to Auckland walking tracks. Nearby, Maungawhau / Mount Eden offers a longer walk with the deepest crater in Auckland’s volcanic field.
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