Last updated July 2026
One Tree Hill / Maungakiekie is a 182-metre volcanic cone and prominent Tūpuna Maunga in Auckland’s Epsom suburb. The summit features an obelisk and native plantings with panoramic views across the isthmus. At its base lies Cornwall Park, a 172-hectare working farm and heritage landscape with sheep grazing, historic buildings, and an olive grove. The combined area of One Tree Hill Domain and Cornwall Park offers extensive walking tracks, a family playground, and free public access year-round.
Practical Information
| Address | Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill Domain, 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland; Cornwall Park, Greenlane West, Epsom |
| Hours | Open daily; summit access via tracks or road (seasonal variations apply) |
| Entry | Free |
| Parking | Multiple free car parks off Greenlane West, Huia Lodge Drive and Manukau Road |
| Facilities | Toilets, café at Huia Lodge, playground, information at Huia Lodge Discovery Hub |
| Dogs | On leash at all times in both parks; excluded from fenced sheep areas and maunga summit |
| Nearest transport | AT Metro buses on Manukau Road and Greenlane Road |
About One Tree Hill / Maungakiekie
Maungakiekie was one of the largest and most heavily fortified pā sites in pre-European Tāmaki Makaurau. Visible terracing and earthworks on the slopes record centuries of occupation by iwi including Wai-o-hua and later Ngāti Whātua. The name refers to the kiekie vine that once grew on the maunga.
The original sacred tōtara on the summit was felled in the 19th century. A Monterey pine stood there for much of the 20th century until it was removed in 2000. In 2016 the Tūpuna Maunga Authority replanted native trees including tōtara and pōhutukawa on the tihi.
The obelisk at the summit honours Sir John Logan Campbell, who gifted the land for Cornwall Park. Campbell is buried at its base. The monument stands approximately 30.8 metres tall and was formally unveiled in 1948.
Cornwall Park operates under the Cornwall Park Trust Board and functions as a working farm with year-round sheep grazing. It also contains one of New Zealand’s oldest olive groves and Acacia Cottage, Auckland’s oldest surviving residential building, constructed in 1841.
Walking Tracks
Multiple tracks wind through Cornwall Park and up Maungakiekie. A new summit track connection completed in May 2026 provides a direct route from Cornwall Park with boardwalks, stairs and views of Rangitoto, Maungawhau and the Waitākere Ranges. Tracks protect archaeological features while offering varied gradients suitable for different fitness levels. Allow one to two hours for a loop that includes the summit.
Playground and Family Facilities
One Tree Hill Domain features a well-maintained playground near the Manukau Road entrance. Facilities include slides, swings, a tall wooden climbing structure, a miniature red train ride and a nearby skate bowl. The area is popular with families and connects directly to walking paths and open grass for picnics.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors praise the combination of open farmland, volcanic landscape and city views. Many enjoy relaxed walks that feel far from the CBD and note the appeal for children with the playground and farm animals.
Reviewers highlight the visible Māori earthworks once explained by information boards. Weekday mornings are recommended for quieter summit visits and the new track connection receives positive comments for improved access.
Where to Learn More
Cornwall Park Trust Board: Official information on park facilities, events, history and visitor access.
Auckland Council – Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill Domain: Details on the domain, facilities, playground and current projects.
Tūpuna Maunga Authority – Maungakiekie: Authoritative history, cultural context and restoration updates for the maunga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a tree on the summit now?
Native trees including tōtara and pōhutukawa were planted on the tihi by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority in 2016.
Can you drive to the summit?
A sealed road provides vehicle access close to the summit with parking available; the final section is a short walk.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs must be on a leash in both parks but are not permitted in fenced sheep grazing areas or on the maunga summit.
What is Acacia Cottage?
Acacia Cottage is Auckland’s oldest surviving residential building, constructed in 1841 and located within Cornwall Park near Huia Lodge.
Is the playground in Cornwall Park or the Domain?
The playground with train ride and skate bowl is located in One Tree Hill Domain near the Manukau Road entrance.
Are the parks free to enter?
Yes, both Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill Domain are free and open to the public daily.
How long are the walking tracks?
Tracks range from short loops to longer routes connecting the park and summit; a typical relaxed walk takes one to two hours.
Who manages the maunga?
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority co-manages Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill Domain under Treaty settlement arrangements.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.