Ōhinerau / Mount Hobson is a 143-metre volcanic cone in Remuera, Auckland’s highest tūpuna maunga and one of the less-visited cones in the city’s volcanic field. It sits in a quiet residential pocket between Remuera Road and Market Road, and rewards walkers with wide views across to Maungarei (Mount Wellington), Maungawhau (Mount Eden) and the Waitemata Harbour. The walk to the summit takes around 30 minutes from the road.
The name Ōhinerau is associated with Hinerau, a figure in Māori tradition, while an alternative name Ohinerangi (place of Hinerangi, girl of the sky) also appears in historical records. Both names reflect the maunga’s status as a place of significance to mana whenua across many generations.
Practical Information
| Location | Remuera, Auckland |
|---|---|
| Height | 143 m (highest of the tūpuna maunga) |
| Access | Free, open during daylight hours |
| Main track | Steep climb from Remuera Road; approximately 30 minutes to summit |
| Surface | Gravel, steps and mown grass |
| Parking | Limited parking on Pere Street; street parking along Remuera Road |
| Facilities | No toilets or picnic facilities at the maunga |
| Managed by | Tūpuna Maunga Authority / Auckland Council |
About the Maunga
At 143 metres, Ōhinerau is the highest of the 14 tūpuna maunga managed by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority in Tāmaki Makaurau. It was once a major Māori pā, with terraces estimated to have housed around 1,000 people at the peak of occupation. Extensive earthworks — terraces on all sides of the cone, defensive ditches and storage pits — are still visible on the slopes.
The maunga returned to mana whenua ownership in 2014 as part of the Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau collective Treaty of Waitangi settlement. The Tūpuna Maunga Authority manages it alongside the other 13 tūpuna maunga, with ongoing restoration planting replacing exotic vegetation with native species.
Ōhinerau sits close to Te Kōpuke (Mount St John) and Maungawhau (Mount Eden), forming part of the central Auckland cluster of volcanic cones. On a clear day you can see all three from the Ōhinerau summit, along with Maungarei (Mount Wellington) further south.
The Walk
The main approach is from Remuera Road, with a steep climb on a gravel and step path up to the summit. The route gains height quickly — the gradient is steeper than some of the other maunga walks and will get your heart rate up. A loop descent is possible via Mount Hobson Lane and back to Market Road, making a one-way route of around 0.5–1 km depending on your chosen return path.
The summit offers clear 360-degree views. Maungarei (Mount Wellington) is visible to the south-east, Maungawhau (Mount Eden) to the west, and Te Kōpuke (Mount St John) is immediately to the south. The Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island are visible on clear days to the north.
There are no toilet or picnic facilities at the maunga itself. The surrounding Remuera streets have cafés and other amenities a short walk away.
Cultural Significance
Ōhinerau, like all the tūpuna maunga, is considered a living ancestor by the 13 iwi and hapū of Tāmaki Makaurau. The pā earthworks on the slopes are archaeological heritage sites — please stay on the marked paths and do not disturb the terraces or other features. Dogs are not permitted.
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority manages Ōhinerau as part of its broader programme of ecological restoration, cultural programming and access management across all 14 tūpuna maunga.
Where to Learn More
Tūpuna Maunga Authority — Ōhinerau — cultural background, management information and access details.
Auckland Council — Ōhinerau / Mount Hobson Path — track notes and parking information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ōhinerau the highest maunga in Auckland?
Ōhinerau at 143 metres is the highest of the 14 tūpuna maunga managed by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority. However, Maungawhau / Mount Eden (196 m) is higher overall — the tūpuna maunga count excludes Maungawhau in this context depending on the classification used. At 143 m, Ōhinerau is among the tallest accessible volcanic cones in the Auckland field.
How long does the walk take?
Approximately 30 minutes to the summit from Remuera Road. The gradient is steep, so allow a little extra time if you’re not a regular walker.
Is there parking?
Limited parking is available on Pere Street. Street parking along Remuera Road is the main alternative. Arrive early on weekends.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not permitted on any of the tūpuna maunga.
Are there toilets?
No toilet facilities are available at the maunga. Remuera Road has cafés and businesses with facilities nearby.
Is it suitable for children?
The steep gradient makes it a more demanding walk for younger children, but the short distance means most older children can manage it with adult supervision. Not suitable for prams.
For more Auckland volcanic cone walks, see our guide to Auckland walking tracks. Nearby, Maungawhau / Mount Eden has the deepest crater in Auckland and is a 10-minute drive west of Ōhinerau.