Last updated May 2026
Ōtāhuhu / Mount Richmond is a group of scoria mounds and two small craters rising to 48 metres in the Ōtāhuhu / Mount Wellington area, south of central Auckland. It’s one of the 14 tūpuna maunga managed by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, and one of the most accessible — the 1.6 km main path is largely sealed and pushchair-friendly, and a large car park sits right at the entrance off Mount Wellington Highway.
The maunga has deep historical significance as a gateway point on the ancient waka portage route between the Waitematā and Manukau Harbours — a crossing that shaped Auckland’s geography and history for centuries. The name Ōtāhuhu is said to refer to the ridgepole of the Tainui canoe, marking this place as the symbolic entry point for iwi arriving from the south.
Practical Information
| Location | 671 Mount Wellington Highway, Mount Wellington, Auckland |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 48 m (group of scoria mounds with two craters) |
| Access | Free; seasonal gate hours |
| Gate hours | Summer: 7:00 am – 8:30 pm | Winter: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Main track | 1.6 km, approximately 30 minutes; largely sealed and pushchair-friendly |
| Parking | Large car park at Mount Wellington Highway entrance; additional parking near Portage Road sports fields |
| Facilities | Public toilets in adjacent Ben Henham Park; children’s playground in Ben Henham Park |
| Accessibility | Sealed path option accessible without stairs; summit detour on grass |
| Managed by | Tūpuna Maunga Authority / Auckland Council |
About the Maunga
Ōtāhuhu is not a single cone but a cluster of scoria mounds formed during its eruption approximately 30,000 years ago, with two small craters — each roughly 50 metres wide — and an 800-metre-diameter explosion crater that defines the broader landform. The site is quite different in character from Auckland’s taller, steeper cones; it sits lower in the landscape and the walking is gentler.
Historically, Ōtāhuhu was the narrowest point in the Auckland isthmus — the strip of land separating the Waitematā and Manukau Harbours. Waka (canoes) were portaged across this point for centuries, connecting the two harbours without a long coastal route around the northern tip of the Manukau. The maunga stands at this crossing point, and its name reflects the cultural weight of that function.
Ownership was transferred to Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau in 2014 as part of the collective Treaty of Waitangi settlement. The maunga is considered particularly sacred to Ngāi Tai and the Tainui confederation of iwi.
The Walk
The main 1.6 km path follows a sealed route around and through the maunga complex, taking approximately 30 minutes at a comfortable pace. Most of the route is accessible without stairs — suitable for prams and those with limited mobility — though a short grass detour to the summit tihi (highest point) is available for those who want the elevated view over the Manukau Harbour.
The two small craters can be visited as part of the walk — a short detour from the main sealed path. The combination of accessible path and optional summit climb makes Ōtāhuhu one of the more flexible maunga walks for mixed groups.
The large car park at the Mount Wellington Highway entrance makes access straightforward. Ben Henham Park alongside the maunga has toilets and a children’s playground — useful if you’re visiting with young children.
Cultural Significance
Ōtāhuhu’s significance to mana whenua goes beyond its physical landscape. As the narrowest point in the Auckland isthmus, it was a strategic and ceremonial gateway used by numerous iwi for centuries. The portage here — Tāmaki-makau-rau (Tāmaki of many lovers, so-called for the many iwi who fought over it) — gave the whole region one of its enduring names.
Like all tūpuna maunga, Ōtāhuhu is considered a living ancestor. Visitors are asked to treat the site respectfully, stay on marked paths and observe any signage about protected areas. Dogs are not permitted.
Where to Learn More
Tūpuna Maunga Authority — Ōtāhuhu — cultural background, portage history and management information.
Auckland Council — Ōtāhuhu / Mount Richmond Path — track notes, facilities and parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the walk at Ōtāhuhu accessible for prams?
Yes — the main sealed path is largely pushchair-friendly. There is an optional grass detour to the summit tihi that is not pram-accessible, but the main route can be completed without it.
What are the opening hours?
Gates are open 7:00 am to 8:30 pm in summer and 7:00 am to 7:00 pm in winter.
Is there parking?
Yes — there is a large car park at the Mount Wellington Highway entrance (671 Mount Wellington Highway), with ample availability. Additional parking is available near the Portage Road sports fields.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not permitted on the tūpuna maunga.
What makes Ōtāhuhu culturally significant?
Ōtāhuhu stands at the narrowest point of the Auckland isthmus — the historic waka portage route between the Waitematā and Manukau Harbours. The name is associated with the ridgepole of the Tainui canoe, marking this as a gateway point of deep significance to mana whenua.
Are there toilets at the maunga?
Toilets are available in adjacent Ben Henham Park, a short walk from the main entrance. There are no toilet facilities at the maunga itself.
For more Auckland volcanic cone walks, see our guide to Auckland walking tracks. Nearby, Maungawhau / Mount Eden in the city’s inner suburbs is the tallest of the accessible tūpuna maunga at 196 metres.
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