Last updated July 2026
Three Kings is a central Auckland suburb named for the cluster of three volcanic cones at its heart — Te Tatua-a-Riukiuta / Big King being the highest. The suburb combines older residential streets with the Three Kings Plaza shopping centre and direct access to the central Auckland motorway network.
Practical Information
| Location | Central Auckland, between Mt Roskill and Mt Eden |
| Distance to CBD | ~6 km — about 12 min drive |
| Local board | Puketāpapa Local Board |
| Standout features | Big King volcanic cone (Te Tatua-a-Riukiuta), Three Kings Plaza, central location |
| Transport | Frequent buses on Mt Eden Road; close to SH20 motorway |
| Character | Established central residential with volcanic-cone backdrop |
About Three Kings
Three Kings is named for the cluster of small volcanic cones that originally rose at its centre — although extensive quarrying over the 19th and 20th centuries removed two of the three. The surviving Te Tatua-a-Riukiuta / Big King is the most prominent of the cluster. The suburb today is established central residential, with older brick-and-tile bungalows mixed with newer infill housing, and the Three Kings Plaza shopping centre as the commercial focal point.
Te Tatua-a-Riukiuta / Big King
Te Tatua-a-Riukiuta (Big King) is the surviving volcanic cone in the cluster — a small but prominent cone with city views from the summit. Walking access is available from the surrounding streets. The cone has significant cultural value to mana whenua and is gazetted as part of the Auckland Volcanic Cones management framework. The other two original cones in the cluster — Te Kopuke / Little King and Te Tatua-a-Whakauru / Highest King — were extensively quarried for road metal and aggregate before quarrying stopped.
Three Kings Plaza and Local Amenities
Three Kings Plaza on Mt Eden Road is the suburb’s commercial heart — supermarkets, services, takeaway restaurants and the local library. The shopping centre serves a wide central Auckland catchment. The Three Kings playing fields opposite host community sports and the Three Kings Returned Services Association (RSA). Easy SH20 motorway access at the Hillsborough Road interchange completes the strong transport picture.
Where to Learn More
Puketāpapa Local Board — local government area covering Three Kings.
Auckland Council — Auckland Volcanic Cones — official management framework for the cone network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Three Kings?
Central Auckland between Mt Roskill and Mt Eden. About 6 km from CBD.
Why “Three Kings”?
Named for the cluster of three small volcanic cones that originally rose at the centre — quarrying removed two; Big King (Te Tatua-a-Riukiuta) survives.
What’s at Three Kings Plaza?
The local shopping centre — supermarkets, services, library, restaurants.
Can I climb Big King?
Yes — walking access from surrounding streets, with city views from the summit.
What’s the transport?
Frequent buses on Mt Eden Road; SH20 motorway access at the Hillsborough interchange.
For more central Auckland suburbs see Auckland Suburbs.
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