One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill is the largest and most imposing of the many Maori pa (fortifications) which formerly existed on the Auckland Isthmus.
Characteristic of most pa is the terraces that shape the sides of the hills.  These were formed and provided suitable structures for Maori lodgings built into the sides of one or more terraces.  This particular pa had terraces all the way to the bottom of the hill  (unlike most others) suggesting it was a home to thousands of Maori. Forty five of these terraces are still visible.

One Tree Hill is Auckland's most resplendent park and this because of the trees.  The tree plantings date back over 100 years. Some are native to New Zealand, others from Australia and a few from the northern hemisphere. Kauri of course is NZ largest tree.  California Redwoods are here as well. Eucalyptus with over 30 species present are highly favored.  Moretown Fig, mentioned in an earlier blog, Oak, Gingko and Cypress are just of few of the varieties.  Overall it leaves quite an impression upon visitors.  It sure did for me!


This site is also referred to as Maungakiekie which literally means mountain of the kiekie.  Kiekie is  a strong climbing plant used by the Maori for baskets and weaving.  This was the head pa of the region with a powerful chief control this enviable position.

Maungakiekie is one of the 48 small volcanoes that have erupted in the last 250,000 years in the Auckland area; tt is well preserved  and the second largest.  Its lava fields cover more than 20 square kilometres and rise to 182 metres above sea level.

On the hillside cattle and sheep can be seen. It is an active farm. Historically, Sir John  Logan Campbell in partnership purchased the land and named it One Tree Hill in recognition of a singular tree that had grown on the summit.  Through his efforts and others the obelisk at the top commemorates the Maori and war veterans.

Three main vents are visible and the
formation indicates it was not an explosive volcano. Scoria are pieces of solidified basalt lava froth, usually red brown in colour and irregularly shaped.  The scoria is wind sorted so that fine particles are separated from larger particles. This  plus the fine grained volcanic ash formed the rich sediment which provided an agricultural land base on which to construct the fortified settlement.

To the right is a small museum and Visitors Centre.  I thought it worthy of a picture.