One Tree Hill, Auckland: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide

The first time I climbed One Tree Hill in Auckland, New Zealand, as part of the Coast to Coast Walk, I was puzzled by the name. There’s no tree at the summit, just an obelisk and a stump. That missing tree tells you a lot about this place: it’s layered with complicated history, from ancient Māori fortifications to colonial destruction to modern activism.

At 182 metres, it’s Auckland’s second-highest volcanic cone, and from the top you get 360-degree views across the city, both harbours, and out to Rangitoto Island. What makes it special isn’t just the panorama — it’s that you’re standing on what was once the largest Māori pā in the region, with sheep grazing on the slopes below.

Quick overview

One Tree Hill and Cornwall Park are completely free to visit, and technically different places, although for most visitors’ purposes, that’s irrelevant. The Cornwall Park gates open at 7:00am and close between 6:00pm and 9:00pm depending on the season — winter closing is 6:00pm, while summer extends to 9:00pm. There are no admission fees, no tickets to buy, and parking throughout the park is free. The walk from the main car park to the summit takes 20-30 minutes. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads at all times.

At a glance

How much does One Tree Hill cost?

Entry to One Tree Hill and Cornwall Park is entirely free. There are no admission charges, no parking fees, and no hidden costs. The only expense you might encounter is if you visit the nearby Stardome Observatory, which charges separately for planetarium shows.

The park spans 425 acres (172 hectares) and was gifted to the people of New Zealand by Sir John Logan Campbell in 1901. It’s managed by the Cornwall Park Trust Board, which keeps it accessible to everyone without charge.

Is One Tree Hill free to enter?

Yes, completely free. There are no entrance fees, no donation boxes, and no charges for any of the park facilities. The BBQ areas are free to use (gas and wood provided), and the playgrounds, walking tracks, and farm areas are all open to everyone without cost.

The only adjacent attraction with an admission fee is Stardome Observatory, which sits within One Tree Hill Domain. Planetarium shows there cost NZ$18 for adults and NZ$15 for children.

What time does One Tree Hill open?

One Tree Hill and Cornwall Park open daily at 7:00am. Closing times vary by season: 6:00pm during winter months, extending to 9:00pm in summer. The gates are locked outside these hours, and you cannot enter or exit by vehicle once they’re closed.

Critical warning: If you’re visiting for an evening event at Stardome Observatory, you must arrive before 9:00pm. The entrance gate locks at 9:00pm, though it opens automatically for exits at any time.

The Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (visitor centre) operates Monday to Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and closes on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.

A brief history

The Māori name is Maungakiekie, meaning “mountain of the kiekie vine”. Before Europeans arrived, this volcanic cone was home to Te Wai ō Hua iwi (tribe) and served as the largest and most spiritually significant pā (fortified village) in the region. At its peak around the 1700s, it supported a population of thousands, with extensive terracing, storage pits, and defensive structures still visible today.

The original tree — a sacred tōtara — was chopped down in 1852 by a Pākehā settler. Accounts differ on whether he did it because the tree held significance for Māori or simply because he needed firewood. Either way, the damage was done.

Sir John Logan Campbell, considered the “father of Auckland”, purchased the land and gifted it to the city in 1901 with the condition that a memorial be built to honour the dispossessed Māori people. Campbell planted Monterey pines on the summit, but only one survived. That lone pine became the “One Tree” that gave the hill its English name — and inspired the U2 song.

In 2000, a Māori activist named Mike Smith attacked the tree with a chainsaw to protest the government’s Treaty settlement policies. The tree was severely damaged and had to be felled. Today, only a stump remains. Plans to plant a replacement native tree have been discussed for decades but never executed, largely because of disagreements between Māori groups, Auckland Council, and the Trust Board about what species to plant.

Campbell is buried at the summit alongside the obelisk memorial, which was erected in 1940.

What you’ll see at One Tree Hill

The summit offers uninterrupted views across Auckland. On clear days you can see both the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, the Sky Tower, Mount Eden, and Rangitoto Island. The views at sunset are particularly good — the golden light hits the volcanic cones and harbour. Visiting then is one of the most memorable things to do in Auckland.

The obelisk memorial stands 33 metres tall and commemorates the Māori people. It’s visible from much of Auckland and serves as a navigation point. Campbell’s grave sits at its base.

Around the slopes you’ll see the remains of the ancient pā: terracing, stone walls, storage pits, and defensive ditches. Information boards explain what you’re looking at, though they’re not as detailed as they could be.

Cornwall Park surrounds the base of the hill with expansive lawns, mature trees, and flower gardens. About 600 sheep and 60 cattle graze in the paddocks — it’s a working farm, so keep your distance from the animals. Lambing season runs from early August through September, and certain areas are closed off during this period.

Three eateries operate within the park: Cornwall Park Bistro, Cornwall Park Cafe, and The Creamery (ice cream). Free BBQ facilities are scattered throughout, with gas and wood provided. There’s also Acacia Cottage, built in 1841 and the oldest remaining wooden cottage in Auckland, though it’s only viewable from outside.

The loop road around the base of the hill is 2.9km — about a 40-minute walk or quicker run. From Cornwall Park, the summit walk takes 20-30 minutes. There’s no vehicle access to the top.

What’s included with your visit?

• Free entry to One Tree Hill summit and Cornwall Park
• Free parking throughout the park
• Access to walking and cycling tracks
• Free BBQ facilities (gas and wood provided)
• Playgrounds for children
• Views of grazing sheep and cattle
• Public toilets and accessible facilities
• Acacia Cottage (1841) viewing
• Information boards about Māori history and geology

Separate admission: Stardome Observatory planetarium shows require paid tickets (NZ$18 adults, NZ$15 children).

Things to do near One Tree Hill

Stardome Observatory & Planetarium (within One Tree Hill Domain, adjacent) — Auckland’s astronomy centre offers fully immersive 360-degree planetarium shows, telescope viewing, and hands-on exhibits. Shows run daily, rain or shine.

Mount Eden (Maungawhau) (3km, 8-minute drive) — Auckland’s highest volcanic cone at 196 metres. The symmetrical crater is 50 metres deep and offers equally spectacular views.

Auckland Museum (4km, 10-minute drive) — Housed in a neoclassical building in Auckland Domain, this museum covers Māori and Pacific culture, natural history, and New Zealand’s war history.

Auckland War Memorial Museum Wintergardens (4.5km, 11-minute drive) — Victorian-style glasshouses in Auckland Domain filled with tropical and temperate plants. Sculptures and fish ponds throughout.

Parnell Village (5km, 12-minute drive) — Historic shopping precinct with boutiques, cafes, and galleries housed in restored Victorian and Edwardian buildings.

Further afield in Auckland, you can drive through the Waitakere Ranges to the gorgeous black sand beaches – Piha Beach and Karekare Beach. My first time visitor’s guide to Auckland also explains how to sail an Americas Cup yacht on Waitemata Harbour.

Practical tips

• Location: 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland (main entrance via Green Lane West)
• Getting there: Multiple bus routes stop near the park entrances. Free parking throughout. Main vehicle entrance is from Green Lane West; one-way road through to Manukau Road. Kenneth Myers Gate (Manukau Road) provides access to southern areas but no through-route to Green Lane West.
• Time needed: 60-90 minutes for a summit walk and park exploration. Allow 2-3 hours if you’re having a picnic or visiting Stardome.
• Photography: No restrictions. The summit is particularly photogenic at sunrise and sunset.
• Dress code: None. Wear comfortable walking shoes — the summit path is paved but steep in sections.
• Accessibility: Limited mobility visitors can request the gate code for vehicle access to the summit by calling 09 379 1340. Accessible parking and toilets available throughout the park.
• Crowds: Mornings (7:00am-9:00am) are quietest. Weekends get busy with families and joggers. Avoid the summit during midday heat in summer.
• Dogs: Welcome but must be on leads at all times. Certain areas closed during lambing (August-September) and calving (July-August) seasons.
• Food: You can bring your own food and drink, or visit the three on-site eateries. BBQ facilities are free and available first-come, first-served.

FAQs

Why is there no tree on One Tree Hill? The original sacred tōtara was cut down in 1852. Sir John Logan Campbell planted Monterey pines, but only one survived. That tree was attacked with a chainsaw in 2000 by a Māori activist protesting government policies and had to be removed. Plans to plant a replacement have stalled due to disagreements about which native species to choose.

How long does it take to walk to the summit? From the main Cornwall Park car park, it takes 20-30 minutes to reach the summit. The loop road around the base is 2.9km (40-minute walk). Joggers complete it faster.

Can I drive to the top? No. There’s no vehicle access to the summit. If you require limited mobility access, call 09 379 1340 for the gate code.

What are the gates locked? Yes, the park gates lock at 6:00pm (winter) or 9:00pm (summer). You cannot enter by vehicle after closing, though gates open automatically for exits.

Are dogs allowed? Yes, but they must be on leads at all times. Certain paddock areas are closed to dogs during lambing and calving seasons to protect the animals. Signs indicate restricted areas.

Is the U2 song really about this place? Yes. Bono wrote “One Tree Hill” after meeting Greg Carroll, a New Zealander who became the band’s roadie. Carroll died in a motorcycle accident in Dublin in 1986 and is buried in Auckland. The song references the night Carroll first took Bono to One Tree Hill in 1984.

Can I use the BBQs? Yes, they’re free on a first-come, first-served basis. Gas and wood are provided — bring matches and kindling. You can also bring your own portable gas BBQ, but it must be on legs and positioned away from trees. Clean up after yourself.

More North Island travel

Other New Zealand North Island travel articles on Planet Whitley include:

• A three week New Zealand travel itinerary.
• Why Napier is New Zealand’s art deco secret.
• Pedal-powered monorail: Riding the Shweeb in Rotorua.
• Kayaking to the Mine Bay Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo.
• Tackling the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – New Zealand’s best day walk.