Work begins to make summit of Maungakiekie, One Tree Hill vehicle free

March 26, 2018

Work to pedestrianise one of Auckland's most iconic volcanic peaks begins today.

The work will take four to six weeks to complete, and means the summit road will close permanently to all motor vehicles including scooters.

People with limited mobility will still be able to access the mountain by vehicle.

In a statement the Tupuna Maunga Authority says: "To Mana Whenua, the tihi of a maunga holds great spiritual and cultural significance and has always been a place to be treated with respect and reverence."

The imminent closure of Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill to vehicles comes after Takarunga/Mount Victoria was pedestrianised last month, and Maungawhau/Mount Eden in 2016.

"Maungakiekie was one of the largest pā in the region and some of the best-preserved records of early Māori life in Tāmaki Makaurau can be seen here in the many terraces and pits shaped for dwellings, agriculture and defence."

The maunga are culturally and archaeologically significant sites.

"Honouring these values alongside creating an enhanced experience for pedestrians is at the heart of the Authority's decision to make the tihi of Auckland's maunga vehicle-free spaces."

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