Mutukāroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park: Central Auckland Farm Park
Photo: “Mutukāroa Hamlins Hill Regional Park 20220103 171201” by Prosperosity, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Park at a glance
- Region
- Auckland
- Location
- Mount Wellington, central Auckland
- Managed by
- Auckland Council
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead
- Camping
- No
Overview
Mutukāroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park is a surprisingly open patch of farmland in the middle of urban Auckland, right beside the Southern Motorway. Auckland Council describes it as a premier place of significance to mana whenua. It's a rare example of an extensive pre-European Māori settlement, and you can still see pits, terraces and middens across the hill.
From the top there are wide views over the surrounding city. Sheep and young cattle graze the slopes, and the cattle can be curious about visitors.
Getting there
- Address: 1014 Great South Road, Mount Wellington
- Car park entry: Off Great South Road, between the Onehunga and Mt Wellington off-ramps from State Highway 1
- Access road: Sealed
Things to do
Walk the archaeological landscape
You can still read the shape of the old settlement in the land: storage pits, terraces and shell middens. Please treat the site with respect and stay off the archaeological features.
Mountain biking
Mountain biking is allowed on designated tracks only.
Birdwatchers can expect pīwakawaka (fantail), kōtare (kingfisher) and pūkeko. Volunteer days run every Wednesday; phone 09 636 6118 to get involved.
Dogs at Mutukāroa
Dogs are allowed on a leash at all times throughout the park, which makes it one of the few Auckland regional parks where you can walk a dog freely. Keep well clear of stock.
Good to know
There's no camping, and drones are not allowed. The council lists no toilets or drinking water at the park, so come prepared.
Where is Mutukāroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park?
The pin marks: Centre of the park area (-36.9201, 174.8330). It isn't an entrance or car park, so check the council's park page for access points before you go. Plan a route on OpenStreetMap (opens in a new tab).
Location data: Auckland Council Park Extents (CC BY 4.0); OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL 1.0).
Check before you go
Track closures, gate times, fire bans and storm damage change often. Auckland Council posts current alerts for Mutukāroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park on its official park page.
Current park alerts