One Tree Hill
The largest of Auckland's extinct volcanoes and one of the city's best lookout points, One Tree Hill, or Maungakiekie, was the site of three Māori pā (fortifications). It had a single pine tree on its summit, but that was attacked by activists who saw it as a symbol of colonialism, and in 2000 it was taken down. Sir John Logan Campbell, the European founding father of the city, is buried on the summit. There is fantastic walking and running in the surrounding acreage known as Cornwall Park, with avenues of oaks, a kauri plantation, an old olive grove, and magnificent seasonal flower plantings. Or just take a mat and read under an old tree. Free electric barbecue sites are also available. Because the park is a working farm of sheep and cattle, you'll need to be wary of cows with their calves along the paths. There's also a cricket club with old-style seating, where you can watch a game in summer, and a pavilion that sells refreshments.
