Te Tātua a Riukiuta

PĀ

An early name for this Maunga is Te Tātua o Mataaho, translating as the belt of Mataaho, a Māori atua (deity) known as the guardian of secrets hidden in the earth.  The name Te Tātua a Riukiuta refers to Riukiuta, a tohunga (priest) of the Tainui waka / canoe. 

Te Tātua a Riukiuta was once the site of a pā, and the remaining Maunga has retained kūmara pits and terracing. 

GEOLOGY

The Maunga of Te Tātua a Riukiuta / Big King is actually one of three large adjoining volcanic cones that once stood here, hence the name of the suburb, Three Kings. Two of the scoria cones have been quarried completely away. 

The highest part of Te Tātua a Riukiuta is 133 metres which provides citywide views.

The Three Kings volcanoes likely erupted around the same time approximately 28,500 years ago. The initial eruption created the largest crater in Auckland at 800 metres wide and nearly 200 metres deep. The crater no longer exists today. 

Ash from Te Tātua a Riukiuta went as far as Remuera and blanketed up to three metres of ash over Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill. Lava flowed from Te Tātua a Riukiuta out to present-day Western Springs, leaving a series of impressive lava caves in its wake.

TRACK UPGRADES

New track upgrades are taking place across the Te Tātua a Riukuita / Big King starting approximately mid-October. The work will include upgrading and resurfacing existing walking tracks and installing new entry steps at Conolly Street and Duke Street pedestrian entrances.

Other work will involve replacing broken edge boarding, upgrading some park furniture and removing desire lines to preserve archaeological features. Native planting will occur in appropriate areas to enrichthe natural environment. These improvements will not only enhance public access to the Maunga but also improve the overall manuhiri (visitor) experience.

Construction dates

Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-October and will take approximately 12-14 weeks to complete. Construction will occur Monday to Friday (and Saturday morning, where required) during work hours to limit disturbance to neighbours. Please note there could be delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Visitor access

Pedestrian, cycle, and vehicle access will be maintained throughout the upgrade works. While the main pedestrian entrance at Duke Street will remain open, the car park will be closed to enable truck and contractor movement and material laydown. During the works some entrances and sections of track will be closed at various stages of the project. Alternative access and track routes will be clearly marked and signposted. 

Health and Safety

The health the safety of the Maunga, our manuhiri and residents are a priority. Please follow the instructions of onsite staff and the temporary signage in place.

Main entrance gate opening times:

Summer: 7am-8.30pm
Winter: 7am-7pm

Times align with daylight-savings.  

LOCATION

113a Duke Street, Mount Roskill, Auckland.