World-class boardwalk extension at Maungawhau / Mt Eden restores tihi

The Tūpuna Maunga Authority has opened the much-anticipated extension to the innovative and award-winning boardwalk on Maungawhau / Mt Eden. The extension now allows for a fuller visitor walking experience around the tihi of the Maunga.

The extension features a large ātea (gathering space) – offering uninterrupted views of Tāmaki Makaurau from the harbours to the network of Tūpuna Maunga across Tāmaki Makaurau. There will be extensive native planting alongside new platforms and seating, which align with the values of restoring and protecting the Maunga. The Authority worked with Mana Whenua and design, construction, and taiao specialists. The Isthmus Group, HEB Construction, Uru Whakaaro, and Stellar Projects were among the team to bring this unique build to life.

Authority Chairperson Paul Majurey says, “Getting the tihi boardwalk completed is a great accomplishment by the team. With more than one million people visiting Maungawhau every year pre-COVID-19, this phenomenal build can support the numbers while minimising the impact on the Maunga. The enhanced experience preserves historical features and showcases a well-thought-out design.”

Visitors are treated to specialised native planting around each new feature leading to the tihi from the ponga wall to the rock garden. The new plantings attract, protect, and provide habitat for native species such as the kahukōwhai (yellow admiral butterfly) and mokomoko (skinks).

Leading Taiao Practitioner Charmaine Bailie from Uru Whakaaro says, “It’s important to be authentic in our selection of ngahere to return Tūpuna Maunga to their natural state.”

Given the specialised nature of the plants selected, planting will continue over successive planting seasons.

The design offers an insight into what the Maunga may have looked like hundreds of years ago. The kōhatu (stone) is from the quarrying of the Maunga, used to build the original Mount Eden prison. The Authority organised to get the stone returned to the Maunga after the prison was demolished, and Mana Whenua blessed the rocks. 

Majurey continues, “Maungawhau was one of the largest and most important pā in Tāmaki Makaurau and is of immense cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to the 13 iwi and hapū of Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau.”

To learn more about the rich history of Maungawhau and Ngā Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau, visit Te Ipu Kōrero o Maungawhau (education centre) in the kiosk. It features a short video and an interactive augmented reality model. Friend & Whau café is also based in the kiosk and offers delicious snacks and coffee at a mid-point on the Maunga.