Stretching before us is Mutukaroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park. It stands as a testament to Auckland’s rich history and natural beauty. This land holds stories that whisper of ancient settlements, colonial farming, and community resilience.
Mutukaroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park spans 48 hectares. It offers a unique landscape of rolling hills and panoramic views. The park is located in the suburb of Penrose. It sits north-east of the Manukau Harbour. It lies west of the Tāmaki River. Auckland Council owns and operates this precious green space.
Imagine this hill as it was centuries ago. Mutukaroa was one of the largest undefended settlements on the Tāmaki isthmus. Vast kūmara gardens surrounded it. During the Waiohua period, Ngāi Tai resided here. They continued to occupy the hill. This was after Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei settled the isthmus in the 18th century.
The hill itself is the largest non-volcanic hill on the Auckland isthmus. It is formed from Waitemata sandstone. Much younger volcanic deposits surround it. Standing at 65 metres high, Mutukaroa offers stunning 360-degree views.
The name Hamlin’s Hill comes from Reverend James Hamlin. He was a reverend of the Church Missionary Society. He received the land as a Crown land grant in the 1840s. For many years, the farmland served as holding paddocks. These paddocks were for the Westfield Freezing Works.
But here’s a little-known fact. In the 1960s, there was a plan to demolish the hill. The goal was to reclaim 30 hectares of land from the Manukau Harbour. A public outcry and court action saved Mutukaroa / Hamlins Hill.
Today, as you wander through Mutukaroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park, notice the native trees. Since the early 2000s, many trees have been planted. These efforts reflect a commitment to restoring the land. Mutukaroa / Hamlins Hill was officially gazetted in 2014.
As you walk here, picture the sheep grazing on the grassy slopes. Envision the forested tracks winding through the park. Mutukaroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park offers a peaceful escape. It is hard to believe that you are near the city.
Mutukaroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park is more than just a park. It’s a living reminder of Auckland’s past. It highlights the importance of preserving our natural and cultural heritage. It is a place where history and nature intertwine. It provides a space for reflection and recreation for generations to come.