One Tree Hill and the neighboring Cornwall Park form the largest area of parkland in Auckland. While Cornwall Park is a gem in its own right, U2 didn't write a song about it and a teen television series wasn't named for it. The Maori name for it is Maungakiekie and it is the largest and most complex volcanic cone fortress in the southern hemisphere (impress your friends with that one). While it is a fabulous place to go for the view, it is also a beautiful sight at night. You can see the flood lit obelisk standing by itself against the night sky. The obelisk, a gift from Logan Campbell as a token of Maori friendship, was for years flanked by a single pine tree. However, in 2001 the lone pine was damaged on successive attacks (the weapon was an axe – not a good combination) and it was agreed that the pine would be felled and not replaced.
