Heritage sites in Auckland

Introduction

DOC looks after more than 2000 places of Māori or early European cultural heritage value across the Auckland region and on islands in the Hauraki Gulf. You can explore many of these sites.

Many of these are sites of pre-European Māori settlement or activity. They range from very early archaeological sites to large fortified pa sites of later occupation. Many are considered wāhi tapu (sacred) by Māori . DOC also manages more recent historic places and structures including coastal defence sites 

DOC also works with other agencies to protect important heritage places. One success story here is protection of the Otuataua Stonefields in South Auckland. Community groups such as the Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust and Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi also help to conserve our cultural heritage. They raise funds for work and play a major role in managing historic places.

History of Fort Takapuna

History of Fort Takapuna

The historic structures at Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve contain elements from all periods of coastal defence in New Zealand.

History of Maungauika/North Head

History of Maungauika/North Head

Find out about the history of Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve.

History of Great Barrier Island Aotea

History of Great Barrier Island Aotea

Great Barrier Island Aotea holds a special place in Māori traditional history. European arrivals found a rich bounty of resources here.

History of Kawau Island

History of Kawau Island

At Kawau Island Historic Reserve you can learn about the island's fascinating Māori and Pākehā history.

Miners Head Copper Mine Complex

Miners Head Copper Mine Complex

Miners Head was New Zealand's first copper mine. Learn more about what happened here before the copper ran out.

History of Motuihe Island/Te Motu-a-Ihenga

History of Motuihe Island/Te Motu-a-Ihenga

Motuihe Island/Te Motu-a-Ihenga has a varied history of Maori and European settlement, and was used for quarantine and military purposes.

Nature and history of Motutapu Island

Nature and history of Motutapu Island

Considered a sacred place by local iwi, Motutapu was intensively settled and cultivated by Maori. In more recent times, the island served as a base during World War II.

History of Rangitoto

History of Rangitoto

Erupting from the sea more than 600 years ago, Rangitoto Island is one of the youngest land masses in the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana.

History of Tiritiri Matangi

History of Tiritiri Matangi

Learn about the historic heritage of Tiritiri Matangi Scientific Reserve, which features a number of Māori and early European sites including the Tiritiri lighthouse complex.

History of Tramline Track

History of Tramline Track

The Great Barrier bushmen rode the tramway up and down inclines like a rollercoaster. Learn more about the incredible feat of engineering required to reach the last kauri stands.

Hauraki Gulf Defences

Hauraki Gulf Defences

Learn about the sites that served as New Zealand defences in the Hauraki Gulf, now cared for by the Department of Conservation.