Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Museum of Transport & Technology;
www.motat.org.nz
; 805 Great North Rd; adult/child $16/8; 10am-5pm)
This technology boffin's paradise is spread over two sites and 19 hectares. In
MOTAT Great
North Rd
look out for former Prime Minister Helen Clark's Honda 50 motorbike and the pi-
oneer village.
MOTAT Meola Rd
features the Aviation Display Hall with rare military and
commercial planes. The two sites are linked by a vintage tram (free with admission, $2
otherwise), which passes the park and zoo. It's a fun kids' ride whether you visit MOTAT
or not.
ONE TREE TO RULE THEM ALL
Looking at One Tree Hill, your first thought will probably be 'Where's the bloody tree?' Good question. Up until
2000 a Monterey pine stood at the top of the hill. This was a replacement for a sacred totara that was chopped
down by British settlers in 1852. Maori activists first attacked the foreign usurper in 1994, finishing the job in
2000. It's unlikely that another tree will be planted until local land claims have moved closer to resolution, but
you can bet your boots that when it does happen, the tree will be a native.
Auckland's most beloved landmark achieved international recognition in 1987 when U2 released the song 'One
Tree Hill' on their acclaimed
The Joshua Tree
album. It was only released as a single in NZ, where it went to
number one.
Other Suburbs
One Tree Hill
(Maungakiekie;
www.cornwallpark.co.nz
)
This volcanic cone was the isthmus' key
pa
and the
greatest fortress in the country, and from the top (182m) there are 360-degree views. At
the summit is the grave of John Logan Campbell, who gifted the land to the city in 1901
and requested that a memorial be built to the Maori people on the summit. Nearby is the
stump of the last 'one tree'. Allow time to explore surrounding Cornwall Park with its ma-
ture trees and Acacia Cottage (1841).
The information centre has fascinating interactive displays illustrating what the
pa
would have looked like when 5000 people lived here. Near the excellent children's play-
ground, the
Stardome Observatory
PARK
09-624 1246;
www.stardome.org.nz
;
670 Ma-
MAP
nukau Rd; admission to exhibits free, shows adult/child $10/8; 10am-3pm Mon, 9.30am-4.30pm & 6.30-9.30pm
Wed-Fri)
offers regular stargazing and planetarium shows that aren't dependent on
Auckland's fickle weather (usually 8pm Wednesday to Sunday; phone ahead or check the
website).
