The summit of One Tree Hill will soon be closed to road traffic.
One Tree Hill seen from a drone with Rangitoto and Greenlane suburb in the background. Auckland, New Zealand Photo: RNZ/ Brad White
The maunga (peak) of Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill) will permanently close to vehicles from the middle of May, however the exact date is yet to be announced.
Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority chairperson Paul Majurey said the change would "enchance" the experience of the 360-degree views from the tihi.
"Taking cars away - with the exception of those for people with limited mobility - gives visitors a chance to think about the maunga as more than just a vantage point and hopefully feel a stronger connection to it."
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki councillor Josephine Bartley said the change would be a positive.
"It is a beautiful thing to do, to shift the focus to the spiritual, ancestral, cultural, customary and historical significance of the maunga/mountain while still ensuring everyone can enjoy the amazing views and presence on site,"
In November, Tāmaki Makaurau Authority decided five ancestral mountains would be car free this year.
Changes will affect Maungarei (Mount Wellington), Ōwairaka (Mount Albert), Puketāpapa (Mount Roskill) and Takarunga (Mount Victoria).
Maungawhau (Mount Eden) was pedestrianised in January 2016.