Rising above Devonport, Takarunga / Mount Victoria has long been a place of connection – once a thriving Māori pā, later a strategic lookout, and always a site of gathering.
For our family, Takuranga has been woven into our daily lives. Finlay grew up under the shadow of the Maunga, and when he was younger, we would walk its trails, exercising the dog, taking in the views, and dropping off his younger siblings at the local primary school, nestled at its base. Back then, we could explore the winding paths together. He’s made it to the top in his all-terrain beach wheelchair, and now, he takes on the climb in his powerchair.
When steps were added around the Maunga, they unintentionally became barriers for those who couldn’t use them. Finlay and I felt a deep sense of sadness. This was a place we loved, yet suddenly, it didn’t feel like it was for us anymore. Instead of exploring the scenic goat trails weaving around the Maunga, we were restricted to using the road to reach the Tihi (summit), a far less immersive and enjoyable experience.
Thankfully, our local community board listened. Not only did they hear our concerns, but they made sure we were actively involved in rethinking access to the Maunga. With the guidance of Ngāi Whātua, the kaitiaki (custodians) of Takarunga, the upgrades to the Tihi were done with Universal Design principles in mind.
Rolling Up the Maunga: A First for Finlay
Today was a big day. Finlay finally got to roll up to the Tihi and take it all in, without barriers, without obstacles, and without feeling like he was missing out.
He can sit beside me on the bench and enjoy the incredible views.
He can look at the summit map alongside everyone else.
He can access the picnic table, thanks to the extended concrete pad and a carefully considered height (though I’ll be honest, finding a height that works for everyone was tricky!).
Mobility parking permit holders can now drive up and park on level with the Tihi, making access simple and stress-free.
Biggest wins? The removal of the low white barrier fencing that once restricted access to the benches. Now, the summit map has lip-free access, making it easier for all visitors to reach. A newly created barrier-free path allows smooth movement around the Tihi, while extended concrete pads beside the benches ensure that wheelchairs and pushchairs can pull up comfortably, so no one is left out of the conversation.
To truly appreciate these changes, it’s important to remember what access used to look like. The following photos show the old barriers and challenges that once made it difficult, if not impossible, for some to fully experience the Tihi.
Designing for Everyone, A Balancing Act
Creating truly inclusive spaces isn’t always easy. I spent a lot of time checking height standards to make sure the picnic table worked for as many people as possible. Powerchair users often miss out when tables are too low, but at the same time, someone sitting lower in a wheelchair, like those with Spina Bifida, might find it a little high. In the end, we landed within the accepted range, but it’s a reminder that accessibility is always an ongoing conversation.
Why This Matters
Takarunga isn’t just a hill, it’s a place of deep cultural and historical significance. The terraced slopes are a reminder of the Māori pā that once stood here, a thriving settlement that connected people to the land and sea. Today, it remains a sacred site for Ngāi Whātua, who continue to guide its care and restoration.
It’s also a place where everyone should feel welcome.
This journey has been a great reminder of how change happens when communities listen and take action together. Huge thanks to Ngāi Whātua and the Local Community Board for ensuring that the Tihi upgrades didn’t just look good on paper but actually worked for all the community.
Takarunga has always been a Maunga of connection. And now, it truly feels like a Maunga for everyone.
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Hi, we are touring New Zealand next year in a motor home. My wife will be taking her folding mobility scooter and we would like some advice if this path will be accessible for her.
Also are there any other websites that champion disabled visitors and offer info on accessible locations for mobility scooters. She already feels she will spoil the holiday for us so I bed to do my best to make sure she gets the most out of it
Kia ora Tony, Thank you for contacting us. I would recommend you join our community facebook forum https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16qiZtWxNS/ – or search for Accessible Travel Forum New Zealand on Facebook. We have a few members who get around with a travel scoot and do a lot of travelling around Aotearoa New Zealand.