The Auckland Conservancy looks after more than 2000 places of Maori or early European cultural heritage value on public conservation lands across the Auckland region and on islands in the Hauraki Gulf.

Many of these are sites of pre-European Maori settlement or activity. They range from very early archaeological sites to large fortified pa sites of later occupation.  Many are considered wahi tapu (sacred) by Maori. DOC also manages a variety of more recent historic places and structures. These include coastal defence sites at North Head, Fort Takapuna and Stony Batter.  

DOC's highest priority is places of national significance which need urgent repair to retain their heritage value such as Mansion House, North Head and Fort Takapuna.

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 Stony Batter Protection and Restoration Society, Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust, Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi and Friends of Mansion House, also help to conserve our cultural heritage. They raise funds for work and play a major role in managing historic places.