Myths and legends abound as to how this popular recreational space adjacent to Wimbledon's Number One court came to have a New Zealand name, but the history is quite simple, there was once a rugby ground here.
The natural amphitheatre was owned by the London New Zealand Rugby Club until they moved out in 1981. It then became the casual spot for watching the action on the Number One court. The practice courts and associated Pavilion also go by the name Aorangi. In the 1990s, British 'Henmania' for their star Tim Henman was such that the calls of 'Come on Tim' not just from the court, but from Aorangi Terrace as well sparked the current and official and current title 'Henman Hill'.
Some reports are that the original real name was 'Aoraki Hill,' but this is less likely to be correct, as this exclusively Ngai (Kai) Tahu name for Mt Cook only came into official, and popular, use after the settlement of the Ngai Tahu Treaty of Waitangi claim in the 1990s.
With the past sorted, the issue at present is whether 'Henman Hill' might yet be renamed 'Murray's Mound' with the fever surrounds British (actually Scottish) player Andy Murray. After a shortlived stint as 'Rusedski Ridge', during the time of Greg Rusedski, and with no traction at all gained by Laura Robson's 'Robson Green', maybe it doesn't matter anymore.
One lesser known fact about the hill is that, a road tunnel has been built directly under the hill, for use of Wimbledon Tennis. It is wide, paved, about a kilometre long and allows large trucks in to Wimbledon. Some of the excavated dirt forms the terraces above.
Whatever the name, Aorangi Terrace has a proud kiwi heritage, the kai (food) outlet is named Aorangi and with massive screens installed for spectators, it is a top spot for casual viewing of top tennis. Picnic tables, BYO alcohol rules as well as an absence of dress code are the drawcards for the punters. In recent years it has become so popular that some keen fans have camped overnight to secure the lower priced access to the terrace.
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