Thanks to our New Zealand friends (Geoffrey and Margaret), whom we met the year before during our cruise through Southeast Asia, for planning a day of fun, exercise, and good eats in Auckland. We started with a hike up Mount Eden (Maungawhau), a dormant volcano and the highest natural point in Auckland, offering panoramic views of the city from its summit. As we hiked uphill along pathways and boardwalks to the summit, our friends explained that Mount Eden is a culturally significant Māori site, pointing out its historical Māori pā (fortified village) terraces and its sacred 160-ft-deep crater. It took us about 18 minutes to hike up from the parking lot to the summit while following the pathway to the boardwalks. The uphill hike was relatively easy with an elevation gain of nearly 240 feet, and I was sure glad that my osteoarthritic knee wasn't "acting up." We prepared for this hike by taking physically challenging shore excursions and actively exercising pre- and during our cruise. After all, we didn't want to reach the summit wheezing and out of breath, because we truly wanted to enjoy the panoramic views and take in the cultural and historical background from our younger friends. It was very windy atop and along the summit boardwalks, and I had to either hold on or lean into the handrails, otherwise be blown about like tumbleweed. At the summit, we were treated to a 360° panoramic view of Auckland city, its nearby neighborhoods, the iconic Sky Tower, Auckland Harbor Bridge, Rangitoto Island, and a glimpse of the South towards the Auckland Airport. Instead of returning to our vehicle the same way we had climbed up, our friends guided us downhill on a less steep, paved private roadway. Our round-trip hike took about an hour, and it was a beautiful day to spend with friends, enjoying iconic sights and learning about Māori history and culture. read more

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At 196 meters high, Mount Eden, a dormant volcano, is the highest natural point in Auckland. It was named in honour of George Eden, the 1st Earl of Auckland (a white guy), by Governor William Hobson (another white guy). In the Māori language, Mount Eden is called Maungawhau, which means "mountain of the whau tree". At the top of Mount Eden/Maungawhau is a large, grassy crater 50 meters deep which is sacred to the Māori and must not be entered. Mount Eden/Maungawhau is a popular for hiking, and while it is not a long or difficult hike, there are steep sections. Around the crater are boardwalks that were installed in 2020 for people to take a stroll. Fortunately when we went hiking on Mount Eden/Maungawhau, the weather was nice, although it was quite windy at the top. I took a lot of photos to try and capture the beauty of the area, but it's something you just have to experience in person. If you like hiking and nature, don't miss Mount Eden/Maungawhau. [Yelp collections: NZ/Fiji 2023; New Zealand 2023; Hiking] read more

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What a beautiful, short hike in the middle of the city! It's so accessible and doable for anyone of any level. I see toddlers and the elderly taking their time to make their way up with no difficulty. Once you get to the summit, take your time to take in the gorgeous view of the city, the crater and the cool air around you. There are clean facilities at the "entrance", before you start climbing up the path to the summit. read more

Mount Eden Domain - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Auckland, AUK

Otherwise known as Maungawhau (Ma-oohnga- fau), this is the tallest peak in Auckland, New Zealand (Aotearoa) and also the most significant location of early Māori life (Maori-native people) on the island. In addition, walking/hiking to the top of Maungawhau rewards local residents and visitors alike with gorgeous views of all of Auckland and of the harbor. This is a must visit, for certain. read more

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Great for morning walks and runs. Mount Eden is easily accessible from downtown Auckland. The park is free and you can enter from different entrances. There's the main entrance from Mount Eden road. Mount Eden sits atop a dormant volcano and gives 360 views of Auckland. All trails are pleasantly paved road or set up in wooden or metal pathway. A complete loop takes about 30 to 40 minutes, but one would want to wander around to take in the views. It is nice and breezy with lots of platforms and benches to sit and enjoy the view. We visited in June (low season) so it was not crowded at all. We hiked up a flight of wooden stairs from the side entrance. Very few ppl in the park, just locals taking their dogs out. More ppl (tourists) arrived in the afternoon but not too crowded at all. It's a short loop so most ppl leave after taking photographs. We loved how relaxing it was and the clear skies were just amazing. wished I wasn't a tourist and had with me a good book and a cup of coffee. I can imagine this park can get crowded during high season. read more

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This is a MUST DO while in Auckland. It isn't walkable from the Sky Tower area (my husband and I were going to but took an Uber instead). Our Uber driver said it would've been over 1 hour of hills one-way. Once you get to the top of this old crater, you have the BEST 360-view of Auckland. Even though it is windy, it is so darn peaceful. I could've stayed up there all day. It was fun to just observe the city, and different buildings and house, see the other craters throughout the city and happy dogs frolic with their owners. You will not regret this! read more

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Loved this park in the heart of Auckland! It was so lovely to find a place of solitude in the hustle and bustle of this major city. The views from the top don't disappoint. A short walk (hike) on a well manicured track (path) yields a beautiful idyllic park with rolling hills and sweeping unobstructed 360 degree views of the city below. Parking at the bottom was free and the track starts by the little house at the top of the parking lot area. We were there on a weekday morning so it wasn't busy but I would guess on the weekend you're better off finding a parking space on the street. When you get to the top you will be rewarded with a cute little ice cream shop (Whau!) I definitely indulged after sweating it out on the way up! read more

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This is THE place to get a wonderful view of Auckland. It's certainly worth the hike up. We also checked out the view at Skycity, our local friend who took us here told us that the view is much better because Mount Eden is taller than the observation deck at Skycity. I definitely recommend visiting on a bright, sunny day. The view is spectacular and after you leave, you can treat yourself to a tasty snack for the calories burned on the hike. read more

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In A Nutshell: -Mount Eden Domain has a very good 360 view of Auckland and it's surrounding towns. -Even on a rainy/cloudy day you can see a lot. -The hike up this inactive volcano is very easy, short & took around 25 minutes. Overall, I'm giving this an average rating, the view is amazing. read more

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We didn't find that there was a whole lot to do in Auckland, but we were really glad to have made this quick stop on the way out of the city. It's a quick 30 min walk up to the summit where you'll be treated with beautiful panoramic city views and an amazing large grass-covered crater. Plenty of spots to sit and picnic, or do yoga as one person was doing. Getting here is a little difficult if you don't have a car, but it's on the way to the airport so just make it a quick stop. I think it's more rewarding to do the easy hike up and be surprised when you make it to the top and look over to see the crater, rather than driving up to the summit. read more

Mount Eden Domain - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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Amazing view from the top! The crater is beautiful and the view of the city is amazing. I recommend everyone to check this out if they are visiting the area. It's only a 15 minutes walk to the top. Definitely manageable for most. Just do it! read more

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Mount Eden Domain sits on an once active volcano in the heart of Auckland's central business district. I've been here a a couple of times during the course of my stay in the city of Auckland, New Zealand. Mount Eden is apart of the Auckland landscape, a large volcanic crater that's the quintessential essence of any island nation. It was nice to be here during my afternoon stay during a spring September morning in Auckland, often a reference point to let my emotions go inhibited of finding my way into the soul. Nature has a way to do that very thing. The surrounding gardens were lush and pristine. You could tell they do a great job maintaining the grounds for visitors and residents alike. The views were amazing and inspiring, but you would need to do some hiking to access these views. It was definitely a highlight of the afternoon in Auckland that I won't ever forget. During my time here at Mount Eden Domain, the lush botanical vegetation highlighted this area, along with the aforementioned views at the top. You can see sweeping views of the city of Auckland and it's well worth the effort! Mount Eden Domain itself is very much maintained by the good folks of the city of Auckland, I assume. Very beautifully orchestrated to highlight to visitors - like myself, and residents that the city is amazing and life is definitely beautiful - in more ways than one. I spent the time also playing Pokémon Go here while people watching, and enjoying the beauty in the area. Definitely time well spent during my holiday in Auckland. Sometimes, inspiration strikes where you least expect it. The overall experience here at Mount Eden Domain is epic and amazing. Any green space within a city is definitely an oasis and an escape from the world around us. Nature and the vegetation always seems to have a calming effect on the human psyche and that what makes me come to Mount Eden, including the amazing views of the city and beyond. Mount Eden Domain is centrally located near Auckland's central business district. It's address is 250 Mount Eden Road. As this is a for residents and visitors alike to enjoy, there is no admission fee required! Yay! That's awesome and fun for anyone who wants to do something without having to pay a fee for its use. There are multiple benches to sit and relax. The shade that provides relief from the heat was great, considering the Auckland in the spring time doesn't get too hot, but it helps to keep cool. For the most part though, Parking options can be plentiful, just need to get here early to secure the prime parking spots. Mount Eden is also known as Maungawhau. Street parking is a premium here in the city though, but at the same time, it's worth coming here - if you have the time during the work day or even popping here during the weekend. It's nice to see many people from all walks of Auckland life to come here to Mount Eden Domain. Just the inclusive ambiance that the volcano provides becomes and intrinsic part of the city's welcoming vibe. For the most part though, coming to Mount Eden Domain makes any trip to Auckland a pleasurable one. While hiking may not be on most people's to do list while on holiday, it was one of my stops during my stay in Auckland's urban core. The best part was that the park itself was less than 10km from my hotel. The ambiance was quiet and restful, quiet and peaceful, especially during the work day. If you find yourself in Auckland, New Zealand and love nature, consider coming here to Mount Eden Domain. It's one of the things I've come to love about Auckland. I would recommend it. It makes you feel like a local rather than a resident. 5.0 stars for the overall experience. Quiet ambiance with sometimes hearing kids playing makes me smile. Families together on any given day helps society for the better. Support local! A read more

Mount Eden Domain is one of my favorite spots in Auckland. One of the best places to watch the sunset, you can sneak in a beer or a bottle of wine and spend a couple hours here with friends, sitting in one of the little grass patches in between the waist-high weeds. It's also a fab place to take a little walk on the weekend with a cup of coffee and a good friend. I'd recommend doing the hike up instead of driving, though it's still worth visiting if you drive to the top. There are proper toilets at the bottom on Mt Eden Road, and porta potties at the parking lot at the top. In the summer, a little ice cream shop operates at the top parking lot. Even once you park, you'll still have a five minute walk to the top, where you'll see the big crater. Walk around all the edges and you'll even find a few paths that lead to more hidden spots. If you're visiting on the weekend and looking for a good cuppa to take to the top, go to Rad coffee on Mt Eden road, just down the street. read more

No trip to Auckland would be complete without a visit to Mount Eden. Depending on if you're feeling lazy or not, you can either drive all the way up to the top or do the walk. The views from the peak are absolutely breathtaking and never fail to remind me exactly why I love Auckland. On a clear day you can literally see for miles in all directions and the handy giant sundial tells you where you're looking at (Waiheke island, One Tree Hill and North Shore to name a few in the immediate vicinity). It is always full of tourists, but I guess that can be said of any attraction like this. You just have to choose your photo taking moments wisely. While I was there, I overheard a tour guide telling her group that the structure at the top has been placed there at that precise angle so you can see the Southern Cross perfectly through it on Solstice. But, if you don't fancy that, then a trip to Mount Eden on any other day of the year is sure to provide you with more than enough photographic opportunities and spectacular views. read more

Mount Eden Domain - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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When you climb up any hill (or mountain) you want your effort to pay off. It's horrible to slog up a giant rock for hours only to see nothing but mist around you at the top. In terms of effort to reward ratio, Mount Eden is great. Very little effort and an awesome reward - a panoramic view of Auckland. The mountain (or hill) is easily accessible by bus which will drop you off around 15 minutes from the "summit". These aren't 15 tough, sweaty minutes, these are 15 gentle, meandering minutes. If you're too lazy for even this small walk, don't worry, you can always drive your car to the top! But then that 15 minutes is enough to feel yourself enjoying the view even more. Everything tastes sweeter when you have to work to get it. Even if that work isn't really that hard. read more

Who knew Auckland had such a big crater in its midst! And lovely views all around from all angles. Quite different to being up Mt Victoria over in Devonport. Put this on the list for when you're being a tourist in your own city. read more

Mount Eden Domain - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Auckland, AUK

This is always the first point of call to take visitors when they come to Auckland for the first time. I have been living in Tasmania for the last few years so when I first looked at the size of Mount Eden/ Maungawhau from the street I wasn't quite sure how it could be called a mountain... however I can honestly say that I am continually in awe at this lovely landmark. So much of Auckland can be seen, it allows for locals and visitors to enjoy. The great open sky above contrasts nicely allowing for great photographs any season, capturing the emotive essence of the city. I walked up for the first time recently, there wasn't a great deal of signage, but not too hard to figure out. read more

Mount Eden Domain - Mt Eden/Maungawhau - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Auckland, AUK

Amazing views from the top of the highest volcano in Auckland- maybe this is why it's so breathtaking to see. A great outlook straight across onto Auckland city and its harbours. Take a drive up to the top or a climb from the bottom if you are suitably geared up in walking shoes. Maungawhau/Mt Eden has a large, grass-covered crater in the cone of its summit which is a highly interesting sight- worth seeing in conjunction to the panoramic views. Take your out-of-towners to introduce them to the beautiful city of Auckland! read more

After barely getting to stay at the top of One Tree Hill due to the crowds, Mount Eden with its large area to walk around and ample parking was a relief. Very cool to stand on the edge of an old volcano crater. The streets driving to it were a little tricky, but this was a great reward. read more

Did the coast to coast walk. Didn't quite finish ended up hailing a cab. It was fun got to see a lot of the city life.

Relaxing and empty nearly everyday. Perfect place for a morning walk or workout.

FANTASTIC! Parking is free! Going up the mountain is free! Not too many people actually come here. I've gone to a few hills/mountains in Auckland but only on my recent trip, I've hiked up here. The views are wonderful on a clear day. Remember to bundle up, it's super cold and windy. I wore boots, I probably should have worn better shoes...as the grip from my shoes made me kind of slide on the gravel... read more

Lovely place. A wonderful mountain in the city to walk up. Often gets quite windy at the top but simply beautiful. Well worth a look

Great place to walk up and enjoy a view of the city. It's gotten even better since they blocked the cars going up.

Lovely views, fresh air, and a nice park. Auckland is gorgeous, and this is a great place to see the city.