Mount Eden: the best view over Auckland

Looking for something to do in Auckland? Why not climb Mount Eden and just take in the view…

A panorama photo from the top of Mount Eden, Auckland

For the best view of Auckland city you need not fork out the cash to go up the Sky Tower, that hypodermic needle-looking skyscraper that dominates the city skyline – nope, you can do it on the cheap by climbing Mount Eden.

Mount Eden (or maungawhau, meaning “mountain of the tree” in Maori) is a dormant volcanic cone situated just 4km (2.5 miles) from central Auckland. It’s also the name of an Auckland suburb and a prison – but you definitely don’t want to visit the latter.

It’s a fairly short, easy walk to the top of Mount Eden (or you can drive up it) and the view is absolutely stunning, especially on a sunny day. You get a great view of the Auckland central city, of Rangitoto Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, Eden Park, surrounding hills and Auckland suburbs.

View of Auckland city from Mount Eden

At 196m (554 feet) tall, Mount Eden is the tallest of Auckland’s 48 volcanic cones and one of the city’s top tourist attractions. In pre-European times the lush, green mountain was used by local Maori as a pa (sort of a fortified village).

Mount Eden last erupted more than 15,000 years ago. Nowadays it’s just the best place to take in the view of Auckland. The view from the Sky Tower is pretty spectacular but travellers on a budget might prefer this option instead.

Also check out Man vs World’s comparison between living in London versus life in Auckland.

About Simon Petersen 500 Articles
Travel blogger, journalist, sports and movie fiend. Chronicling the life and times of a Kiwi at home and abroad.

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