Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city and urban area, much of which sits within a volcanic field. Because of that there are fifty dormant volcanoes and craters in Greater Auckland. Mount Eden is one of the more well-known ones. It’s Māori name is Maungawhau which means the Mountain of the Whau tree.
Mount Eden is a major tourist attraction and is the highest point in the city, reaching 196 meters at its summit. The crater is fifty meters deep and has been dormant since it erupted 28,000 years ago. It’s unlikely that it will ever erupt again. More than likely an eruption would occur at a new site in the area.
Located about five kilometers outside the city centre, driving, taking the bus or going for a stroll to get to is an easy proposition. There are plenty of walking areas at the top.
Once at the top you can get great panoramic views of Auckland, the harbours and the skyline.
A shot of suburbia as far as the eye can see.
What a lot of people like is unlike the Sky Tower, it’s free and you can go there twenty-four hours a day.
Looking towards the northeast you can see Rangitoto Island, the youngest and biggest area volcano, erupting and forming that island about 600 years ago.
Atop Mount Eden sits a survey marker which attracts a lot of tourist attention, Surveyor’s Monument. A survey marker is placed to mark a key survey point on the earth’s surface and is used in land surveying.
An interesting fact: Up until a few years ago you would have been able to see cattle within Maungawhau. Rats. It’s not everyday you can see cattle and a skyline in the same photo. Of course I had to find some older photos online.
Whenever you’re in Auckland make sure to make the trek over to Mount Eden (Maungawhau). What other craters, dormant volcanoes would you recommend visiting in greater Auckland? Anywhere?
I went to so many places when I was in New Zealand, I have forgotten but your photo reminds me that I have been to Mount Eden .. took pics as well.. 🙂
It’s definitely a recommended place in Auckland to grab lots of pics. Beautiful scenic panoramic views all-around. 🙂
The Volcanoes are dormant, not extinct. We could be in a spot of bother if they blow again
Updated my post, thanks for the tip! 🙂 Hopefully that never happens, yikes.
I was at Mt. Eden on February 26th of 2015, not even two months ago. You’re right that it’s a great place to visit.
Cool beans Steve! Definitely one of the best places to capture the city from. Got lucky when I took these shots as there were not many people around. Turned into a peaceful place to away from the hustle-and-bustle of Auckland too.
The afternoon I was there, the place was mobbed with tourists, most noticeably from China.
Nice photographs. I loved our own recent trip to NZ.
Thank you Anthony! A favorite scenic and peaceful place in Auckland. Did see that you guys got to see most of New Zealand. A magical place!