Why you need to visit Mount Eden in Auckland
Mount Eden in Auckland is a charming extinct volcano in the city of Auckland that today serves a lush green oasis, providing insane views of the Auckland harbour and Auckland city Skyline! One a recent trip back home to Auckland, I decided venture back to Mt Eden and was still amazed by this place and the stellar views of the surrounding city. Auckland is one of the only cosmopolitan cities in the world dotted with a high concentration of extinct volcanoes. Today these extinct volcanoes are preserved with surrounding parks and greenery, often providing perfect vantage points for beautiful ocean views and surrounding city skyline. Given, its popularity for all the above, is the main reason why I recomment one needs to visit Mount Eden in Auckland, whether you are a local or a tourist!
Is Mount Eden in Auckland a volcano?
Yes, Mount Eden (Maungawhau) is still considered a volcano. It’s a dormant scoria cone that is part of the Auckland volcano field. While it hasn’t erupted in about 28,000 years and is currently inactive, it still retains the geological characteristics of a volcano.
Is Mt Eden active?
Long extinct, Mount Eden in Auckland serves as the highest natural point in the city, standing at 196 meters, offering stunning views of the surroundings. Now, it stands as Auckland’s highest natural point at a cool 196 meters. The crater itself is a whopping 50 meters deep, making for some epic Insta shots.
Where is Mt Eden in Auckland located?
Mount Eden located in the Mt Eden suburb, the mount is accessible via the main road close to the Mt Eden village center between Valley Road and Grange Road, making it a perfect spot to start your exploration of the surroundings.
How to get to Mt Eden in Auckland
Just head about 4 kilometers south from Auckland’s CBD. Mt eden is located a short 10-15 min drive from central Auckland along Mt Eden road. You can hop on a bus number 274, 277 or 275 from central Auckland
Can you drive up mt eden in Auckland? 70/5,
Where to park in Mt Eden
For those visiting Mount Eden in Auckland, there are several parking options available. You’ll find both off-street and on-street parking, including mobility parking and various timed parking options. For quick visits, on-street parking on Mt Eden Road is recommended, offering 15 to 30-minute slots. For shorter visits, try the side street parking, which offers 30 to 160-minute options. If you’re planning a longer stay, the Essex St car park at 10 Essex St is a good choice, with a nominal fee for over 2 hours of parking.
Mt Eden walk to the summit
Once parked, make your way to the footpath at the start of the ascend up. Mt eden no longer allows cars to drive up to the top. As such, walking up is only way to get to top and get the spectacular views.
The walk starts up a gentle slope, the bustling city of Auckland transformed into a tranquil backdrop. The road soon corners up into a narrower pathway, winding through vibrant greenery. Just keep following the path from here, its a slow but rewarding gentle incline.
Reaching the summit, you will be greated with amazing panorama views – Auckland lay spread out like a vast, intricate tapestry. The serene atmosphere at the top, with people quietly enjoying the view, made the experience even more memorable. It’s a walk I’d recommend to anyone visiting Auckland, a moment of peace above a lively city.
How long to walk up Mt Eden
The distance of the walk is around 2 kilometers, taking about 30 minutes to teh top. the path is a mix of steep footpaths or steps, suitable for those of average fitness and mobility. The walk offers stunning views of the volcano crater and Auckland City. Sturdy shoes are recommended, especially in wet weather (which has happened a lot recently!), as the paths can get muddy and slippery.
Where to eat in Mt Eden
Once completing your visit up Mt Eden, there are plenty of cafes or restaurants in Mt Eden for a refreshment or some renowned NZ coffee for a caffine fix. Having lived here before I moved to London, these are some of my absolute favourity local recommendations.
1. Olaf Mt Eden – Olaf’s Artisan Bakery Cafe
Olaf Mt Eden is a charming spot with an artisan touch that’s hard to miss. Their coffee is robust and flavorful, perfectly complementing the array of baked delights. The atmosphere is bustling during the day, with a delightful selection of breads and pastries. The Middle Eastern-inspired menu offers something a little more interesting than the rest of the cafe fare in Mount Eden.
Coffee: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Budget: $$
2. Frasers Mt Eden
Frasers Mt Eden is a long standing part of Mt Eden village. Best known for its coffees and cakes, it now also focuses a substantial lunch and dinner menu. It has a cozy and inviting charm that makes you feel right at home. The coffee here is exceptional, often making me linger longer than intended. The food menu is both hearty and satisfying, with breakfast options that are a great way to start the day. It’s a popular spot, so it can get quite busy at peak times, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Alternatively, its worth booking ahead here.
Coffee: 4.5/5
Food: 4/5
Budget: $$
3. Rad Cafe
Possibly my new favoourite, Rad Cafe is a trendy and vibrant spot, buzzing with energy. The coffee is simply the best – a perfect blend that wakes you up and keeps you going. The Rad Cafe Mt Eden menu is creative and caters to a variety of tastes, including some healthy options. It’s a great place to catch up with friends or just enjoy a quick, delicious bite.
Coffee: 5/5
Food: 4/5
Budget: $
4. The Garden Shed
The Garden Shed offers a unique and quaint garden-like setting that’s quite relaxing. The food, is delightful, with fresh ingredients and a menu that changes with the seasons. This is a bustling brunch spot and turns into a buzzing indoor outdoor bar in the evening. Good selection of wine, beers and non alcoholic beverages too.
Coffee: 3.5/5
Food: 4/5
Budget: $$
