Maungawhau/Mt Eden consists of two overlapping scoria cones which erupted in close succession about 28,000 years ago.

Maungawhau means ‘mountain of the whau tree’ and was one of the largest and most elaborate Maori pa (fortified settlement) in the region. On the outer slopes are numerous flat terraces used for defence, living and working. Pits for crop storage can still be seen today. Many historic features have been lost or damaged by quarrying and the construction of roads and water reservoirs, but there is still much evidence of the former pa layout. The crater is sacred to Maori and must not be entered.

Maungawhau/Mt Eden is one of Auckland’s most visited maunga (mountain) with over one million visitors each year. Many walkways lead to the tihi (summit) and spectacular views over the city and Waitemata Harbour. Some tracks are stony and steep. Be sure to stick to formed paths.

Vehicles are now restricted on the main loop road, honouring the sacredness of the tihi and making it safer for pedestrians. There are two visitor car parks and a toilet block. The main walking route starts at the main entrance on Puhi Huia Road and follows the old summit road in a clockwise direction to the tihi, joining the crater rim track, then the road back to the starting point. Click here for the path map.

There are four pedestrian access points:

• Puhi Huia Road (main entrance)

• Off Mt Eden Road, between Hillside Crescent and Batger Road

• From Glenfell Place

• From Owens Road

• Click here for the path map.

250 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden

Located at the base of Maungawhau/Mt Eden, this reserve is a popular venue for Auckland Council run ‘Music in Parks’ in the summer as well as other events throughout the year. It has an off-leash area for dogs & a large playground for kids, plus city views.

333 Mt Eden Road, Mount Eden

Located opposite Maungawhau/Mt Eden, Bridgman Reserve is a small grassy area on the city side of the village.

3 Ngauruhoe Street, Mount Eden

A bustling neighbourhood park in the heart of Auckland’s Mt Eden Village.

Nestled close to popular cafes, restaurants and shops, the reserve is a community haven for play and relaxation.

There are park benches and picnic tables close to the playground or you could sit on the grass. In a space closer to the car park (off Newham Road) there are a lot of benches surrounding a circular area.

There is a good modular kids playground with swings, slides and climbing frames on a bark fall zone.

25 Poronui Street, Mount Eden

Named after the first Mayor of Mount Eden, Oliver Nicholson, this park caters for organised sports, and is in two sections, bisected by Poronui Street.

A good network of paths through the park provide a north to south connection from Epsom Avenue to Disraeli Street. The main playground and accessible toilets are at the Poronui Street entrance.

The Mount Eden Tennis Club and Mount Eden Bowling Club are both at the northern end of the park.

2 Windmill Road, Mount Eden

A small glade of mature trees on the corner of Windmill & Mt Eden Roads.

You’ll find Windmill Park further down the road which has hard courts for basketball, tennis and futsal and a grassy open space marked for cricket and football.

632 Mt Eden Road, Mount Eden

A small grassy area at the intersection of Mt Eden & Balmoral Roads.