Mt. Eden Tours

Mt. Eden featuring landscape views, a city and a skyscraper
Take a walking trail that visits a volcano crater, a 19th-century prison and the historic buildings of this quaint village.

Mount Eden is rich with pre- and post-colonial history. The suburb lies on the side of an extinct volcano, and the area was important to both the Maori people and British settlers. It was once used as a “pa,” a Maori defensive citadel. Terraced steps that were cut into the side of the volcano are visible today, and Maori rituals are still performed on this important cultural site.

Mount Eden is Auckland’s tallest volcano, at about 640 feet (196 meters) above sea level. The 164-foot (50-meter) deep crater at the top can be accessed by walking trails, car and shuttle bus from the Mount Eden kiosk. Enjoy the views of Auckland and the surrounding landscape from the mountain top.

European settlers began to move into the area in about 1840, using the land for small farms. Churches, houses, shops and schools, many of which still exist in the Mount Eden Village, were built in the early 20th century. The village is a creative hub where many artists, writers and photographers work and live. Visit one of the galleries and stop for a coffee in bohemian-style cafés and restaurants.

Explore the area on foot to discover charming streets and heritage-listed buildings. History buffs will love Mount Eden’s English-style prison, which was built in stages between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Prisoners hauled stones from the nearby quarry for the prison’s wall. Architecturally, the prison resembles England’s famous Dartmoor Prison.

Wander through Eden Garden for a colorful display of native New Zealand plants and flowers spread out over 5.5 acres (2.2 hectares). Volcanic rocks here are not only decorative, but also serve as solar heaters for tropical plants.

Regular buses run to Mount Eden from central Auckland. There are private garages and metered street parking for those who come by car.

Plan a trip to see Mt. Eden

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Hotel Britomart
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Hotel DeBrett

Reviews of Mt. Eden

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 4.901960784313726%
2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 26, 2019

Don’t walk to Mt. Eden. Take an Uber or taxi.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Sep 3, 2018

Be prepared for a hike! Bring proper rain gear as you're exposed to the elements and the path can get very wet and muddy.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Mt. Eden

No. 9 Hotel - Hostel
No. 9 Hotel - Hostel
3 out of 5
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Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
5 out of 5
83 Symonds Street, Box 2771, Auckland
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Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, an IHG Hotel
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Grand Millennium Auckland
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Nesuto St Martins Apartment Hotel
Nesuto St Martins Apartment Hotel
4.5 out of 5
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Nesuto St Martins Apartment Hotel
SkyCity Hotel
SkyCity Hotel
4.5 out of 5
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SkyCity Hotel
Rydges Auckland
Rydges Auckland
4.5 out of 5
59 Federal Street Cnr Kingston Street, Auckland
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The Grand by SkyCity
The Grand by SkyCity
5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
The Grand by SkyCity
Alpers Lodge & Conference Centre
Alpers Lodge & Conference Centre
3 out of 5
16 Alpers Avenue, Newmarket, Auckland
Alpers Lodge & Conference Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.