It didn’t take long for me to realize that Auckland is no flat land. Exploring the city on foot is literally an uphill and downhill battle. Don’t get discouraged, though. Sore thighs screaming and heart pounding, the reward is unparalleled views of the city and beyond.
Yes, just like this.
Standing tall at 196-meters is Auckland’s highest volcanic cone, Mount Eden (or Maungawhau). It is the highest natural spot of the city, offering a 360-degree view of the metropolitan for free!
Previously, it’s possible to drive right up to the top, but due to concerns over erosion, vehicle access was restricted. If you’re coming by car, there’s parking available at the base, but you’ll have to hike up to the summit on foot.
Not to worry, the 15 to 20 minutes’ hike to the top is doable even for an unfit person like me. A lot of runners dash up and down the path, so it’s a good sign that it isn’t all that bad. And while at it, you’ll be enjoying an open view of the beautiful Auckland.
The crater of the volcano is 50-meters deep and is considered sacred. Hence, entering the crater is not allowed.
We took our time to stroll around and take photos along the way. The mountain and its surrounds offer many footpaths to explore which means different vantage points.
Mount Eden definitely lives up to the hype and it’s conveniently located near the city. Climb up on a clear day for some remarkable views.
Hope you enjoyed this post!
Have you been to Mount Eden in Auckland?
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