Mount Eden is a spectacular volcanic hill and the highest point in the city of Auckland. Its name speaks less to its picturesque Edenic appeal than to the historic figure of George Eden, the first Earl of Auckland. Rising just short of 656 feet above the city, roughly 2.5 miles from the central business district, it is one of Auckland’s most popular viewing spots, offering an exquisite 360˚ panorama of the surrounding landscape. The volcano’s unusual formation is also immensely beautiful, and its two harbors and central isthmus have been laid completely bare, a unique phenomenon as far as volcanoes go.

The rounded crater in the middle measures 164 feet deep and is considered a sacred spot by the local Māori population. It is known as Te Ipu Kaia Mataaho (Food Bowl of Mataaho), after the indigenous god of things that have been buried underground. Although it is not possible to enter the crater, visitors can explore the volcano’s idyllic surroundings and wander about the ruins of former pā terraces (food storage pits) that were abandoned back in the 18^th century as a result of tribal conflict. It used to be possible to drive to the top of the volcano, although this has since been prohibited owing to the erosion of the hill slopes. It is nevertheless possible to walk up along multiple designated footpaths that stem from different directions. The walk from the bottom to the top takes approximately 15 minutes.