About the path
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 Māori pā (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 pā layout. The crater is sacred to Māori and must not be entered.
Ownership of Maungawhau / Mt Eden has been returned to mana whenua as part of a 2014 Treaty of Waitangi redress and is managed by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority.
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 Waitematā 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.
Be sure to visit Te Ipu Kōrero o Maungawhau / Maungawhau Visitor Experience Centre and the Whau Café inside the historic Kiosk building near the upper car park.
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.
