Description of the attraction
Mount Eden is the highest volcano in the New Zealand city of Auckland and its surroundings. Mount Eden is located in the heart of Auckland at 196 meters above sea level. One of the most beautiful views of the city opens up from here.
The bowl-shaped crater at the top of the mountain is 50 meters deep. The last eruption of this volcano was 28,000 years ago.
In ancient times, the mountain was a place for the Maori Indians to graze livestock, and fruit trees were grown on the slopes. In the 19th century, the lands on Mount Eden were reclaimed by the businessmen of Auckland. In the 1870s, most of the land was divided into large sections, and roads were drawn between them. In 1877, the first school was opened on Mount Eden. Since 1879, the lands of Mount Eden officially became part of the city.
From the first half of the 20th century, large houses began to appear on the mountain, and several luxurious country villas were built on its eastern slopes. Some of them are now museums, some are hotels, and some are hospital departments. In the middle of the 20th century, these places ceased to be popular, and it was possible to buy land here relatively inexpensively. At this time, Mount Eden acquired a somewhat bohemian image, since writers, painters, and actors liked to gather here. Today, many artists still choose the mountain as their home.
For many, Mount Eden is associated with the castle-style prison of the same name. The prison was built with the help of prisoners' labor from basalt rocks mined here.
Mount Eden is home to the largest stadium in New Zealand. In winter, rugby competitions are held here, in summer - football matches and rugby league. The stadium is also equipped with a removable cricket ground.
Mount Eden is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Auckland. Until 2006, tourist buses even went to the top of the mountain. Now there is a ban on the use of transport on the slopes of the mountain, and to get to the top, you need to go all the way on foot.
