Maungawhau / Mount Eden, Dormant volcano in Auckland Region, New Zealand.
Maungawhau or Mount Eden is a dormant volcano in Auckland's volcanic field, with its summit rising 196 meters above sea level. A grass-covered crater measuring 50 meters deep dominates the peak, surrounded by steep inner slopes.
The volcano formed roughly 28,000 years ago as part of Auckland's volcanic field. Carbon dating using whau tree fragments confirmed this age and linked the site to long-term human settlement.
The Māori name Maungawhau refers to a tree species that once grew on this site, connecting the place to the natural landscape. Today visitors walk on land that held a fortified village, where residents once arranged terraced living spaces across the slopes.
Multiple walking paths lead to the summit and allow visitors to choose different routes based on their preference. The ascent usually takes around 20 minutes from the car parks at the base.
A boardwalk that opened in 2020 protects the land from the impact of around one million annual visitors. This pathway directs foot traffic and helps preserve the fragile crater landscape.
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