Pull on your walking boots and follow a trail that takes in a volcanic crater, a 19th-century prison and a quirky, creative village.
A historical site of significance for both Maori natives and colonial settlers, the suburb of Mount Eden sits on the side of an extinct volcano. The village can trace its history right back to a previous incarnation as a Maori pa (or fortified settlement), with the steps carved into the side of the volcano back then still clearly visible. In actual fact, a number of Maori rituals are still performed here to this day.At 196 metres above sea level, Mount Eden is Auckland's tallest volcano. A climb to the top offers staggering views of the surrounding landscape, as well as the chance to peer down into the dizzying 50-metre depth of the volcano's crater.It was in 1840 that settlers began to move in and farm the area, and a large proportion of the buildings still standing in the village date back to the early 20th century. Today, the village is more of an artistic enclave a number of artists and writers live and work here, and bohemian galleries and cafés abound.The best way to see the village, and its charming architecture, is on foot. One of the most impressive buildings, particularly from a historical perspective, is the prison which dates from the 19th century. Build by prisoners of the time, the building bears a striking resemblance to Britain's Dartmoor Prison.If prison architecture isn't quite up your street, you could always try a visit to Eden Garden. This 2.2-hectare garden does its very best to live up to its name, with a variety of beautiful, colourful plantlife. The volcanic rocks scattered around the garden are more than ornamental they also serve as solar heaters for the tropical plants.There are regular buses running between Auckland city centre and Mount Eden each day. For those who prefer to drive themselves, there are a number of private carparks in the area, as well as plenty of on-street paid parking.
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