Mount Eden area is named for Mount Eden volcano, also often known by its Maori name of Maungawhau, the hill of the Whau tree. Peaceful now, its multiple eruptions took place some 60,000 years ago. The volcanic crater is striking, but now grass-lined. Mount Eden is terraced, from the time of the Maori fortified village or pa which occupied its slopes until the eighteenth century from about 1000AD. Volcanic ash and rock had given way to the wonderfully fertile volcanic soil which characterises Mt Eden today, and for many hundreds of years Maori cultivated gardens on or near the mountain. Kumara (sweet potato) storage pits are still clearly visible. Eventually the mountain was abandoned after years of inter-tribal warfare, and sold to the settlers who began to arrive in the 1840s. By the end of World War 1, Mt Eden was a part of Auckland city. From Eden Villa to the summit of Mt Eden is about a 20 minute energetic walk – and tour buses all take in its wonderful panoramic views of Auckland city and our double harbours. Sheep and cattle graze peacefully on its slopes in the midst of the city. There are a number of walking paths, and many places for a relaxed picnic. Eden Garden, on the Eastern slopes of Mt Eden in a former quarry is well worth a visit, but especially in winter and spring when the extensive collection of magnolias, camellias, cherries and daphnes are flowering. The garden was built and is still run and developed by volunteers.   Eden Villa Bed and Breakfast 16 Poronui Street, Mt. Eden, Auckland, New Zealand Phone/fax: 0064-9-630 1165 Mobile: 0064-21-292 6216 Email: info@edenvilla.co.nz Copyright © 2008 Eden Villa