Maungawhau / Mount Eden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maungawhau |
|
|---|---|
| Mount Eden | |
Looking into and over the crater.
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 196 m (643 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Auckland, North Island, New Zealand |
| Parent range | Auckland volcanic field |
| Geology | |
| Volcanic arc/belt | Auckland volcanic field |
Maungawhau / Mount Eden is a famous landmark in Auckland, New Zealand. It's a type of volcano called a scoria cone, found in the Mount Eden suburb.
Contents
What is Maungawhau / Mount Eden?
Maungawhau / Mount Eden is a dormant volcano. This means it's not active right now, but it could erupt again in the future. Its top is 196 meters (643 feet) above sea level. This makes it the highest natural point on the Auckland isthmus.
The volcano has a big, bowl-shaped crater that is 50 meters (164 feet) deep. It erupted from three craters about 28,000 years ago. The last eruptions filled up some of the older craters.
In the past, parts of the western side of the hill were dug out for rocks. Today, this area is part of a big project. Volunteers are working to bring back native plants and animals to the area.
How did Maungawhau / Mount Eden get its name?
The name Maungawhau comes from the Māori language. It means 'mountain of the whau tree'. The whau tree (Entelea arborescens) is a native New Zealand plant.
The name "Mount Eden" was given to honor George Eden, 1st Earl of Auckland.
The crater itself has a special Māori name: Te Ipu-a-Mataaho. This means 'the bowl of Mataaho'. In Māori stories, Mataaho was a special being who lived in the crater. He was believed to be the guardian of secrets hidden deep in the earth.
Visiting Maungawhau / Mount Eden
Maungawhau / Mount Eden is a very popular place for tourists to visit. Because it's the highest natural point in Auckland, it offers amazing views. You can see the whole city in every direction from the top.
For a long time, many tourist buses drove right to the top. But this changed in 2011 when buses were no longer allowed. Then, in 2016, the local authority in charge of the mountain banned all vehicles from driving to the summit. The only exception is for people who have limited mobility. This helps protect the mountain and makes it a quieter place for everyone.
Other uses of the mountain
Since the 1870s, an underground water reservoir has been located on the northern side of Maungawhau / Mount Eden. The first reservoir was replaced in 1912. A second one was added in 1930. These reservoirs have been updated recently to meet the growing need for water. They work together to supply water to several areas, including Mount Eden, Epsom, One Tree Hill, and Khyber Pass.
The very top of the mountain has a special marker called a trig station. This marker was used as a key reference point when maps of Auckland's suburbs were being made. An interesting fact is that the platform for this station was built with help from an elephant! This elephant belonged to Prince Alfred. The elephant was rewarded with treats like lollies, buns, and even beer for its hard work!
Who owns Maungawhau / Mount Eden now?
In 2014, a special agreement was made as part of the Treaty of Waitangi settlement. This agreement was between the New Zealand government and a group of 13 local Māori tribes (called iwi) from Auckland.
Because of this settlement, the volcano was officially named Maungawhau / Mount Eden. Its ownership was given to the collective group of these 13 iwi. Now, the mountain is managed together by this collective and the Auckland Council. They work together for the benefit of the iwi and all other people who live in Auckland.
Images for kids
-
Boardwalk on the eastern side of the crater.
