Discover Eden Garden
Tucked into the southeast side of Maungawhau / Mount Eden, just minutes from the bustle of central Auckland, Eden Garden is a leafy retreat unlike anywhere else in the central city. Set in a disused volcanic rock quarry, the cafe and garden is home to native and exotic plant collections, rock formations, and walking paths, a perfect spot for a quiet wander, garden inspiration, or even high tea with a view.
From Quarry to Garden Paradise
This peaceful retreat was once a working scoria quarry, carved into the volcanic rock to supply building material for Auckland. When quarrying stopped, the site was left derelict and soon became an unofficial rubbish tip, forgotten at the edge of the city.
That all changed in 1964, when Jack Clark, a retired businessman and lifelong gardening enthusiast, took on the challenge of transforming the site at the remarkable age of 79. Inspired by a vision of creating a public garden in an industrial wasteland, Clark rallied a small group of volunteers and founded the Eden Garden Society. With the support of the Auckland City Council, they leased the abandoned site and began the slow, determined work of renewal.
Clark and his fellow founders, including Cyril Watling and Alan Warner, planted the first trees and laid the foundations for what would become the garden. Invisible from the surrounding streets, Eden Garden is a testament to vision, persistence, and the power of community, and to one extraordinary man who looked at a rubbish tip and saw a garden.
A Garden of Layers
Eden Garden is best known for its diverse plant collections, peaceful atmosphere, and year-round beauty. It features everything from native ferns and flowering perennials to seasonal highlights like camellias, rhododendrons, and Japanese maples.
One of the standout collections is its remarkable display of bromeliads. These exotic, colourful plants thrive in the microclimates of the garden’s sheltered quarry walls and rockeries. Their bold, architectural shapes and tropical tones add striking visual contrast to the more temperate foliage.
Walking the Garden
The paths are all quite short, but you should come prepared for some steep walking, as the paths wind over the garden’s natural undulations. The lowest point of the garden is a quiet, cool zone often filled with birdsong and shade-loving plants, while the highest vantage point offers sweeping views out towards east Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. Throughout the garden, you will spot an eclectic range of sculptures.
As you wander the garden, you will also notice the many small memorial name signs. People pay to have these placed in the garden, providing a unique form of financial support.
High Tea in the Garden
A visit to Eden Garden isn’t complete without a stop at the on-site café. In addition to typical cafe fare, it is well-known for its high tea service, which needs to be booked in advance. It’s a popular option for birthdays, special occasions, or just a relaxing afternoon treat.
How to Get There
Eden Garden is about a 10-minute drive from Downtown Auckland. Take Symonds Street south to Mt Eden Road, then follow Mt Eden Road past Maungawhau to the Mt Eden village. At the village, turn left onto Stokes Road, which becomes Owens Road. After 900 metres, turn left into Mountain Road, then take the next left into Omana Avenue. The car park and entrance are at the end of the road. There is a modest entry fee.
Other major parks around the central Auckland area include the Auckland Domain / Pukekawa, Monte Cecilia, Western Springs and Cornwall Park.
