The best things to see and do around Maungawhau Station

Step off the train at Maungawhau Station and you'll find yourself at the doorstep of uptown Auckland – a neighbourhood where cosy cafés sit alongside iconic music venues, neighbourhood pubs, green spaces and some of the city's most diverse dining. 

It's a part of Auckland that's easy to overlook when you're driving through. On foot, it's a different story entirely.

Located in the Uptown precinct of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, the former Mt Eden Station has been transformed into a major gateway to Auckland's western city fringe and has become a critical interchange on the network.

The new Maungawhau Station opens up the city further, making hospitality, music, retail, and arts venues more accessible than ever before.

Your first taste of the neighbourhood

If you're after a relaxed lunch or dinner, SEN Vietnamese Bar & Kitchen on Normanby Road serves fragrant bowls of pho, fresh rice paper rolls and vibrant Vietnamese favourites just a short stroll from the station. Nearby, Wok n' Noodle has long been a local staple for comforting noodle dishes.

For something to take home, or to build the ultimate picnic, Sabato is a destination in its own right. Shelves are lined with artisan cheeses, cured meats, fresh pasta, olive oils and pantry treasures sourced from New Zealand and around the world.

If you're after something heartier, The Good Home delivers exactly what a neighbourhood pub should: generous meals, local beers on tap, regular quiz nights and plenty of screens for catching live sport.

Already, you've barely walked ten minutes from the station, but you've travelled through a handful of cultures and cuisines.

Explore Eden Terrace’s international flavours

Eden Terrace has become known as one of Auckland's most reliable (yet potentially underrated) precincts for dining thanks to its mix of long-standing institutions and destination restaurants.

For a special occasion, book ahead at Kazuya, where Japanese technique blends with European fine dining in one of Auckland's most acclaimed degustation experiences.

Not far away, longstanding local favourite The French Café sets the benchmark for elegant dining, while Betsia brings the warmth of Turkish hospitality to the neighbourhood with generous shared plates, grilled meats and traditional flavours.

Craving Korean? Head to Ziggle for crispy fried chicken and juicy burgers within a bright and bold eatery. If you need a coffee before continuing your journey, grab a beautifully brewed cup from Coffee Pen or head to Small Mercies, where fresh kkwabaegi (Korean twisted donuts) are fried multiple times a day.

You might not be able to tick off all of Eden Terrace’s eateries in one visit, but there’s fun in exploring, noticing what’s tucked down the side streets, and discovering somewhere you'll want to return to.

Add live music, local beer or a park picnic

Within Eden Terrace, and just a 5-minute walk from the train station, sits The Powerstation, one of Auckland's most iconic live music venues. International acts, homegrown musicians and unforgettable gigs have filled this room for decades, making it an iconic addition to an evening itinerary. Check the gig guide before you visit and pair your ticket with dinner nearby.

If your idea of a perfect evening is a little more low-key, make your way to Galbraith's Alehouse. Set inside a character-filled former library, it's one of the city's best places to enjoy hand-pullled ales and reliable pub fare. If you’re looking to bring the energy and to indulge with great burgers during a quiz night or headlining sports match, then Schapiro’s Sports Bar is the destination to visit. It’s an easy jaunt from the station and is guaranteed to deliver good times and great vibes.

If you’re visiting during the day and prefer to take in some sunshine, pick up coffee and lunch to go from Needo or Carmel, then wander over to Basque Park, located between New North Road, Symonds Street and Newton Road. In summer there are often community events here, with musicians, DJs, performers and workshops, and lying underneath the trees with those warm breezes rolling by is unrivalled.

Or make it game day

Maungawhau Station also provides convenient access to Eden Park, making it a handy starting point for rugby tests, cricket matches, concerts and major events. If you’re happy to travel on foot it’s a pleasant half-hour walk, or half that by bus from nearby the station. If you’re coming from elsewhere in the city, then it’s a quick journey along the train network to land you outside the stadium.

Instead of heading straight to the stadium, arrive a little earlier. Grab dinner in Eden Terrace, stop for a drink, then join the crowds making their way to one of New Zealand's most famous sporting venues.
 

Kingsland also boasts a range of easy to reach eateries and bars that are ideal spots to stop before a match at Eden Park. Iconic locales like The Kingslander, Full Time Sports Bar & Eatery and Kingsland Social show up for game night, and are popular spots for a bite to eat and some drinks both pre- and post-match. These spots are popular though, especially amongst those who couldn’t get tickets to the match, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Follow the flavours on Dominion Road

Just beyond Eden Terrace, one of Auckland's most celebrated food destinations unfolds, with an eclectic mix of Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern and other international cuisines lining the street. Whether you're chasing handmade dumplings, bubbling hotpots, fragrant curries or late-night noodles, Dominion Road caters to practically all cravings.

You’ll want to jump on a bus from Eden Terrace, which departs regularly from Mt Eden Road. It’s a short trip (around 15 minutes) and definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Set your sights on local favourites like New Flavour, Go Go Music Café and Eden Noodles where the signature dishes represent the fabric of the city. 

Take the path to Maungawhau

There’s an iconic outlook to be found at the summit of one of Tāmaki Makaurau's most significant volcanic cones. Maungawhau / Mount Eden offers sweeping 360-degree views across the city and remains a place of deep cultural importance. 

At the summit, you’ll find the deep crater known as Te Ipu-a-Mataoho, named after the god of earthquakes and volcanoes. Visitors are encouraged to stay on formed paths and respect the site's cultural significance while enjoying one of Auckland's most recognisable landscapes.