Maungawhau-Mt Eden is Auckland's highest volcano providing an excellent vantage point from which to view the city and surrounds. The Maori name Maungawhau means mountain of the Whau tree . At the time of Maori inhabitation the small Whau tree thrived on the lower terraced slopes of Maungawhau-Mt Eden.

In 1840 this cone was one of three boundary points comprising the original land purchase of Auckland. Governor William Hobson named Mt Eden after his benefactor, Baron Eden a British Peer.

By the 1870s Maungawhau-Mt Eden was being farmed and its eastern slopes transformed as a fashionable location for the gracious homes of Auckland's leading business people. Set in palatial grounds and enjoying magnificent views were Harewood House, Rocklands Hall - the home of Justice Gillies, Alfred Bucklands Highwic House and the Hellaby familys Florence Court. Josiah Clifton Firths Clifton House, also known as Clifton Castle features in the the middle left of this historical watercolour. We also see Mater Misericordiae, today the site of Mercy Hospital.