“Did David Burn ever imagine his little subdivision would become such a vibrant place?” I ask you. Welcome to Eden Terrace a hidden gem in Auckland’s heart.
Look around you. This small suburb is one of Auckland’s oldest. It’s also one of the smallest. It all began with David Burn a fascinating man. He was not only the first landowner here but also Auckland’s first New Zealand Herald editor. He was a playwright and a journalist quite a multi-tasker.
Burn arrived in Auckland in 1847. In 1849 he bought land at the top of Symonds Street. He built his house Cotele there. It boasted stunning harbor and Waitakere Range views. The location was perfect at the intersection of Symonds Street Mount Eden Road and New North Road.
Burn’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through his actions. In 1861 and again in 1863 he subdivided his land. He created hundreds of building allotments selling them for a hefty profit. The road names he chose are intriguing. Basque Dundonald and Exmouth all refer to famous naval battles. This hints at his love for the navy a detail often missed by casual observers.
Cotele Burn’s original Victorian house was later replaced. Around 1900 a grand Edwardian Arts & Crafts home stood in its place. Shops were added in the 1930s. Sadly Cotele burned down in 1995. The site was cleared. There were plans for a new underground railway station entrance there. Those plans however were dropped in 2014.
Eden Terrace became a district in 1875. Today it’s a thriving community. It’s a blend of history and modern life. It thrives with a mix of old buildings and new developments. It’s a place where history and modern life coexist. It’s a place where you can easily spend an entire day exploring.
Take a moment to absorb the atmosphere. Imagine the stories whispered by the buildings. Imagine the lives lived within these walls. Each building has a tale to tell. From the Orange Coronation Ballroom where Dame Kiri te Kanawa once performed to the Edinburgh Castle Hotel a piece of Auckland’s trotting history. Explore the shops the Art Deco Post Office and the former Eden Vine Hotel. Notice the Pumping Station a fine example of 1950s modernism. Every corner holds a piece of Eden Terrace’s rich tapestry. This is more than just a suburb. It is a living legacy a vibrant testament to Auckland’s past. Enjoy your exploration of Eden Terrace.