Imagine standing on the edge of a 500-meter-wide explosion crater. This is Pukewairiki. It is one of Auckland’s oldest volcanoes. Pukewairiki erupted around 130000 years ago. It is a fascinating testament to the region’s fiery past.
Pukewairiki is located in Highbrook Park. Highbrook Park is a public park in East Tāmaki. This volcano may not boast a towering peak. But its story is etched into the landscape. The name Pukewairiki was confused in the past. People erroneously called it Pukekiwiriki. Pukekiwiriki is actually the name for Red Hill in Papakura.
Around us, a tuff ring rises up to 30 meters. It tells tales of a violent eruption. The southwestern side shows the wear of time. It has been eroded away. The northern side reveals a terrace. This terrace formed during a period of higher sea levels. This was during the Last Interglacial period.
Take a moment to look around. Notice the Otara Creek. Pukewairiki’s crater sits on its shores. Imagine the scene 130000 years ago. Molten rock explodes. Steam fills the air. Pukewairiki was a sight to behold.
Even today, Pukewairiki offers much to explore. Expansive fields surround the crater. There is also harakeke. You can find interesting and old trees scattered throughout the park. Ponds dot the landscape. They serve as flood mitigation devices.
Pukewairiki, or Highbrook Park, offers a glimpse into Auckland’s geological history. It is a reminder of the powerful forces that shaped this land. This is a place where nature and industry meet. Take a walk. Breathe the air. Appreciate the ancient story beneath your feet at Pukewairiki.