Feel the ancient earth beneath your feet. This is Robertson Hill. One of Auckland’s many volcanoes it erupted a staggering 24300 years ago. Imagine the fiery spectacle. The ground trembling. Molten rock exploding into the sky.
Robertson Hill or as it’s also known Sturges Park or Mount Robertson isn’t just another hill. It’s part of Nga Tapuwae a Mataoho. This translates to The Sacred Footprints of Mataoho. Mataoho is a deity in Maori myths. These myths say Mataoho played a part in creating these volcanic features. Along with Mangere Lagoon Waitomokia Crater Hill Kohuora and Pukaki Lagoon Robertson Hill shares a powerful history.
Its scoria cone reaches 78 meters above sea level. That’s about 28 meters above the surrounding land. Look closely. You can still see the remnants of a large explosion crater. This is called a maar crater. A tuff ring arc surrounds the south and east sides a testament to the powerful forces that shaped this land.
In the 20th century someone decided to give Robertson Hill a makeover. They transformed the crater into a sports oval. Now it’s home to the Otahuhu Rugby Football Club. Imagine the roar of the crowd echoing across the very land where a volcano once raged.
Robertson Hill is more than just a rugby field. It’s a living monument to the powerful forces that shaped Auckland. It’s a sacred site a place of stories whispered on the wind. It’s a link to a past as fiery and dramatic as its volcanic origins.