During World War II fuel storage tanks dotted the landscape. This is Tank Farm. Tank Farm isn’t just any place. It’s a significant piece of Auckland’s history. More than that it’s a volcanic explosion crater a maar. Located near the Auckland Harbour Bridge it’s part of the Auckland volcanic field.
Think about it. A crater formed by explosive eruptions now a tranquil nature reserve. The age of Tank Farm is a mystery. However it could be one of Auckland’s older volcanoes similar in age to Onepoto and Lake Pupuke. Once a freshwater lake it transformed into a tidal lagoon after the last ice age. Sea levels rose. The waters of the Waitemata Harbour breached its tuff ring.
Before European settlement the Māori named it Te Kopua o Matakamokamo. It means ‘the basin of Matakamokamo’. Matakamokamo is a legendary figure in Māori mythology. Legend speaks of a fierce argument between Matakamokamo and his wife. A curse was unleashed on the goddess of fire Mahuika. In response Mataoho the parent god sent volcanic eruptions. These eruptions resulted in the creation of Tank Farm and Onepoto Domain.
The name Tuff Crater is also used. This comes from Hochstetter’s 1864 map of Auckland volcanoes. Many volcanoes including Tank Farm were labelled ‘tuff crater’. ‘Tank Farm’ became more popular during WWII because of the presence of storage tanks.
Today the Tank Farm crater is surrounded by a 35 hectare nature reserve. It’s a beautiful place a testament to both geological forces and human history. A place where the past and present intertwine. Stand here and imagine the eruptions the lakes the tanks. A place where legend and history meet.