Is that a volcano right next to the motorway? Yes, welcome to Tuff Crater Reserve. It is a unique and intriguing place. Tuff Crater Reserve is more than just a scenic spot. It is a window into Auckland’s fiery past. This volcanic explosion crater offers walking paths and stunning views.
Let’s uncover the story of Tuff Crater. It is also known as Tank Farm. This volcano was formed by a series of explosive eruptions. While its exact age remains a mystery it is thought to be one of Auckland’s older volcanoes. This makes it a neighbor to Onepoto and Lake Pupuke.
Originally, Tuff Crater was a freshwater lake. After the last ice age sea levels rose. The waters of the Waitematā Harbour breached the tuff rings. It then transformed into a tidal lagoon.
The Māori name for this place is Te Kopua o Matakamokamo. It means the basin of Matakamokamo. Matakamokamo is an ancestral figure in Māori mythology. Legend says he inadvertently cursed Mahuika the goddess of fire during a domestic dispute. As punishment Mataoho sent volcanic eruptions to plague him and his wife. These eruptions occurred at the sites of Tank Farm and Onepoto Domain.
The name Tuff Crater comes from Hochstetter’s 1864 map. He labeled several volcanoes as “tuff crater”. The name Tank Farm became popular during World War II. Fuel storage tanks were built next to the crater.
Today, Tuff Crater Reserve is a 35-hectare nature reserve. The Tuff Crater Restoration Project began in 2000. The goal is to restore the area around this extinct volcano. Volunteers have planted the Millennium Forest. They also control pests and predators.
Imagine the landscape teeming with native wildlife. Introduced predators like rats stoats and possums pose a threat. They eat birds eggs and chicks. They also compete for food. To combat this a network of rat bait stations possum and stoat traps has been established. Monitoring shows that rat populations have decreased dramatically since the start of predator control.
The walking track around the crater has been upgraded. This allows for recreation planting and weed control. The upgraded track is 805 meters long. Wooden steps connect the northern slope to the lower walkway.
Tuff Crater is home to various bird species. Shags dotterels and terns can be seen. Tūī silvereye and kererū also live here. The kōtare or kingfisher is an iconic bird often spotted. Secretive birds like the banded rail and spotless crake also inhabit the crater.
In 2013 the Auckland Entomological Society surveyed Tuff Crater. They discovered nearly 40 different invertebrate species. Several native butterflies also call this place home. Copper butterflies feed on Muehlenbeckia. Blue butterflies feed on wildflowers.
During World War II the northern rim was modified. The Americans excavated the area. They started building fuel tanks but never finished. Some concrete bases still remain.
As you walk along the rim of Tuff Crater take in the views. Look across the mangrove-filled salt marsh crater. Gaze out towards the Waitematā Harbour and Auckland city.
Tuff Crater Reserve is a testament to nature’s resilience. It showcases the power of community restoration. This unique landscape continues to evolve. It offers both recreation and a connection to Auckland’s past.