About the path
The Puketāpapa cone path is perfect for confident walkers (and energetic kids!) wanting to explore the internationally significant historic Ōtuataua Stonefields site.
The grass walking track takes you around the Puketāpapa cone (also known as Pukeiti), a small volcano which erupted around 20,000 years ago. Check out scoria rock and lava bombs from the eruption.
Enjoy great views over the Manukau Harbour, native rock forest and surrounding countryside. You can also see out to the nearby Ōtuataua cone - a significant maunga (mountain) and hilltop pā site to the people of Te Ākitai Waiohua.
The Ōtuataua Stonefields Reserve and surrounding area have extensive Māori and European history. The area has been occupied and cultivated since the earliest days of settlement in the Auckland region.
The reserve is wāhi tapu (a sacred place). Please refrain from walking on top of Puketāpapa volcano - follow the walking posts around the northern side.
You should know:
- Tangata Whenua have requested that no food is consumed on the reserve. Water bottles are welcome
- Please do not disturb or move rocks
- There are blue market stones and path markers guiding you on the walk - but it can be easy get a bit lost. Use the path map (this path is marked in blue as the "Geology walk") or GPS location to help you find your way around
- The grass tracks can become wet and muddy in winter - so be prepared to clean your shoes afterwards!
- There are no public toilets on the reserve. The nearest toilets are located on Oruarangi Road at the Oruarangi Creek mouth, about 1 kilometre north of the main entrance gate.
The entrance to the reserve is at the end of Ihumatao Quarry Road. Just south of the entrance, you'll find a public avocado orchard where you can pick avocados when in season (November to March). Refer to signage for picking limits.
Keep exploring the Ōtuataua Stonefields by joining another walking track marked on the on-site signage.
