Auckland Walk: Onepoto Domain has wide paths and boardwalks

Onepoto Domain has wide paths and boardwalks

Onepoto Domain is a huge domain at the base of Onewa Road, alongside the Northern Motorway in Auckland. The crater shaped domain was formed by an eruption 20,000 to 30,000 years ago.

The domain is perfect for a variety of sports activities for all ages, and can host large numbers of visitors. The wide paths and boardwalks throughout the park are good for walking, push chairs and wheelchairs.

There are two small freshwater lakes within the domain so keep an eye on small children!

A playground, toilets and changing rooms, seating and picnic tables, large car park (including mobility parks), drinking fountains, bike

Above left: A view of the track from the adventure playground. Middle left: The lake a great place for small yachts. Below left: A boardwalk over wetland area. Below right: The track follows under a fallen tree.

stands, and barbecues are inside the park.

The main entrance to Onepoto Domain is from Sylvan Avenue into a cul-de-sac spur road.

There is foot access from Exmouth Road, from Tarahanga Street and Sylvan Avenue (two entrances).

Another track leads in from Lake Road past the Northcote’ Tennis Club courts and through a patch of bush and can be exited at Puawai Place or continue along the Onepoto Stream emerging at the southern end of Tarahanga Street.

Both the Onepoto Basin and adjoining Tuff Crater are the result of ancient volcanic eruptions and while they once may have held freshwater lakes, the sea later broke through the rims of the craters and filled them with salt water and marine mud.

In the 1960’s the Onepoto crater was drained and fill added, to provide the surface for the Domain’s recreation areas. Tuff Crater is tidal.

Together they make a unique geological feature and are relatively unspoilt examples of tuff cones and craters.

When beginning your walk from the parking area on the spur road, follow the shingle path past the children’s play area leading to the track and boardwalk.

A variety of landforms can be seen along the way — areas of native plants now regenerating on the crater rim and a wetland area where maritime rush and coastal cutty grass are being edged out by pampas grass giving cover to pheasant, quail and pukeko.

The track comes out at Weeks Reserve where stands of native forest trees are set among clearings, home to wax eyes, fantails, tuis and New Zealand pigeons.

To complete a circumnavigation of the Domain take the ‘high path’ along the rim before descending to skirt the sports arena and then crossing the small bridge over the man-made lake where model yachts are raced and ducks wait to be fed!

Have a smile!

Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time. Steven Wright Above left: There are a few steps on this section. Below right: Try this in the adventure playground.

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The image could be a scenic scene, a walk on the beach with the dog, a bush walk, a street walk or anything walking that takes your fancy. The rules are simply: there must be a person or persons walking in the picture either front, side or back on, and can be in the distance. We require an emailed image in high resolution mode, in jpeg format as an attachment, and NOT embedded in Word or in the email, and NOT a

link to a website to be downloaded.

The subject line must have the words “Walking New Zealand Photo Contest” and the email must include the NAME, POSTAL ADDRESS and phone number of the person who took the photo and a small caption. In this contest ONLY ONE emailed photo accepted per month. Entry in the contest automatically allows us to print the image. The person who has their photo published will receive a six month subscription or a renewal to Walking New Zealand magazine of six months. If a picture is chosen for the cover page the person will receive a 12 month subscription or renewal.

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Above: A group of keen walkers from the “Tuesday Trekkers” walking group Christchurch, on the Okuti Valley- Hilltop walk, Banks Peninsula. In the background is Lake Forsythe and Birdlings Flat on the coast. Photo by Jeanette Ellis, Mairehau, Christchurch.

Right: Time for reflection on the Wetlands Loop at Bushy Park, Whanganui. Photo by Zoe Cooper, Paraparaumu.

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Above: On a July day members of the Upper Hutt Walking and Tramping Club walked the Puketiro Loop in Battle Hill Farm Forest Park. The lovely winter day meant we were able to clearly see Porirua, Pauatahanui Inlet, Mana Island, snow on Mt Matthews and the Rimutaka Range and also the South Island. Photo by Sharaon Dunstan, Porirua.

Below right: Moke Lake loop walk, fifteen minute drive from Queenstown. Stunning reflections for all of the walk. Everywhere was postcard material! Photo by William Fuller, Russell. Right: Great Half day walk in Arthurs Pass June 2022 – Bealey Spur Track - Gentle climb for two hours through Moss forests, then up on ridge to see amazing views through the pass and beyond, finally reaching the Hut after walking through snow and passing small Tarns. Our favourite walk of the holiday. Photo by Tanya Broomhead, TePuke.

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PHOTO CONTEST