Located on the northern approach to the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Tuff Crater or Te Kopua o Matakamokamo — the basin of Matakamokamo — is a maar (volcanic explosion crater) believed to have been created by a series of explosive eruptions. While its exact age is unknown, it is estimated to be more than 180,000 years ago, making it, potentially, one of the oldest volcanoes in the Auckland volcanic field.
Local legend has it that the volcanic explosions that caused the crater were sent as a punishment to Matakamokamo and his wife Matakerepo. During an argument between the two, Matakamokamo is said to have inadvertently cursed the goddess of fire, Mahuika, who in turn, called upon the god Mataoho to send up numerous volcanic eruptions to plague the hot-tempered couple. The two eruptions that were eventually fatal to them both were said to have created Tuff Crater and the nearby Onepoto Domain — Te Kopua o Matakerepo.
Originally a freshwater lake, Tuff Crater became the tidal lagoon it is today when sea levels rose following the last ice age. More recently, during World War II, the site was used for the storage of petrochemicals, leading to its other common name — Tank Farm.
As part of Stage 1 of the upgrade, the Citycare Property Minor Capital Works team demolished the existing lookout and built a new, larger lookout in its place.
As part of Auckland Council’s track renewal programme, the walking track along the crater’s edge is being upgraded via a series of programmed stages. In 2021, Citycare Property’s Minor Capital Works team was awarded the contract to deliver the first stage of the upgrade, which included project management and landscape construction.
“Stage 1 was divided into two projects — 1a and 1b,” says Citycare Property Project Manager, Jaffer Syed. “Project 1a comprised the demolition and resiting of approximately 55-metres of the existing boardwalk, as well as the demolition of the existing lookout and construction of a new lookout at the St Peters Street entrance to the track.”
The team began work on Stage 1a late last year and delivered the completed stage in February this year. At that point they were able to transition to Stage 1b, which was the trickier of the two stages and consisted of the demolition and removal of 360m of existing boardwalk and the construction of a new, two metre-wide boardwalk.
“Stage 1b was carried out in one session over five months, which did require the closure of the boardwalk between St Peters Street and Exmouth Road,” says Construction Manager, Graham Forrester. “One of the greatest challenges we faced with this part of Stage 1, was access. Given that the walking track is on the edge of a tidal lagoon, the ground is very swampy, making the use of heavy machinery impossible. Coupled with the somewhat delicate ecosystem, this meant that all materials had to be carried onto the site — and removed again — each day.”
Around 360 metres of existing boardwalk was demolished and removed by hand and replaced with an upgraded, two-metre-wide boardwalk. Once completed, the 2.3km track will circle the entire rim of the crater.
The team was able to utilise a smaller, 1.8-tonne digger to help drive in each of the 240 piles, which were driven 1.5-metres into the ground, along the 360-metre track. The team demolished and removed the existing boardwalk, then installed new piles and constructed the new boardwalk.
Regardless of the challenges posed by COVID-19 and resultant delays around product delivery, the Citycare Property team was able to complete the stage on time and did deliver the project within the agreed five-month time frame.
Auckland Council Senior Project Manager Leigh Radovan says it's great to see the first step of the programme come to fruition.
"The Kāipataki Local Board has supported this project from the very beginning, ensuring this unique community asset can be enjoyed by locals. The Citycare Property team have done a great job on delivering this first stage of the track renewal programme and we're looking forward to seeing the remainder of the programme delivered."
There are another four stages to the programme, which will eventually see the whole 2.3km path upgraded, with its two ends being connected by a bridge, creating a circular walkway around the full crater. For now, residents and visitors can access the Stage 1 upgrade and new lookout from St Peters Street.