Onepoto, Volcanic crater in North Shore, Auckland Region, New Zealand
Onepoto is a volcanic crater with a diameter of about 600 meters, marked by a high tuff ring formed through explosive eruptions involving water interaction. The site today contains sports fields, two small lakes for model boat sailing, an adventure playground, and sealed bicycle tracks.
The crater formed about 185,000 years ago through volcanic activity and ranks among the earliest formations in the Auckland Volcanic Field. This long history makes it a window into the region's geological past.
Local schools use the crater area as an outdoor classroom to teach students about geological processes and environmental changes. Visitors can see how the site serves both as a recreational space and an educational resource for understanding the natural world.
The site is easy to walk around and offers open access for various activities across the crater landscape. Visitors should allow time to explore the different areas, as the grounds are spacious with multiple zones to discover.
Preserved kauri tree molds were discovered in the tuff ring, showing that mature forests stood in the area during the eruption. These fossil traces offer a rare glimpse into the vegetation that grew here hundreds of thousands of years ago.
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