Waitomokia, Extinct volcano in Auckland Region, New Zealand

Waitomokia is an elliptical explosion crater 600 m (2,000 ft) wide in the Auckland volcanic field, with a tuff ring 15–25 m high. Its three scoria cones, each about 30 m high, were quarried away in the 1950s; the south-western one was a spatter cone with an 18 m deep crater.

Waitomokia erupted about 20,300 years ago, forming an elliptical explosion crater ringed by a 15–25 m tuff ring. Three scoria cones, roughly 30 m high, grew from vents in the crater centre; the south-western one was a spatter cone with an 18 m deep crater. The cones were quarried in the 1950s for the Manukau Sewage Purification Works, and since 2005 the land has held Villa Maria Estates vineyard.

The crater lake and swamp were named Waitomokia by Tāmaki Māori, meaning "Water Seeping into the Ground", while the three cones were called Moerangi. The volcano is one of the features grouped as Nga Tapuwae a Mataoho, "The Sacred Footprints of Mataoho", after the deity linked to their creation. The two conical cones held a pā, and their sides were terraced with kūmara rua, sweet potato storage pits.

This site sits within an urban area and is easily accessible, though its volcanic features are subtle rather than dramatic in appearance. Visitors should plan to explore the location during daylight hours and be aware that residential development may surround the cone.

The three scoria cones that once stood here, up to 30 m high, were quarried away in the 1950s to build the Manukau Sewage Purification Works next door. The crater floor later held kiwifruit packhouses and floriculture before becoming Villa Maria Estates vineyard in 2005. In summer the crater has hosted concerts by Bic Runga, Tim Finn, the Topp Twins and Jack Johnson.