Lake Pupuke

Pupuke-moana

Pupuke volcano is one of the oldest in the Auckland Field, possibly as old as 150 000 years. It does not have the height people often associate with a volcano because it is an explosion crater.

The Auckland Volcanic Field is comprised of monogenetic volcanoes which means it is unlikely that Pupuke or any of the existing volcanoes will erupt again. The next eruption will probably occur in a new location.

Formation

Early eruptive activity at the Pupuke volcano (Lake Pupuke) generated thin, overlapping lava flows. Lava flowing back down the throat of the volcano probably formed the large collapsed crater. Explosive eruptions then ejected ash, generated a low tuff ring around the crater. The tuff ring slopes gently away from the lake.

On the western flanks of the volcano, a small scoria mound was formed from minor fire-fountaining of frothy lava. After the volcanic activity ended, the crater filled with fresh water to form Lake Pupuke.

Along the coast, many tree moulds (stumps and logs) are exposed in the lava. This ancient fossil forest can be seen at the northern end of Takapuna beach.

Other examples of explosion craters in Auckland are Panmure Basin and Orakei Basin. Find out more about the difference between the way explosion craters and scoria cones formed.

Use and value

Lake Pupuke is a valuable recreational asset. It is used for water sports such as small sail boating, kayaking, water skiing, and fishing. In 1884 Lake Pupuke was used to provide a water supply to Devonport Borough. The water supply quickly became insufficient and the old pump house (now a theatre) ceased operation in 1944.

Key facts

Maori name: Pupuke, shortened form of Pupukemoana, 'over flowing lake'.
Location: North Shore City, map reference NZMS 260: R11/680896
Depth: 64m
Age: Formed 140,000-150,000 years ago
Volume lava: approximately 26 million cubic metres (equivalent to 5,200 Olympic sized swimming pools)
Volume tuff/ash/pyroclastics: approximately 34 million cubic metres (equivalent to 6,800 Olympic sized swimming pools)