Otuataua Stonefields

Stepping into another world

The landscape is desolate and rocky - a stark reminder of Auckland's volcanic past. Walking through Otuataua Stonefields is like stepping into another world, yet just a 10 minute drive away, one million people go about their daily lives.

Otuataua stonefields

Less than 200 years ago the 8,000 hectares of volcanic stonefields in the Auckland area were intensively cultivated. The stones flung out in successive volcanic eruptions were used to demarcate garden plots and to warm the soil.

Crops of taro and kumara which grew readily and all year round in tropical homelands needed careful handling in the colder climate of New Zealand. Using stones to warm the soil extended the growing season by one month. They also acted as a mulch helping keep the soil moist.

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