Western Springs And Meola Reef

Once an historic lava flow.

- Helen Wenley

The walk begins beside Western Springs Park, Point Chevalier, Auckland. We follow the path around the lake (look out for baby water birds from September to December) and then cross Motions Road to follow the path along the stream.

We head past MOTAT to come out on Meola Road. From there we enter Meola Reef Reserve (a popular off-leash dog area). We do the loop and return via Jaggers Bush Reserve and back through Western Springs Park.

Western Springs Park is a sanctuary for both people and wildlife. It surrounds a natural spring-fed lake, one of Auckland’s early water supplies.

Meola Reef is a lava flow that came from the Mt St John, Mt Eden, One Tree Hill and Three Kings volcanoes and was formed 15,000 years ago when the 300 meter deep crater filled with lava and overflowed in a 10 kilometer “river” through Western Springs to terminate as the Meola Reef in the Waitemata Harbour. It is the longest lava flow in the Auckland volcanic field.

The area around the reef is a 15-hectare reserve with stands of mangrove and salt marsh. Underground and above ground streams from Mt Albert, Mt Eden and One Tree Hill feed into the Harbour at Meola Reef.

Nearby Attractions: MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) Auckland Zoo

Description: Mainly level paths plus steps. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

To see: Waitemata Harbour views, a natural spring-fed lake with ducks, swans, geese and long-finned eels; stream, trams, planes.

Time: approximately. 90 minutes. (about 7kms). This walk can be shortened as required.