Grassy bank edge of the lava lake

Walking to the unit from Grafton Station, it is very pleasant to see the long shadows the sun casts from the trees on what was part of the tuff ring surrounding a small scoria cone. The cone was named Pukekaroro (Hill of the black-backed gull (Karoro)) On its top is a protected Totara tree planted by Princess Te Puea Herangi during Auckland's centennial celebrations in 1940. The tree is enclosed by traditional carvings and a Manuka palisade.