I walked the Tuff Crater Path on a lovely sunny day in Auckland. Here is my review about this walk.

In order to walk the entirety of the rim, it is best to start at the end of Exmouth Road, at Heath Reserve car park. Before embarking upon the walk itself, you can take a detour to the motorway overbridge for views of Auckland CBD’s skyline and the Waitemata Harbour on one side, and the water-filled Tuff Crater on the other.

Head back over the bridge and follow the path along the crater. The track is undulating, though they are more ups and downs than hills. 

It may seem that the track eventually disappears or comes to an end. However, you must walk through the field (which is often wet) to continue the walk. The track can also be overgrown at times. It is thus important to wear appropriate footwear for this walk.

You will reach the end of the track on the other side of the crater. This walk can be done one way by climbing the bank onto Akoranga Drive. It is technically a return path back along the rim to Exmouth Park. There is no way to walk beside the motorway, don’t even think about it.

Tuff Crater Path walk, Northcote, North Shore, Auckland

Follow the 3d map of my walk along Tuff Crater, just click on the play button below.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: North Shore, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
  • Time needed: 1.5 hours walk
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Bikes allowed: Yes
  • Route: Return
  • Elevation: 50 m
  • Wet Feet: Yes, muddy sections
  • Toilets: Unknown
  • Dogs: Yes
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes, very good
  • Last Updated: November, 2020
Tuff Crater Path walk, Northcote, North Shore, Auckland

Summary points about this walk

History of Tuff Crater

Tuff Crater is another explosion crater (this one is filled with water), which is being restored to its natural state with a balanced ecosystem of native plants and wildlife, all with volunteer help. It was formed by explosive eruptions around the same time as Onepoto.

You can get more information on the restoration of Tuff Crater on the Forest and Bird website.

Photos of my walk on the Tuff Crater Path

See more of my 150+ walks in Auckland