Winter sportsfields in Pukekawa

The Auckland Domain occupies an ancient volcanic area The sportsfields have been created on or in an ancient lava lake. Many thousands of years ago the basalt bottom of the lava lake fractured, and then was inundated with water. A swamp developed above the 'floor'. Up to seven metres of peat and clay developed in the part of the swamp currently occupied by rugby goal posts. Colonists (mainly from Great Britain) drained the swamp, and filled it with dirt to form playing fields.