Panmure Basin

Panmure Basin (or Kaiahiku), located in the suburb of Panmure is 11 km southeast of Auckland City.  It is a volcanic crater formed after violent explosions long before nearby Mt Wellington erupted.  Fresh water occupied the crater with an outlet into the Tamaki River therefore making it a tidal lagoon.  Te Wa Mokoia (the waters of Mokoia) is another name for the Tamaki River beside the lagoon.  Mokoia is the name of the pa (fortified village) that stood at the entrance of the lagoon in the 1800's.  This was the home of the Ngati Hura people, a hapu (sub tribe) of Ngati Paoa.  Ninety nine raupu (marsh reed gathered from nearby swamp) cottages were beside the lagoon in 1848.  The Fencibles, who lived here at the time, arrived by ship from Ireland and Britain and signified the birth of the village Panmure.   Living in Panmure Basin is Te Moko Ika A Hiku Waru, a taniwha, or guardian spirit.   

A white-faced heron. 

What I did not get to see is the Kotuku (white heron) which roosts in the trees

around the basin.  These birds are regarded with respect as they are seen as

messengers of coming events.  I never got to see one butA white-faced heron

The view of the basin through the trees.  The basin covers an area of 51 hectares

and the reserve around the perimeter covers nine hectares.

Fine scoria (lapilli) from Mt Wellington on the northern side of the Basin

 covers and conceals the much older volcanic deposits of the Panmure crater

A ring of ash from successive explosive eruptions can clearly be seen at low tide. 

This suggests that the main vent was located in the north-eastern corner

Beautiful reflections

A boatramp

The footbridge which crosses over the Tamaki River leading into the basin

Looking down Tamaki River from the footbridge

The view across the basin towards Mt Wellington

Not only is it beautiful and relaxing walking around Panmure basin but it is also a

Fitness Trail, with a number of stops where fitness fanatics have the opportunity

to include other exercises into their routine