Auckland is renowned for its stunning landscapes, volcanic cones and coastal beauty.
But beneath our bustling city lies a lesser-known wonder: lava caves. Sitting on top of roughly 200 known lava caves, Auckland’s underground world is both mysterious and magnificent. As construction projects increase and drilling tools become more sophisticated, new caves are continually being discovered, adding to the intrigue.
Recently, I had the chance to crawl through one of these caves in a resident’s back garden in Mt Eden and, let me tell you, it was no walk in the park! I emerged bruised, sore and feeling as if I’d done a few rounds with Joseph Parker. In fact, I still feel the aches. But the experience left me in awe of these incredible natural features that quietly exist below our city.
The adventure was both exhilarating and physically demanding. I can now officially claim the dubious honour of squeezing my body through a foot-high lava tube and crawling what felt like an eternity in the pitch-black darkness, wriggling on my stomach. Not everyone in our group could do it, and that’s perfectly fine – it was incredibly claustrophobic.
At times, it felt like the cave was pressing in on all sides. The particular tube we navigated is known as the 'cheese grater' and for good reason. Crawling through it was like inching your way across sharp coral. By the time we emerged, I had a few well-earned ‘ouchies' as battle scars.
This adventure, by the way, wasn’t just a thrill-seeking escapade. As part of a larger effort in conjunction with the Earthquake Commission (EQC), we are working to create a more comprehensive map of Auckland’s lava cave locations. The goal is to ensure that future developments can happen safely without damaging these unique geological features. Auckland’s growth is rapid and, as we build new infrastructure, it’s vital that we protect our underground heritage.
Leading the charge in this effort is DEVORA (Determining Volcanic Risk in Auckland), a collaborative research project aimed at understanding volcanic risks and preserving Auckland’s geological features. With DEVORA’s expertise, we’re gaining valuable insights into the underground networks of lava caves, allowing us to pinpoint their locations with greater accuracy.
Auckland’s volcanic past has given us a city built on ancient flows of lava. While these hidden caves might seem distant from everyday life, they hold significant scientific, cultural and environmental importance. Protecting them is not just a matter of geological preservation but also of ensuring that Auckland’s development remains sustainable and respectful of our natural heritage.
In my role as Deputy Mayor, I’ve experienced a wide range of activities, from attending well-dressed functions to daring underground explorations. And while navigating lava tubes wasn’t something I ever expected to do, it was a reminder of how remarkable our city’s landscape truly is – both above and below ground.
As Auckland continues to grow and evolve, we must remain conscious of these hidden wonders beneath our feet. They are part of what makes our city so unique, and with the efforts of DEVORA and EQC, we can ensure they are preserved for generations to come.
Desley Simpson, Deputy Mayor of Auckland www.desleysimpson.co.nz
#ponsonbynews #iloveponsonby #loveponsonby #ponsonby #auckland #aucklandshippestrip #onlyponsonby #ponsonbyroad #Greylynn #freemansbay #westmere #ponsonby #hernebay #stmarysbay #archhill #coxsbay @followers #followers @everyone #everyone #waitematalocalboard @highlight