You wouldn't know to look at it, but the hilly 75-hectare expanse of Pukekawa/Auckland Domain is another of Auckland's ancient volcanoes. Auckland Museum stands on one edge of a tuff ring which encircles the playing fields and provides fabulous views over the harbor and city skyline. The tree-covered hill at the center is Pukekaroa, the remains of a scoria cone. At its humble peak, a totara tree surrounded by a palisade honors the first Māori king.
The Domain is a great spot for a picnic; on sunny weekends you'll see groups of families and friends spread out under the trees and in the shade of the band rotunda, serenaded by the sounds of summertime cricket or winter rugby drifting up from the playing fields.
Native bush covers some of the lower slopes, while formal gardens replete with classical statuary are arranged around the central fields. The highlight is the Wintergarden, an elegant arrangement of two 1920s glasshouses (one for temperate-region plants and one for tropicals) linked by a central courtyard and pond, with a lush fernery at one side. Nearby is the historic Wintergarden Pavilion, incorporating a cafe, kiosk and reception venue set alongside a duck pon
