Ōtuataua

Size: 109 hectares

Site description

The Ōtuataua biodiversity focus area includes an historic reserve and wāhi tapu site (sacred place) on the Ihumātao Peninsula.

Ōtuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve preserves a unique and nationally significant archaeological and cultural heritage area; a threatened plant population; small remnants of a regionally threatened native forest ecosystem type; and the remnants of two small volcanoes - Ōtuataua and Puketāpapa. For Te Wai-o-Hua, mana whenua it is a taonga (treasure).

The Ōtuataua lava flows are recognised as an Outstanding Natural Feature in the Auckland Unitary Plan.

Situated in the upper reaches of the Manukau Harbour, Ōtuataua is approximately three kilometres north-east of Auckland International Airport. 

Ōtuataua biodiversity focus area.
Looking west across the Ōtuataua biodiversity focus area.

Key ecosystems

There are three small remnants of volcanic rock forest (WF7.2) within this biodiversity focus area. Rock forest is considered to be critically endangered in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.

Pōhutukawa occurs near the shore and other dominant trees include tītoki, karaka, pūriri, porokaiwhiri (pigeonwood), ngaio and māhoe.

A good variety of native ferns also grow within the forest and on the rocks.

Native fauna

Native birds found within the reserve include:

  • pīwakawaka (fantail)
  • tūī
  • kererū
  • tauhou (silvereye).

The vegetation and volcanic rocks within the reserve also support at least two species of native lizard.

The intertidal flats, saltmarsh and mangrove scrub (SA1) along the coastal edge of the reserve provide significant habitat for shorebirds including:

  • tōrea (South Island pied oystercatcher)
  • kuaka (bar-tailed godwit)
  • huahou (red knots).

Related ecosystems

Coastal saline ecosystem

Mangrove forest and scrub ecosystem (SA1)

Mangrove forest and scrub is found in tidal estuaries, inlets and where salt water meets fresh at the mouths of rivers and streams. This ecosystem has a range of distinct plant communities that provide habitat for birds and fish.

Threat status
Least concern

Warm forest ecosystem

Pūriri forest ecosystem (WF7)

Found on fertile soils in northern New Zealand, this broadleaf forest ecosystem comprises abundant pūriri trees that provide habitat to birds, lizards and bats.

Threat status
Critically endangered

Find out more

Ōtuataua Stonefields walkway

As one of only two major remnants of Auckland's 8000ha of volcanic stonefields, the 100ha Ōtuataua Stonefields is a site of significance to mana whenua, an important archaeological site and educational resource.

Ōtuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve brochure

An internationally significant heritage landscape and an important natural, archaeological and historic area. For Te Wai-o-Hua, tangata whenua (indigenous people of the land), it is a taonga (treasure). It is an important historic place for all the people of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland and Aotearoa / New Zealand.

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What is a biodiversity focus area?

Biodiversity Focus Areas (BFAs) are prioritised areas of ecological significance that guide the delivery of conservation activity. These areas protect a representative range of all indigenous species and ecosystems in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.