Lake Pupuke
Lake Volcanic crater lake adjacent to Auckland's North Shore
Pupuke occupies a volcanic crater on Auckland’s North Shore; locals and visitors come for lakeside cafés, walking tracks, kayaking and occasional community events along Takapuna and Devonport.
Lake Pupuke is a freshwater volcanic crater lake on Auckland’s North Shore in New Zealand, surrounded by the suburbs of Takapuna and Milford. The lake occupies a volcanic maar and is set within a suburban residential area, with direct street access and nearby cafés and shops.
The lake is used for small-boat recreation, rowing, kayaking, and swimming, and local clubs and waterfront parks provide access. Geologically it formed as a volcanic crater in the Auckland volcanic field and sits roughly a short drive north of Auckland’s central city area.
- Location: Sits within the suburban North Shore of Auckland and is immediately adjacent to the suburbs of Takapuna and Milford, making it highly accessible from central Auckland.
- Recreation: A volcanic crater lake that supports local rowing and water-sport clubs and is ringed by residential streets and local parks.
How to Get to Lake Pupuke #
From central Auckland, take State Highway 1 north across the Harbour Bridge and exit to Takapuna; Lake Pupuke is a 10-15 minute drive from downtown Takapuna or a 25-35 minute bus ride (frequent services run to Takapuna). The main walking loop around the lake is signposted from the Takapuna town center.
Tips for Visiting Lake Pupuke #
- Walk the coastal loop from Takapuna-it's a 15-20 minute stroll from Takapuna Beach and reveals the lake's volcanic rim.
- Locals swim and row in summer; small boats and SUPs are common but lifeguards are not provided on the lake.
- Visit on a calm morning to see the mirror-like reflections of the crater rim before wind picks up.
Best Time to Visit Lake Pupuke #
Late spring through summer for swimming and boating; mornings are best for calm water.
Weather & Climate near Lake Pupuke #
Lake Pupuke's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 7°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1310 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (147 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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