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 at a Glance#
Address: Lake Pupuke, Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
About Lake Pupuke#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 16° - 24° | 20° | 93 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 16° - 24° | 20° | 82 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 15° - 23° | 19° | 80 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 12° - 20° | 16° | 114 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 10° - 17° | 14° | 114 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 8° - 15° | 12° | 134 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 7° - 15° | 11° | 147 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 8° - 15° | 12° | 124 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 9° - 17° | 13° | 115 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 11° - 18° | 15° | 94 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 13° - 20° | 16° | 111 mm | - | - | 6.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 14° - 22° | 18° | 102 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
