Visited on 4 January 2013
Outhwaite Park Flower Beds
Outhwaite Park (Grafton volcano) is the volcano nearest my work (in fact Auckland Hospital is founded on a base of basalt bedrock from this very volcano/actually just perched on the opposite side of this long lost crater), so near in fact that I decided to visit there after work one fine sunny afternoon. The place is just a section worth, a pretty decent section -a few acres perhaps.
A little bomb resting on lapilli
There are mature oak trees, a garden complete with dedication plaque and playground. The only clue as to what lies beneath is the russet dirt and a few scoriacious pebbles scattered around the base of the oaks.
I will give the council the benefit of the doubt and say it was just after New Year celebrations.
It was nice place to duck into and out of the hustle and bustle of Grafton/Newmarket but I personally will always favour the Auckland Domain just across the road.
Mt. Hobson in the near distance.
From the back of this park there is a view through the trees of a large green hill which looks to be in walking distance (it was! and only about 30 minutes away). I used my fancy new phone to tell me it was Mt Hobson… then off I went…
Looking back at the second entrance/exit from the back of the park
Recommended for if you want to find a playground only a two minute walk on level ground from Auckland Hospital
Auckland Volcanoes 