(The main entrance to Onepoto Domain is from Sylvan Avenue into a cul-de-sac spur road. There is foot access from Exmouth Road, from Tarahanga Street and Sylvan Avenue (2 entrances). Another track leads in from Lake Road past the Northcote' Tennis Club courts and through a patch of bush and can be exited at Puawai Place or continue along the Onepoto Stream emerging at the southern end of Tarahanga Street.

Both the Onepoto Basin and adjoining Tuff Crater are the result of ancient volcanic eruptions and while they once may have held freshwater lakes, the sea later broke through the rims of the craters and filled them with salt water and marine mud. In the 1960's the Onepoto crater was drained and fill added, to provide the surface for the Domain's recreation areas. Tuff Crater is tidal. Together they make a unique geological feature and are relatively unspoilt examples of tuff cones and craters.

When beginning your walk from the parking area on the spur road, follow the shingle path past the children's play area leading to the track and boardwalk. A variety of landforms can be seen along the way - areas of native plants now regenerating on the crater rim and a wetland area where maritime rush and coastal cutty grass are being edged out by pampas grass giving cover to pheasant, quail and pukeko. The track comes out at Weeks Reserve where stands of native forest trees are set among clearings home to wax eyes, fantails tuis and New Zealand pigeons.

To complete a circumnavigation of the Domain take the 'high path' along the rim before descending to skirt the sports arena and then crossing the small bridge over the man made lake where model yachts are raced and ducks wait to be fed