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**media type="custom" key="3608902" History of Orakei Basin **  The Orakei Basin is a flooded volcanic crater and is connected to the Waitemata Harbour by Purewa Creek and Hobson Bay.

The basin was changed in the late 1920s. It was separated from Purewa Creek and Hobson Bay when the railway track was built. In the early 1930s the Auckland City Council wanted to have a set of sluice gates put in. This meant that fresh water could flow into the basin depending on the tides. If the tide does not go out for a long time, algae grows on the sea floor. It sometimes leaves a strange smell around the basin!  Auckland City Council removed the mangroves from the basin to create an area for water-based activities like water skiing and boat rides. At least 20 years ago the basin was used for swimming. The water is now too dirty to swim in.



**Watch Farrah Mistry being interviewed by Millie Baker about the Orakei Basin**

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**Recreation at Orakei Basin** **Photo Gallery and Slide Show** Acknowledgements **Back to Home Page**