The 50 best parks and gardens in Auckland

Went to the winter garden through Lover’s track. Best to see when it’s summer so that you can find more vibrant flowers. You could visit the museum too, it costs $32 for intl visitor

Hill top locations cannot be beaten for an early morning visit with the world still asleep. What an amazing park for young and old and sights to explore here in Auckland. Play cricket, kick a ball, picnic with friends and family and enjoy the views. Or get a taste of culture inside the museum and stop for a moment of reflection and remember what this place is meant to keep us aware of. Abd yes, it’s not the Louvre, but the views and the available parking to enjoy the Domain are definitely in favour of this place. Though don’t come by car in the high season, parking can get tricky then.

Went for Anzac Celebration. Very nice and solemn place. Beautiful building with the great view of the Auckland harbor. I recommend to visit the memorial and museum

One of the best views in Auckland. Majestic building. As well as our Museum it holds exhibitions like the Diva one on presently. A great place to visit.

Went to the winter garden. It is spring now and it looks like everything was in bloom. Very beautiful!

Great place to spend the day… walks, museum is good.

Always nice to walk around and see all the pretty flowers and lots of walking. Please note the lovers lane track is currently closed. There is lots of spots to relax and enjoy with friends and family, I even found the witches statue apparently witches where hung here , not sure how true that is .

Western Park is a large park in the middle of busy Ponsonby area. Being on a downhill slope, It is accessible via Ponsonby road on one end and streets linking to Hepburn Street on one side. There are a lot of walks with some uphill climb given the nature of the terrain. The bottom part of the park features a large kids playground which is very popular with families and kids. Some interesting art installations are maintained on the top end on Ponsonby Road, on this park which makes this a very unique spot for art lovers. We had a great time in the playground area and kids enjoyed it a lot. Highly recommended for half a day's outing.

Sooo cool! I searched google for ruins in Auckland and this came up. Since I was in the city, I decided to check it out. Situated on the edge of Western Park (Ponsonby Rd side), these sculptures are a perfect way to commemorate old Auckland. Just catch an inner link bus and get off opposite the spca boutique.

Must visit place. Lush green, golden yelllow hue, giant trees, playful furbabies and kids playing around. It was such a nice place to either by yourself or with friends or with your family. Also to mention it’s Pet friendly park.

An awesome playground awaits, featuring fast-flowing slides and a thrilling flying fox that offers impressive views of the city. While it can get a bit boggy during the winter due to a makeshift lake, it remains a nice spot for kids and adults to play and relax.

Took my family there the first time , it is a relatively large park with lots of spaces for kids to run around. Piblic transport is conveniently located on the out skirt of the park. On one end there's 3 giant slides where kids can spend unlimited time of, next to the slide is a flying fox. Public toilet is nearby, plus a few tables for pinic. We happened to visited the place during Easter event and it was packed with people. Highly recommended for a good day out i the weather is great. Do note that you do require slight fitness level to walk up hill on exit.

Cool park, nice walk, heaps of shade. Toilets, water fountain, slides, swings, mini trampolines, flying fox, those ring a round the rosey thingys lol I think that's what it's called and seesaw. Field, court and a good place to walk dogs and alot of benches, picnic tables and seats to chill.

Gorgeous sanctuary in inner city/Ponsonby with great views of the Sky tower. Amazing array of big majestic exotic and native trees with good walking paths. Some Walkways are very steep and winding. Dog friendly

Cornwall Park is truly one of Auckland’s gems! The park is beautifully maintained with wide open fields, majestic trees, and peaceful walking paths that make it perfect for a stroll, jog, or picnic. The mix of native and exotic trees creates a stunning landscape all year round, especially in spring when the blossoms are in full bloom. What makes this park special is its combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage — from the grazing sheep and cattle to the historic sites and the One Tree Hill monument. There’s always something to discover, whether it’s enjoying the scenic views, exploring the gardens, or simply relaxing under a tree. Facilities are excellent too: plenty of parking, clean toilets, a great playground for kids, and the Cornwall Park Café, which serves delicious food and coffee. It’s a perfect spot for families, fitness lovers, photographers, or anyone who just wants to enjoy nature in the heart of the city. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommend!

Cornwall Park • Cornwall Park is a large park (about 172 hectares / 425 acres) in Epsom, Auckland.  • It’s open to the public and managed by the Cornwall Park Trust.  • The park surrounds Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill, which has a volcanic cone and is historically and culturally significant.  • It was gifted to New Zealand by Sir John Logan Campbell in 1901, with the vision that it be free and accessible for everyone.  ⸻ Main Attractions & Things to See Here are some highlights you might enjoy: • One Tree Hill / Maungakiekie — climb up for views overlooking Auckland. The obelisk at the summit marks Sir John Logan Campbell’s burial site.  • Working Farm — you’ll find sheep and cattle grazing. There are more animals during lambing/calving season.  • Heritage Buildings — Acacia Cottage (from 1841), Huia Lodge Discovery Hub, etc., which give a sense of history and architecture.  • Trails & Tree Walks — many paths and drives, including “Tree Trail” where you can discover a variety of trees, gardens, and shaded walkways.  • Gardens & Views — flower beds, specimen trees, landscaped gardens, and great views especially looking over the park and out towards city/harbour.  • Picnics & BBQs — spots available for gatherings; free BBQs (gas and wood) with guidelines.  ⸻ Facilities & Visitor Info • Opening hours: Gates are open from 7:00 AM to dusk daily.  • Visitor & Information Centre: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (except some holidays).  • Food / Cafés: There are three eateries on-site: Cornwall Park Bistro, Cornwall Park Cafe, and The Creamery.  • Access & Entrances: • Main entrances include Green Lane West, Kenneth Myers Gate off Manukau Road, plus other pedestrian entrances.  • Vehicle access: some roads allow cars but there are restrictions (one-way, etc.) to protect tranquility.  • Rules & Etiquette: • Dogs must be leashed at all times. During lambing/calving season, certain areas are off-limits to dogs.  • The park is heritage land; certain activities such as commercial tours or events may need permission.  ⸻ How to Get There • Location: Epsom / One Tree Hill area, not far from central Auckland.  • By car: Using Green Lane West is common; Kenneth Myers Gate is another vehicle access point.  • Public transport: There are several local buses that service nearby roads. Walking into the park from entrances works nicely. 

It is a big and beautiful place to walk, relax, and enjoy nature. There are lots of trees, open fields, and animals like sheep. You can walk up to One Tree Hill for a great view of Auckland. It’s a peaceful spot for a picnic or a nice day out.

Cornwall Park is a beautiful place to enjoy the cherry blossoms, especially in spring when the trees are in full bloom. The pink flowers create a stunning view that makes the whole park feel peaceful and cheerful. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing walk, taking photos, or simply sitting under the trees to enjoy the moment. The open spaces, fresh air, and well-kept surroundings make it one of the best places in Auckland to experience the beauty of nature.

Cornwall Park looks absolutely stunning during cherry blossom season! The trees are full of delicate pink blooms, and it’s such a peaceful, scenic place to walk around or take photos. However, it can get very crowded on weekends with lots of people doing photoshoots. I’d suggest visiting on a weekday or early morning if you want a quieter experience and better photos. Definitely worth the visit!

Auckland’s unique working farm city park open to all and gifted to the people by a true visionary. Thank you Sir John Logan Campbell! Gifting 230 acres in 1901 was no small thing and today we get to enjoy it. A park estate like somewhere in England, amazing trees, Kauri mini forest, stainless steel BBQ areas with bins and toilets close to parking. Amazing cottage and bistro buildings plus walkways everywhere. Go and treat yourself and come for the soo pop ring blossom if you can.

A sanctuary in the middle of Auckland, I live close by and able to take daily walks, via a side entrance. A beautiful place with Cherry blossoms in spring, plenty of walks, BBQ and lots of picnic spots. Lots of space so even when's its busy, it never feels crowded The Visionary and founder of Cornwall Park - Sir John Campbell gifted to NZ in 1901 along with lands to fund the upkeep. Monuments can be found around the park and are a beautiful testament, with lots of information on a man that respected the land and the History of the indigenous people of the area

Dry beautiful garden • Location: 102 Hill Road, Manurewa, Auckland.  • Size: ~ 64 hectares, including about 10 hectares of native forest.  • When established: The gardens were opened in 1982; land for them was purchased back in 1968.  ⸻ What’s There / Highlights • Plant collections: A wide diversity including native New Zealand plants, exotics, edibles, African plants, magnolias, camellias, roses, etc.  • Native Forest Trail: A bush/forest remnant walk that’s quite scenic.  • Threatened Native Plant Collection: For seeing rare and vulnerable local species.  • Gondwana Arboretum: Trees that reflect ancient lineage or plant families with long evolutionary histories.  • Potter Children’s Garden: A child-friendly themed garden to explore.  • Seasonal displays & gardens: Rose garden, Camellia, Magnolia, Edible Garden, African Garden etc.  • Visitor Centre (Huakaiwaka): Includes café (Café Miko), display/exhibition spaces, map & garden information.  • Outdoor sculpture: Large scale artworks are scattered throughout.  ⸻ Hours & Entry • Entry: Free entry for the gardens.  • Opening hours (Gardens): • Summer (October–March): ~ 6:30 am to 8:00 pm  • Winter (April–September): ~ 6:30 am to 6:00 pm  • Visitor Centre & Café have more limited hours; closed Christmas Day, café may close earlier.  ⸻ How to Get There • By car: Take the Southern Motorway (State Highway 1). If coming from the city heading south, exit at Manurewa / Hill Road (Exit 451), then left onto Hill Road; the gardens are the first driveway on the left.  From the south, exit at Takanini (exit 453), then follow a combination of roads (Great South Road → Alfriston Road → Claude Road → Hill Road) to reach the gardens. • By public transport: There’s a bus route (366) between Manurewa bus interchange and the Gardens. Also possible combination with train + bus + walking from Manurewa train station. Approximately 2 km ride or walk from the station. • By bike: You can take a bike on the train for free, then cycle a short distance from the station. There are bike parking facilities at the visitor centre.

Auckland Botanic Gardens is peaceful, beautiful, diverse garden experience that suits many interests, from families and casual visitors to plant lovers. If you visit, allow a few hours (or more!) so you can wander without rushing, stop to sit and take in the views, and perhaps have a picnic. Highly recommended.

Beautiful place to have a walk with your dogs and take pictures. Here’s a pro tip: the I cream van line is always very long so just go to the cafe and buy an ice cream tub or a popsicle. Overall, place is full of amazing flowers and trees and my dog had an absolute blast here. Just make sure the weather is nice before coming here!

Had a lovely time at Auckland Botanic Gardens! The gardens are so beautiful and peaceful, with lots of space to walk around and enjoy the flowers and greenery. My family really enjoyed exploring different sections, and the kids loved the playground. A perfect place to relax, take photos, and spend a quiet day surrounded by nature.

Beautiful day at the Gardens, the Camellias are blooming and very pretty to watch! Also the Magnolias are worth mentioning. Lovely for a quick or longer stroll. Easy to grab a coffee to go, parking in the morning is good and definitely will go to see more flowers bloom.

The Auckland Botanic Gardens is hands down my favorite spot in Auckland! 🌿🌸 It’s huge, filled with all kinds of plants and flowers, so no matter what season it is—spring, summer, autumn, or winter—you’ll always find something in bloom. The walking paths are easy to follow, and just wandering around here is such a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

We get there at around 7pm. The combination of sunset and blooming flower is wonderful. Path of sakura is beautiful.

Discovering Potters park was a delightful surprise! Not only does it boast a variety of play equipment, but the abundance of play equipment ensures endless fun for the kids, just don't forget their togs! The shady trees and charming band rotunda add to the park's appeal, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely picnic lunch or dinner. Plus, its proximity to takeaways provides a convenient option for those who prefer not to bring their own food. Overall, it's a fantastic destination for families seeking both relaxation and recreation.

We recently visited Potters Park for Auckland Moon Festival. It was an awesome experience. The park is very spacious, have tracks for jogging, running and stuff. It's located at Dominion Road. A very good market with all types authentic food options like Indian, Asian and etc.

Boy Walking by Ronnie van Hout depicts a larger-than-life child strolling with purpose & explores the notion of a child transitioning toward adulthood...

This is a delightful park which has more than just play equipment. It has a lot of water play equipment so make sure the kids bring their togs. It has nice shady trees and a band rotunda. A great place for a picnic lunch or dinner and close to takeaways if you don't feel like bringing your own.

I love this place. There is so much for kids to do. We can even bbq there and just have a day filled with lots of fun. This is a must do. Only bummer with this places is that we got a $60 parking fine. But I suppose we also had to look around and read some of the signs.

My husband and I went to Potters Park for Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival on 29/9/2023. There were lots of people there and we enjoyed our time there. Our Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also attended the event and delivered a fantastic speech there to show his appreciation and admiration to all Chinese who have been working so hard in New Zealand. We are so thankful and grateful for having such a great Prime Minister here in New Zealand.

This park is located on Dominion road which is one of the busiest street in Auckland. It has playground and some sports fields. This park is good for hanging out with friends or to bring kids to play.

We love coming here. Great place to spend a few hours on the playground, sand pit and water feature but let's not forget the cool skaters, scooters and bike park as well as shooting some hoops! It's all here in one big package!!👌👍

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Waterview Skatepark is a beautiful place here in Aotearoa. It’s clean, safe, and very well-maintained. Big thanks to the New Zealand Government for providing such a wonderful space for the community. Truly appreciate the effort in making this area enjoyable for all Kiwis.

Beautiful big park and splash pad. Great for the kids. Not much shade but plenty of grass if you have your own. Massive skate park behind it. Public toilets and public bbq available. 1 large gazebo type area if you get in quick. Beautiful beach themed. Volleyball pit with heavy duty net. And nice spongey padding under most of the play areas. Would definitely recommend for an afternoon out with the kids.

Great park for families, would reccomend bringing skateboard or scooter(be respectful to Older skaters tho) and a tog n towel for the kids as the park has a cool water feature too.

Kayaking Paradise! Shallow waters, easy to kayak. Plenty of shade as well. Best place to explore mangroves. Highly recommended! Been here only once, will go again! Personally loved it. Clean white beach accessible only by water!! Some litter here and there. Pls don't litter, help clean up if you can. :)

Awesome splash pad with a great playground as well (more than whats in the photo). Not a lot of shade but new trees have been planted for the future. There's also a skate park, a court and public toilets. Kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves and didn't want to leave.

Def one of the coolest parks. The water play gives it something different and its a lot of fun on a hot day. But be sure to take a towel with you. Has a good range of equipment for all ages.

Beautiful park near AUT campus - in Auckland CBD. Locals completing their morning yoga practice, benches occupied by some couples and families and the fountain happily splashing away while students make their way through to get to town or other places on campus. Very well maintained, dotted with several statues nodding to significant people in New Zealand's history. Weather will play a part in your experience of this park- plan accordingly. Smiles all the way!

So beautiful park to walk, spend the afternoon, read, or take a look of the city. It has several historical monuments along the path. A nice fountain and it’s always clean. Its amazing gardens are full of flowers and green grass. In the background, you can see the Auckland buildings or the university on the other side. Wherever you sit, you’ll have a beautiful and different view. The bandstand is another highlight, and also the old trees. So many birds also. Highly recommended to walk around and enjoy its peace and freshness.

It's a lovely park with plenty of space to walk and take a break from the busy surrounding streets. There are many trees and flowers that make for a relaxing atmosphere and make the cityscape more beautiful. It's worth noting that the entrances to this park from Queens Street are very steep. Overall, it's a lovely location.

Absolutely beautiful park. No matter how many times I go to Alberta Park Auckland I want to see more. Amazing photo opportunities. Below scores are out of 5 ⭐️s 👌 Atmosphere   5 ⭐️ 🙂 Presentation   5 ⭐️ 🙂 Products   5 ⭐️ 📍 Location 5 ⭐️ 🅿️ Parking:    Lots of paid parking available Overall   5 ⭐️

An oasis on peace and quietness. Went there on a full on day tip to Auckland and since i had a book i stopped to read for a while. Ended up seeing so many cute couples and people just chilling, reading and relaxing and ended up doing some friends with travellers that were around.

A beautiful and spacious park in Auckland. A lovely place to relax. The park is located opposite the University of Auckland. I love the presence of ancient trees.

Best for hanging out between class schedule, many statues and a fountain in the centre. You can also see sky tower clearly from some spots.

“Ambury Adventures: Where the Sheep Roam Free” Visited Ambury Regional Park on a cool breezy day, peaceful, open, and full of friendly (and slightly judgy) sheep. The walking trails are flat and easy, perfect for a calm stroll with green views, farm animals, and that “getaway without leaving the city” kind of vibe. Great spot to bring a picnic, clear your mind, or accidentally photobomb a sheep. Parking was easy, toilets were clean, and the air? Fresh enough to bottle. “Logan was here… making friends with sheep and silence.” 🐑🌬️

This is a family friendly farm. We used to take kids here for the family day. It’s also the start for Watercare coastal walkway. There is a barn here plus two car parks, a shelter, toilets, BBQ spots and camping grounds. There are farm animals such as sheep, lamb and horses.

Peaceful and beautiful walks for all ages. The farm animals are super cute and friendly. If you feel adventurous, there are one to two hours walks to the foreshore.

Amberley Farm is an absolute gem! We had such a beautiful experience interacting with the animals. We got to pet the horses, feed adorable little lambs from bottles, and see pigs, chickens, and cows up close. It was truly an amazing and heartwarming visit

Great place to explore. Walking along the Manukau at both high and low tide is exceptional. How lucky we are to have beautiful shores n Auckland. Ambury Park is an education for everyone to visit the animals.

Awesome farm to show kids cow milking, lamb feeding, and lots of other animals. Best part, FREE. There is also peacock that likes to show off himself!

Lovely farm park so close to the city center, great place for a day out with the whole family, with many walks within the park.

The green space is charming with a small area to actually be in the green space and otherwise large trees flanking both sides of an easy walking path. It has clean public restrooms and a drinking fountain. The playground is okay but I recommend a small toy with wheels to spark imagination. The ground is between old school playground and new "safer" ground. The equipment held my 9 year old attention for about 15 minutes. The cultural display is the gem of Meyers Park experience.

This park is mostly for families, children, and dog owners. There is a playground, s kindergarten, open grass space, some statues, and some benches here. The park is nice too walk through from end to end though. The palm trees make you feel a bit smaller.

easy to access from CBD nice skytower n palm tree views water station & toilets equipped good to take a rest

Perfect park for the little one to get some wiggles out. Almost four year old loved the opportunity for open ended game development. Lots of obstacle course options, tons of running space, and play equipment for about every age. Highlights for her were the big swing and awesome hide and seek spaces.

Very beautiful and attractive park Location: 72 Greys Avenue, Auckland Central, 1010  • It’s a narrow/gully-style park running roughly parallel to Queen Street, linking Queen Street, Greys Avenue, Karangahape Road, Aotea Square, etc.  ⸻ History • The land was once part of a gully area with quite poor housing / slum conditions by the late 1800s.  • Sir Arthur Myers gifted money (~£9,000) to Auckland City Council around 1913 for purchasing land and creating the park. He also funded the kindergarten & playground.  • The park officially opened 28 January 1915.  • The Myers Kindergarten building opened in 1916; designed with children in mind. It’s still in use (early childhood education) under the Auckland Kindergarten Association.  ⸻ What’s There / Features & Attractions • Playground & Splash Pad: There’s a centrally located playground with creative / whimsical elements: slides, swings, oversized bird/insect sculptures, a giant basket swing, etc.  • The splash pad operates from September through May, with daily hours during those months.  • Vegetation & Trees: A mix of native and exotic trees. Highlights include Puriri trees, a large Morton Bay Fig, and an avenue of palm trees lining the main pathway.  • Art / Installations / Upgrades: • Underpass improvements: new artwork (called Waimahara) inspired by the original Waihorotiu Stream, lighting & sound features, native plantings, better connections (stairs) from Mayoral Drive / Queen Street.  • Wetland garden, boardwalk, more native trees have been added as part of recent renovations.  • Other features: • The Myers Kindergarten building (historic) still functions as a childcare facility.  • The park has many pathways/stairs, benches, shaded spots — good for walks, relaxing.  ⸻ Practical Info • Hours: Open 24 hours.  • Access: Multiple entrances: Queen Street, Karangahape Road (K’Road), Greys Avenue, Mayoral Drive.  • Facilities: • Toilets (accessible ones)  • Drinking fountains, seating  • The playground & splash pad for children  ⸻ Recent Upgrades & Changes • The underpass (northern end close to Queen St) was transformed to be more welcoming — with lighting, art work, better stair access.  • Wetland garden & boardwalk added.  • Native trees have been increased (part of re-greening / making the park more lush).  ⸻ Pros & Things to Watch Out For Pros: • Very central — easy to drop by if you’re in the CBD. • Green space / refuge from busy city noise. • Great for families, kids. Playground is fun & imaginative. • Recent upgrades make certain parts more appealing, especially the underpass art, seating etc. Things to watch out for: • After dark the park can feel less safe in certain spots (as with many urban parks). Lighting improvements help, but being cautious is wise.  • Shade over the playground is limited — can be hot summer days. 

Growing up, I always heard mixed things about walking through Myers Park — but after the recent updates, it feels completely different. It’s brighter, cleaner, and feels much safer now. Great to see the space being revitalized — it’s actually a really nice spot to stroll through again.

An atmosphere of harmony and beauty reigned all around. Tall trees, covered in lush greenery, sang their gentle song, and rays of sunlight filtered through the foliage, creating intricate patterns on the ground. I walked along winding paths, enjoying the scent of flowers and the singing of birds.

Very fun playground, close to the beach, with many facilities and play equipment suitable for young children

Fun place to go but however be cautious going on the mouse wheel as if you fall over it can be really painful. They have some really big slides which take a while to climb but it’s worth it once you get to the top. The mini trampoline in the ground is kinda sad and has nearly made me trip in it several times since it is just randomly placed into the ground. However still a fun playground to go to and it is really quick to go to stores since they are just behind the playground up a ramp.

Great park!!! So much to do. There were heaps of slides, ropes to climb on, a hamster wheel, spinny things, a wheel chair swing, super clean bathrooms, grills, and so much more! Definitely recommend!

Awsome park to take out your family or friends to eat lunch or go for a long walk on the beach. Heaps of chairs under the tree to relax. Big playground for kids. Even a handicap ♿️ kids can play here. Well maintain. Big public toilets and changing room. Long Beach.

Celebrating Chinese New Year at Takapuna Beach Reserve on 10/2/2024, my husband and I enjoyed our lovely moments there. There is an annual special event organised by China Cultural Centre Auckland for Chinese New Year. Therefore, there are lots of people visiting the stalls and enjoying the dancing performance. After attending this special event, we had a relaxing stroll on Takapuna Beach. We highly recommend you for attend this special event next year if you happen to live in Takapuna or drive past there.

Really clean! Keep in touch with the I Love Takapuna group or the Auckland Council as they have a lot of community events there. Great day for the family, and the lifeguard station is there behind the park to take the kids swimming.

Great playground for the kids..even hammocks!! Paid parking is easy to use..close walk to township only 200m. Many cafe's in close vicinity and usually ice-cream or waffle type caravans parked close to playground in the weekends. Toilets and changing rooms only meters away. A nice beach right there as well. Caters for everyone's wants and needs.

Heaps of seating areas. Nice and tall two super-cool slides. All the Native trees around the park. Good spend time there. Nice long walk to city.

Daldy street parking is more of an Urban space with some kid friendly activities rather than a traditional park with large green areas. The proximity to the street makes it important for parents to keep an eye on their kids. The nearby evening market is a great attraction and the area overall has a quiet and pleasant atmosphere.

Nice neighborhood to walk around.

The park designer here is truly the worst. It seems like thoughtless designers, driven solely by the desire to appear novel, have designed inefficiently and without consideration for users. Some areas are dangerously steep, posing risks to pedestrians or mobility users, and the narrow gravel pathways in the linear park are impassable, overtaken by plants, and will eventually need renovation at the expense of citizens' budgets. Please, instead of pursuing artistically formed designs, strive for designs that are easily accessible and usable by citizens.

The park has some areas to sit and enjoy lunch or just rest in the city.

Nice little spot for a lunch stroll or lunch outside of it’s warm!

Nice and clean park. Very looked after. Amey Daldy Park is a new neighborhood pocket park that provides an intimate outdoor space for residents and workers of Wynyard Quarter to call their own. A grand, 38m-wide green park, walkway, and cycleway and a slow-speed street are beginning to make its way through the heart of the Wynyard Quarter.

One of my favourite places on Earth. A lovely long linear regional park with a fun playground for kids, picnic areas, a beautiful beach, an old homestead and a gorgeous coastal walkway.

Great place for family and walking. Dogs only allowed on the beach at certain times and not anywhere else including in cars or the picnic areas.

We love this beach. The water is clear. Plenty of car parks. There is a play ground and restrooms. The small village of Long Bay is beautiful. There are restaurants and a supermarket.

An amazing park, well looked after and offering a great walk, swim, with fantastic views 🤩 Also, I left my prescriptions glasses at Granny’s beach and the park rangers took me back all the way. Thanks again 🙏🏼

Such a beautiful place, amazing beach walk.

Lovely long stretch of beach to have a relaxing walk with fresh sea air

Fantastic, vast beachside park with clean toilets and changing area, drinking fountains, water spouts, grassy slopes, plenty of shade, and the sound of waves and birds for a perfect afternoon nap! I waited here before a night kayaking tour in bioluminescent waters, thanks to Canoe and Kayak, Auckland! Lots of ducks and other birds around, and they know people have crumbs. If you're going to feed them, keep it healthy for them! I had some unsalted sunflower seeds with me.

We love this place for walking our dog. We are there most mornings. It's a gorgeous, well looked after little place, with a great kids park. It reminds me of the wee parks for communities in the UK. It feels safe. Be great to have more picnic tables, or places to sit. Highly recommend.

This is a really nice park in Henderson and well contained with these activities and playgrounds for the bigger kids and smaller kids as well, and there is also a really nice flying fox which our family loved. Parking is also ample. There's lots of space to push the pram and walk around as well. All in all this is a great park.

One of my kid’s favourite parks and playgrounds like to go to play.

Love this local park area. We celebrated my son's 6th Birthday here. Took our own marquee, table and chairs and brought our party foods and cake 😊 was a beautiful day too. Great playground for the kids, all ages. Great place with trees and can walk around if you want to exercise. The only downfall would be getting out. The traffic on Edmonton Road is busy, so be careful.

Great for bikes and scooters. Basically a large West Auckland park that runs alongside Henderson and a creek. Ends up at the cycleway into town CBD alongside the Norwestern Motorway (in between Lincoln and Te Atatū South on-ramps). Fun walk/ ride. Interesting trees in the international garden area!

Amazing family park and you can even have a BBQ there as well, it has a BBQ hotplate and sitting area. There are public toilets as well. There is also a small wharf, where you can see swans and their babies swimming about, I don't think swimming is recommended. There's also a bridge close to the park, to get to West wave pools, lots of parking as well. Great place

Best place for kids, contains a lot of intresting playground games. Also have a toilet what is important if you have kids. You can have a picknik there, because it have a lot of space for that.

Great park for toddlers. Love the rubber mats in playgrounds! A nice variety of play equipment and fenced off around the play area that gives access to the road. 👍🏼

The baby play area equipment here is a tad old, but it is none the less an excellent playground for big and small kids. The baby playground area is completely covered in soft mats, not too high or big, and adults can walk right into the small castle with their kids which is excellent for my 2 year old. All the other structures are built in seperate areas, with swings and jungle gyms and the famous rocket all spread out evenly, leaving plenty of space for kids to run around. There is free parking just outside the playground, it is also the entirely fenced so you don’t have to worry about kids running onto the road outside. There are also exercise equipments outside the park as well, but i think those are for adults as opposed to kids.

Good playground with fencing around road edge to keep the young ones safe. The rocket is a big draw card, as kids like to climb. There is a sun shade over the seating area. Across the road are a couple of takeaway shops and cafes. If you walk past the community centre, behind the ymca is a flying fox and tennis courts.

🚹🚺♿ I have always bought my children to this park. It's safe, big to run around and enjoy the playground. Park benches to sit and have lunch or big grass area to have a picnic. Toilets are available and shops across the road if needed to buy food or drinks. It is a popular place for families to play or relax.

Needs updating but the kids don't notice or care they love the place. Few trees for shade during the summer and picnicking. Toilets on the grounds and shops across the road. We go the the park after the Mt Albert Pool's which is a five min walk

Very nice place for kids to enjoy and for the grown up to relax.

Needs a bit of a touch up, but otherwise a very good playground. Lots of swings, the rocket ship is very cool and unique, and my daughter loved the castle

Beautiful and peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. The lake, surrounded by lush greenery, is home to a variety of birds, including swans, ducks, and pukekos, making it a great spot for wildlife lovers. The walking paths are well-maintained, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a jog. There’s plenty of open space for picnics, and the playground is great for kids. It’s also close to the Auckland Zoo and MOTAT, making it a fantastic spot to visit as part of a day out. Highly recommended for families, walkers, and anyone who enjoys the outdoors!

Western Spring Park is an absolute gem, a place where natural beauty and recreational fun come together seamlessly. If you're looking for a spot to unwind, exercise, or simply enjoy the outdoors, this is it. For families, the park is a dream. There are clean bathrooms and a playground, making it easy to spend hours with the kids. The extensive footpaths that loop around the park are perfect for cycling, walking, or running, providing scenic routes for all fitness levels. Bird lovers will be in paradise. You can enjoy feeding the birds on the ground, with various species like ducks, pigeons, sparrows, geese, swans, and seagulls. The large pond in the center is a sight to behold, especially with the big, beautiful goldfish swimming around and heaps of eels. It's also a fantastic spot for taking photos, so you can capture your memories. Plus, the expansive grassy field on the other side is perfect for outdoor activities.

Absolutely gorgeous and well-maintained park with a wide variety of wildlife living there. Watch the eels is probably one of my favorite things to do. Not a big fan of the swans who think they run the park

Weaving together its history, natural beauty, and cultural significance: Western Springs: A Poetic Tapestry In Auckland's heart, where waters softly glide, A verdant haven, where nature doth reside, Lies Western Springs, a jewel, green and bright, Reflecting skies, a shimmering delight. The Waitākere Ranges, a majestic sight, Stand guard above, a guardian of light, Their slopes descend, embracing the lake's gleam, A tranquil scene, a peaceful, verdant dream. The Niho Taniwha, the dragon's tooth, they say, A sacred site, where legends softly sway, Of Māori lore, and spirits of the land, A mystic touch, a guiding, gentle hand. The Waitākere River, a ribbon of blue, Meanders through, a pathway ever new, From distant hills, it finds its watery way, To nourish life, and gently kiss the day. The lake itself, a mirror calm and deep, Where clouds drift by, and secrets softly sleep, A haven for birds, a sanctuary serene, A symphony of nature's vibrant green. The black swans glide, a graceful, regal sight, Their feathers gleam, a canvas pure and white, While ducks and geese, in playful flocks abound, A lively chorus, a joyful, sweet sound. The Pukekiwiriki, the hill that stands so tall, A vantage point, where nature does enthrall, A panoramic view, a breathtaking sight, Of cityscapes, and waters bathed in light. The rose gardens, a fragrant, sweet delight, A tapestry of blooms, a vibrant, colorful sight, Where butterflies dance, and bees softly hum, A haven of peace, where worries all succumb. The Wintergardens, a greenhouse, warm and bright, A verdant oasis, a captivating sight, With orchids rare, and ferns of emerald green, A symphony of life, a wondrous, vibrant scene. The zoo nearby, a kingdom of its own, Where creatures roam, and stories softly groan, Of tigers fierce, and elephants so grand, A glimpse of wildlife, across the vast land. The people gather, families and friends, To share the joy, the beauty that transcends, The city's bustle, the everyday routine, A moment's peace, a tranquil, peaceful scene. The children laugh, as they explore the ground, Their spirits soar, with freedom all around, The lake their playground, the trees their leafy shade, A childhood memory, forever to be made. The runners glide, along the paths so green, Their footsteps light, a rhythmic, vibrant scene, The air is fresh, the mind begins to clear, As worries fade, and spirits feel sincere. The rowers glide, with oars that softly sweep, Across the lake, their rhythm strong and deep, A symphony of motion, a graceful, flowing art, A moment's peace, a joy that fills the heart. The anglers wait, with patience and with care, For fish to bite, a challenge they will share, The gentle breeze, the ripples on the lake, A moment's peace, for nature's sweet sake. The picnics spread, beneath the willow's shade, Laughter rings out, as stories are conveyed, Of shared experiences, and memories made, A simple pleasure, a moment to be swayed. The sunset paints, the sky with hues of gold, A masterpiece, a story to be told, The lake reflects, the colors bright and bold, A breathtaking scene, a sight to behold. As twilight falls, and stars begin to gleam, The park transforms, into a tranquil dream, The sounds subside, the city fades away, And nature reigns, supreme at close of day. The moon ascends, a silver, watchful eye, Casting its glow, across the peaceful sky, The lake reflects, its shimmering, mystic light, A beacon of hope, in the fading night. Western Springs, a gift, a treasure to behold, A sanctuary, a story to be told, Of nature's beauty, and the human heart, A place to heal, where spirits can depart. From city's clamor, to find a peaceful space, To reconnect, with nature's gentle grace, To breathe the air, and feel the sun's warm ray, And simply be, at the close of day. So let us cherish, this precious, verdant land, A legacy of beauty, forever to withstand, For generations yet to come, to share its grace, And find solace, in this tranquil, peaceful place. History's Echoes Before

If you are a bird lover this is the hangout spot for you. There are a few natives here and there but mostly swans, ducks, pūkeko and pigeons - all extremely friendly and keen for a snack right from your hand.

Our go to place for evening walk with our bubba. He loves watching the nature and all the varieties of birds there. There is a kids playground which is usually packed on a sunny afternoon (You can buy your coffee from athe Watering Hole cafe which is conveniently located right next to the playground)

To me, it can be considered as the most beautiful park in Auckland esp if you go there during a sunny day

This playground is so unique and tucked in Pakuranga area so well. The beach is a plus which makes both the kids and the adults enjoy together. Rotary walkway is a good walk any time of the way. Toilets are qell maintained and plenty of carparks.

We were there 19 Oct 25. We stayed on the parking near the shore, facing the body of water. We enjoyed walking on the beach as it is a low tide. The sun was shining brightly and beautifully. Dont forget your sunscreen on days like this. The snakes and ladder park was packed with happy kids and their families. Some people are walking their fur babies. Some are sitting on the grass doing picnic. Some are just strolling around, having fun under the sun. Such a wonderful place for family to bond and just relax. Note: there are toilets here. Concealed. Left side of the building.

Really lovely park. Located seaside and gd parking. Lots of picnic tables to eat lunch with a well used cycle way that obviously gets lots of family use. Our grandchn had fun playing snakes and ladders and getting them to physically spin the dice was very cool. Lots of laughter and running about. There are tables close to the park too and they are spread right across towards the carpark area.. There's also a BBQ u can use there and a great inclusion were a few workout pieces of equipment. So u can stop and jump on the bike and otha pieces and have a bit of a workout b4 or afta lunch or as part of ur daily walk. Awesome. There are a few bins but more wouldn't have hurt. So take an appropriate bag with you to take away your rubbish and help keep the seashore and area pristine. If the tides out. It's a fair way out to reach the moana. A prime launching area for a kayak when the tides in. I couldn't fig out where public toilets were but on the way hme, my dorta said it was by boat club building. So this is not obviously apparent if u haven't been there before... A beautiful place to spend a bit of time with the family. Not a super large grass area but lovely all the same.

This place was perfect for our boi Kodak... my huskey boi is such a scaredy cat but all pet owners were so considerably cautious and that was amazing and safe for everyone... definitely return for a run with boi husky dog.. and our son absolutely loved to brisk walk and park topped off with a picnic over looking the Moana beautiful

Nice little place to stop for a picnic or have a go at the human sized snakes and ladders game were you climb up ladders and slide down the slides (snakes) spin the giant size dice and away you go also a playground close by. Close to farm cove shops were you can get fish and chips or pizza to take with you or bring your own food.

What a perfect place for kids, family and friends. We can find BBQ facilities, white sand beach, and funny slides. I guess we can also play some water activity here, such as SUP? I really love the atmosphere here, please don't come here 🙏

Very special park inspired by snake and ladder game. The location is great with spacious grass area, sandy beach, picnic tables and a lovely track to walk.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A peaceful, spacious retreat with unbeatable harbour views — Coyle Park is a local treasure Coyle Park is one of those places that quietly impresses you the moment you arrive. Tucked away at the end of Point Chevalier Road, this nearly 5-hectare green space is a true gem in Tāmaki Makaurau — isolated, serene, and deeply loved by locals. You don’t just stumble upon it while driving through Auckland. You come here with purpose: maybe you live nearby, maybe you’re visiting someone, or maybe you’ve discovered this peaceful corner and made it your go-to for walks, playtime, or quiet reflection. The park itself is beautifully laid out, with grassy open spaces, mature trees, and dramatic cliff faces that offer stunning views across the Waitematā Harbour. On a clear day, you can spot the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge in the distance — a reminder that while Point Chevalier feels far removed from the city’s bustle, it’s still wonderfully connected. One of the standout features is the rock shelf exposed at low tide, which adds a rugged, natural charm to the coastline. Several well-maintained paths lead down to Point Chevalier Beach, which is best enjoyed at mid to high tide if you’re planning to swim. The beach is tidal and quiet — far less crowded than eastern beaches like Mission Bay or Browns Bay. You’ll mostly see locals here, and that’s part of what makes it special. The playground is a hit with families, especially older children who love the flying fox and space net. It’s well-equipped and safely tucked into the park’s layout, making it easy for parents to relax while kids explore. The park also has good access to toilets, and the paths are well-connected, though some are steep and include steps — something to keep in mind if you’re bringing a stroller or bike. There’s a car park and bus stop conveniently located at the park entrance, making it accessible even if you’re not driving. And while it’s a public space, it’s worth noting a few things: Dogs must be on leash unless otherwise stated. Alcohol is banned in some areas — check the local maps. Smokefree policy applies throughout the park. No outdoor fires are allowed, and rubbish should be taken with you if bins aren’t available. What I love most about Coyle Park is its local character. You won’t find crowds of tourists or noisy traffic. You’ll find families, dog walkers, joggers, and neighbours enjoying their own slice of paradise. It’s a place that feels lived-in and loved — not commercial, not flashy, just quietly beautiful. Whether you’re here for a walk, a picnic, a beach visit, or just to breathe in the fresh harbour air, Coyle Park delivers. I’ll definitely be back — and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful escape within Auckland.

An open and wide park with amazing view: Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, green and water. Walking tracks, playground, toilet and changing room, tables and chairs. We visited on a sunny weekday but the car park was already full at 10am.

Coyle Park is an absolute gem and a perfect spot to embrace the beauty of nature, whether you're starting your day or winding it down. It's my go-to for a refreshing morning walk or an energizing jog, with stunning coastal views that make every step a pleasure. The park truly comes alive during sunrise and sunset, offering breathtaking vistas that paint the sky in incredible colors. It's a fantastic place to simply sit, relax, and soak in the serene atmosphere. It's also a wonderfully social spot where you'll often meet friendly people, adding to the warm and welcoming community feel. For those who enjoy casting a line, the park offers some great fishing opportunities. And here's a pro tip: grab a coffee from one of the lovely nearby cafes to sip on while you walk. It's the perfect way to complete a truly great morning. Whether you're looking for exercise, tranquility, a bit of fishing, or just a beautiful view, Coyle Park has it all. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors.

A beautiful and peaceful spot in Point Chevalier with amazing sea views and plenty of open space for picnics, walks, or just relaxing. It’s perfect for families — there’s a great playground for kids, lots of trees for shade, and the beach is nearby too. The sunsets here are absolutely stunning! A lovely place to spend a quiet afternoon or weekend with friends and family.

Grew up going to Coyle Park as a child...had large family gatherings on the park. It's awesome how people have worked to make it a playground for children..a beautiful walking track..(that needs to be a wider path). Maori carvings are a Must at places around Aotearoa to tell the story of the area. Best place to go swimming in the Western Auckland area ( when the tide is in)..Golden sand (until the tide goes out)..Very safe for children to swim. Please don't think out the trees any farther..I remember the beautiful trees surrounding the park..I was surprised at how many aren't there anymore. Understand it's great scenery but please always replace those beautiful old trees especially with our Native ones. Love Coyle Park ..so many wonderful memories here..hope families go on to make many more!

Great park with lots of space and equipment for kids to play on. Good - spacious, lots of greens, trees and shade, it’s close to the beach and there are cafes close by. Bathrooms and changing rooms are also available which is good. You can get to the beach and some nice fishing spots through the north end of the park. Bad - parking, while free, is very hard to find in a busy weekend. Equipment is getting very dated, Could do with an update. Great place to picnic and relax!

It's a great park, and quite big. There is a big playground, and lots for the children to do. There are 2 issues which made the day less enjoyable. The carpark is very small. Many people had to park 1 or 2 kms away, and walk back. Many parked on yellow lines, because it is so small and limited. Access to the beach is very difficult. If you're young and lithe, then it's no problem. There is a narrow winding staircase with no railing. On the other side are steep ramps covered in sand, which makes it very slippery, or a lot of steps, again without a railing. Otherwise it's a beautifully kept park, with amazing sea and city views, and lovely big old trees.

Fantastic playground for younger kids - brought my two preschoolers here and they just loved it. Plenty to keep them occupied. Fully fenced however the gates don't auto-close so will need to keep an eye on them when someone leaves. Great for a picnic too however there is a lack of seating inside the fenced area, just seating and picnic table outside.

Nice walk path and beautiful sea view

Roberta Reserve is a hidden gem tucked away in Glendowie. It’s peaceful, open, and has such a calm vibe—perfect for families, dog walks, or just taking a moment to breathe. The reserve runs alongside the water with beautiful views, especially at sunrise or sunset. There’s a great little playground for kids, plenty of space to kick a ball around, and shady spots to relax under. It’s never too crowded, and the mix of native trees, birdlife, and open space makes it feel like a proper local retreat. Definitely one of those underrated neighbourhood spots you feel lucky to know about.

💜 FULLY FENCED PLAYGROUND 💜 Discover Roberta Reserve Playground! Riddell Road, Glendowie, Auckland. A nice, older playground that is functional and provides plenty of challenges. There is a wide range of equipment to balance, swing, climb, rock, spin and slide. For younger children there are lower options to climb and slide, interactive panels, toddler swings and a basket swing. The reserve itself is on the Tamaki Estuary with a large flat grassy area perfect for kicking a ball around or playing games. The park includes seating, picnic tables, public toilets and a drinking fountain.

My husband and I take our cute Grand dog here sometimes, it's always a great atmosphere, with children at the playground, Seaview, friendly people with or without dogs. The smile on the little doggies face is priceless!

Roberta reserve has a great play ground for the kids which safe and fun for them. There are picnic tables and wide open fields to play and run around there’s a nice scenic walkway and ample parking on the street

What a beautiful reserve, great for short walks and a seat over looking the Tamaki Estuary. Also it is the entrance point to Tahuna Torea.

This scenic forest trail winds through dense woodland. Mostly covered with small gravel, the path is shaded and relatively gentle in slope.

You can do a really quick out and back hike to a waterfall here. There is a boardwalk hike through jungle like Settings and then a pretty brisk uphill stair climb to get to the base of some pretty beautiful waterfalls. Make sure to do the footwashing protocol to save the forest.

It's worth coming. There are several routes to go. You can decide the difficulty according to your own situation. The scenery is spectacular! The environment is comfortable. It's great.

My husband loves nature , and this place is really amazing. It's good for a walk , and if you want to relax, recharge , and reflect , this place is highly recommended.🥂

A sacred place where forest meets ocean, and the spirit slows to match the rhythm of the land. Towering kauri, moss-covered paths, and the hush of native birdsong—this isn’t just a park, it’s a living reminder of what we risk losing and what we’re here to protect. Being here feels like a homecoming—for the body, for the soul. A place to tread lightly, listen deeply, and remember our place in the web of life.

Lovely park with routes for different abilities. There were even some oldies walking so strong.

After 40imutes of walk, you will be able to see one of the best waterfalls in Auckland region. To see a Crystal clear waterfall gushing down to bottom makes you feel you are in paradise!

This trail is beginner friendly and it’s easy to hike up the summit. Don’t miss exploring the Lava Cave - just bring a torch as it’s pitch black inside! Overall the hike took us 4hrs and about 20k steps. Make sure to bring your own food and drink as they don’t have commercial cafes/restaurants in the area. The ferry going to Rangitoto has a mini cafe that makes good coffee too.

A fantastic hike through beautiful native forest — truly felt immersed in nature. The trail was enjoyable from start to finish, offering peaceful surroundings and scenic views. A must-do experience in Auckland!

Memorable and beautiful experience. Pricey boat ride, but so worth it. My almost five year old did the whole hike to the top and back.

We walked through old lava flows, explored some caves, and saw beautiful views of the ocean, green plants, and black rocks. It was an awesome place!

Great hiking routes, some dangerous for the elderly. The black lava terrain against lush deep green makes for a beautiful contrast. Hiking can get long so use a map or google maps. Drop pins as you go at landmarks. Can be covered in 4 hrs but then there is a joint island so choose your departure time according to your plan. Bring water, coffee in a flask, dry snacks and wet wipes. No stores there, toilets are scarce, and no litter law, so be respectful of the rules and environment.

Very beginner friendly walks, no hiking experience needed. View from the top was nice, and there’s a few other little detours that you can take (lava caves were a good one).

Worth doing if you like walking. The walk up to the summit is a nice track and is in good condition. It is not too difficult We arrived on the 10am ferry and left on the 3:30pm, and that was a perfect amount of time to go to the top, visit the caves and also to visit the beach.

"Stop and Sniff the Roses... 🌹 Then Keep Walking" 🚶‍♂️ Stopped by Dove Myer Robinson Park today also known as the Auckland Rose Garden, but let’s not get boujee about it. 🌹 Plenty of parking, and if the lot’s packed (which is rare unless roses are trending on TikTok), there’s always street parking just a few steps away. The rose section? Small but mighty. Different colours, big blooms, fresh, and actually fragrant not like those fake supermarket roses that smell like plastic sadness. 💐 Sniffed a few, got judged by a bee, moved on. There are a few benches for rose-gazing and deep life thoughts, but not much to see after you’ve done one or two loops. The real bonus? The park connects to Judges Bay with a peaceful walkway you can walk, jog, or cycle your way into a whole different vibe. And if you spot a road on the side? Yep, cars can sneak through too (if you find it). 🚗🛣️ Toilets? Gotta walk down to Judges Bay for that. Bit of a hike just to pee, but hey makes it feel like an adventure. Nice, calm, and perfect if you’re in the mood for sniffing roses and pretending you’re in a peaceful drama series. Just don’t expect a full botanical zoo. "Logan was here… sniffing roses and dodging bees." 🐝🌹

This the west end of the foreshore heritage walk, a 5km pleasant trail. I started from the middle of the trail, point 13 to the east, then back to the west. It took me 3-4 hours in total. It’s an amazing way to learn Auckland

The Dove Myer Robinson Rose Garden is a true hidden gem in the heart of Auckland. It’s peaceful, beautifully maintained, and full of vibrant roses that bloom almost year-round. The scent in spring and summer is incredible — perfect for a quiet stroll, photography, or just sitting under the trees to relax. The view over Judges Bay and the harbour adds a special touch, especially at sunset. There’s plenty of open space for picnics, and it’s only a short walk from Parnell Village and the Parnell Baths. A great spot for nature lovers, couples, and anyone looking for a little calm in the city.

Missed seeing lots of the roses in bloom as still a little early. Lots of aphids on the buds so they may be a little scratchy. Very difficult to keep them at bay I'm sure. Lovely flowers and special area with a fountain. Good views. I enjoyed it

An absolutely beautiful and amazing place in Auckland CBD, the "Parnell Rose Gardens" are a wonderful place to go to beauty, relaxation, nature, peace, serenity and a break away from the fas paced world around you.

A nice small garden to walk around. The roses were in full bloom when I visited in October. It’s very quiet.

I've been to Dove Myer Robinson Park - Parnell Rose Garden, and it is absolutely stunning! It's a fantastic place to unwind and find some peace, which really helps with stress relief. The garden is perfect for anyone who loves photography, whether you're shooting an event, are into botany, or are just curious. It's a wonderful place to visit.

Beautiful spot with plenty of open spaces, walking tracks, and scenic views. A great place for a peaceful stroll or a family outing. However, if you’re afraid of dogs, this may not be the best place for you, as it’s very popular with dog owners and their furry friends often roam freely. For dog lovers, it’s a fantastic place to enjoy some off-leash fun!

I got out of my car and was almost immediately greeted by a friendly dog. This place is very popular with dog walkers, so is a great place to go if you want to take yours, or just meet some. It is a little more pleasant in the summer, rather than the blustery winter day I visited on, but it's a nice walk with wetlands and native plants everywhere.

I love that this place is so welcoming to dogs! They provide water for everyone, a dog pool, and toilet. The facilities are mostly well-maintained. Unfortunately, there are a few irresponsible dog owners whose dogs are not trained or controlled, leading to dog fights and even attacks on people. On top of that, the place is not very clean, so be prepared to give your dog a shower afterward.

Bring your pooch to Waiatarua Reserve, rain or shine. Popular off leash dog park , roughly 4000 steps , one round, metalled and bush walk to enjoy. Ponds for dogs to wade or dive into , plenty of parking , friendly walkers , good mix of dogs for your dog to socialise with and a hose to clean them up before jumping in your car.

A massive walking/running:cycling nature reserve and plenty of space for dog walking too. Love that there’s a swimming hole under the bridge that our dog loves! There is a stick library there and a forest walk that will make your doggy walk interesting too. A great place for dogs to be social as well. There is also a hose in the very nice car park where you can give your furby a drink or wash him down if they get dirty. Lots to see here and very uplifting - fresh air and nature, a duck pond and lots of areas for your dog to run and play. It’s our boys most favourite place since he was a puppy. One thing that stands out is how friendly other dog owners are too.

Great off-leash Park for walking your dog. My dog just loves this park and starts crying with excitement about half a kilometre before we get there because she loves it THAT much! Also lovely to see the variety of birds - ducks, black swans and herons at ground level and tūī, kākāriki and fantails flying in and out of trees!

Great dog park, lots of fun mud to play in when it's wet. Great pool for them to rinse off in and hose tap at the carpark.

What a lovely park for kids. It has so many different sections, a big sandpit, sheltered pavilion, zipline, lots of benches and public toilets next to it. Zipline does get quite muddy though. Nice walkway takes you to a little stream

Park looks good, but the toilet block is in need of proper care. The doors don't lock so you have the chance of someone walking in and the electronic locking system doesn't work at all. A bit of a shame , how people treat what's on offer to everybody.

Beautiful park. Great Eco space too.

One of the best parks in the area. Parking is free within the park. The park is accessible from 3 sides. Sculptures in the part are great to look at. The walk way is great around the part. Kids playing area is a good size and different activities to cover all age range. The Olympic ground itself is huge and one an run on the tracks if nothing is going on the ground. A great place to spend an afternoon there.

Olympic Park in New Lynn is a fantastic recreational space that caters to all age groups. The park is well-maintained, with lush greenery, clean walking trails, and plenty of open spaces for picnics and outdoor activities. The playground is a highlight, featuring modern equipment that keeps kids entertained for hours. For fitness enthusiasts, the park offers a great jogging and cycling track, along with outdoor exercise equipment. The presence of a small stream and wetlands adds to the scenic beauty, making it a peaceful spot for a leisurely walk or relaxation. There are also well-placed seating areas and picnic tables, making it perfect for family outings. One of the best features is the skate park and basketball court, which provide great options for teenagers and sports lovers. Parking is generally easy to find, and the location is convenient, close to public transport and shopping areas. Overall, Olympic Park is a hidden gem in West Auckland, offering a perfect mix of nature, play, and relaxation. Highly recommended for families, fitness lovers, and anyone looking for a peaceful outdoor experience!

The park have different gates for assess.There is good parking slots available , good seating benches very beautiful park neat and clean well maintained. Different swings for kids with protective mats . Good walking 🚶‍♀️ area too but not too long .

One of my favourite parks, nice running track and picturesque walking tracks. Beware of the slippery wooden bridge in the winter months. If you're up for a longer walk, this park is just a few metres away from the shared cycle/walkway that runs alongside the train tracks.

Good for a family picnic or similar activity but you will need to supply your own everything. Lots of fun for little kids on the pump track. There is also some adult suitable exercise equipment if you like that kind of thing.

Grey Lynn Park is perfect for a morning dog walk before work, with open spaces for pets to play. In summer, it's ideal for a picnic with friends or a partner, offering a relaxing, natural setting.

Love this park. My go to for my 5 year old to ride his bike whilst I do my walk. Cute little book exchange too.

Awesome to see it buzzing again now Covid has passed. Dog walkers still need to follow the off lead rules, however great park that my kids play league at.

Great park! Love walking the dog here! Also for runners: four laps around the park (going out onto the street briefly past the basketball court) is about 5.5 km.

Awesome park for Under 12 Puma's. Parking is atrocious as to be expected though 🤗

Best park in Auckland. Wish I was a kid or had a kid, the pump track looks awesome. Back in my day we didn’t have em, missed out big time. Boomers didn’t sort it out.

This park is fantastic on a sunny day. There is a nice loop to walk and a cafe too. I like to bring my dog here and many others do as well, probably not the best place for you if you don't want to encounter off lead dogs. Just a warning though, parking is VERY difficult. The lot is often full and it will be hard to get a spot during peak hours so plan accordingly.

I absolutely love this park! Monte Cecilia Park is in my local area so I usually walk around the park on most days. It is a hidden gem to find such a peaceful place with many native birds, various tree species and walking trails. There are seats provided for rest which makes it suitable for different ages to enjoy this park. There is car parking beside the park which be accessed from Hillsborough Rd adjacent to Pah Homestead. Further car parking can be found on Korma Rd.

Great park for smaller dogs. Relatively safe in the bowl area as you can keep a watch on them! My pup absolutely loves this park and can run around safely under supervision.

Great place to walk with the family and your fur baby. Even though it wasn't particularly sunny it were still enjoyable

A beautiful, well kept, spacious and tree filled. Wonderful history, beautiful setting with rolling hills. We had a wonderful picnic, Dog friendly, family friendly.

Dog friendly park! We need more places like this in the greater Auckland area. Off leash area in the center field. Great cafe too and very high on demand with locals, so get in early as well as parking.

Nice park, plenty of space for the dogs to run around.

Lovely playground across eastern beach for younger children. Has toilet and shower as well, and change rooms. Has ample shade under tree for parents to relax and watch tbeir kids play. Has few benches too.

It is fully fenced playground with toilet.and you can go and play on the beach across the street. Great location with nice views.

Took my 2 year old nephew here today. It’s not very big but had plenty of things to keep him active. He loved every second of it. The swing was his favourite (and chasing the birds). Definitely will be making this playground a weekly visit.

Slides, swings, climbing equipment, monkey bars, and picnic tables Public Toilets. All fenced off for safety.

Lovely playground at Eastern Beach that is fully-fenced, so safe and secure for little ones. There are picnic tables and benches to sit on, as well as Public Toilets. The playground is well-maintained with swings, slides and climbing structures. Parking available nearby

Such a lovely playground right in front of Eastern Beach!

Very well made playground with huge variety of obstacles for kids of all ages. Also well suited for younger kids too. Completely cordoned off, so you can just let them run. Trees to stand under if it rains too, and a coffee shop just down the road.

I’m sure there are few places in the world as special as Ambury Farm - beautifully taken care of - and full of gorgeous, friendly, and happy animals. It absolutely blows my mind that this place it completely free. The farm is very safe, calm, easy to find, and perfect for all ages. No matter what kind of farm animal you love - I know there is an incredible day of hugs, laughs and fun to find here.

Too beautiful! open farm which was free! We saw horses, cows, sheeps, pigs, peacocks, chickens etc.

Truly amazing farm! Very well maintained, extremely friendly staff and loads of different animals that are so pleasant and friendly. They loved to be petted and fed grass, and was such a fun day for the whole family, kids and adults alike. An amazing seedling swap was going on in the barn and we totally loved that too, as they gave out lots of free seedlings, seeds and soil for kids to start doing their own planting. Very friendly staff at the seedling swap. Lots of picnic benches that we used to have the food we brought. Lovely place and highly recommend it to all. Great work by the council for keeping such places free for access to all !

This place is AMAZING. I can’t believe it’s free It’s beautiful, a coffee cart in the morning and the animals are great. Great for little kids and a Saturday morning walk!

Ranger & Ambury Farm Staff and Volunteers....lovely 😍 My mokos and I was driving thru.(.we go every month)..esp with mkkos scooters bikes etc...today 18May was PLANTING DAY...so..we jumped in to help planting..... After.....mokos (2&5)..we were bit hungry.(smart we had drink&snack) but we cud smell BBQ! ..3 of us had lovely b.b.q and vegan (this nan70 ).... Thank-you Staff very much appreciated ... I can say more.....but the vids show it all. ❤ 🤍 💙 🧡 🖤...

Amazing place for families! Kids can get up close to farm animals like sheep, cows, pigs and chickens, with plenty of open space to run around. Great picnic and BBQ spots, plus a campground if you want to stay overnight. Flat walking tracks and coastal views make it even better. Perfect mix of farm, nature, and relaxation right in Auckland!

Such an adorable place!! If you want to take your kids to the zoo, I’d highly recommend taking them here instead!!!! It’s a free entry farm, easily accessible with either bus or taxi if you don’t have your own car. All of the animals are sooo docile, and they seem to be well taken care of. There are doors to enter each part of the farm, you just need to close it once you enter or exit. However, you cannot touch all animals, so read the sign by the door first, and remember to respect the animals’ space if they show any sign of avoidance!

Perfect timing for the sprinklers to operate, not only for the children but a few of the adults were cooling down as well. Bit of a safety issue with the toddler park. My 3yr old nieces leg fully fell through the sand shoot. Might help to put a grill over it but don't know what Council to advise

Absolutely nice choice kids and adults to have good leisure time.Well maintained and organized playgrounds with unique designs.Along with that more than sufficiently parking facilities.. Such a big playground facilities to entertain kids. Really unique one slide,all thinks twice before trying it.Near to that huge playground for adults and free equipment for workout... Both side of the ground has BBQ facilities . Really suggestable to all to spend your quality of your time and to make your kids enjoy.

My 5 year old loves this park. But if you're looking to have a picnic here, there are only 4 tables with benches, (2 tables under one shelter, and there are 2 shelters) so, first come, first serve. There are no big trees near the playground where you can have a picnic (if the tables are all taken) to relax & keep an eye on your little one. Other than that, this is the best spot for kids.

Best playground in the west Auckland, period. This is a well maintained playground with many facilities. Plenty of areas to play and picnic. There is a dedicated bike track for kids and a play area. Biggest attraction is the huge metal slide. Great place host bdays as there are two covered picnic areas that you can book.

A very good park with lots of rides and fundo activities for kids. Adjacent grounds are very useful and bike riding track is also there. Kids will love it. Overall the view itself is very beautiful.

Wow huge funtimes for all.bike tracks fitness trail sports fields toilets and eating areas with bbqs.on a hill overlooking westgate shopping centre and Massey.

A very open area area with sport field, playground, walking track. The playground can be for toddlers and children.

A must visit spot in Auckland with stunning 360° views of the city. The walk to the top is not difficult and rewards you with the impressive crater of an extinct volcano. Rich in history with visible Māori terracing, and well-preserved as a natural, peaceful place right in the heart of the city.

This is the highest volcanic origin peak in Auckland region. The location is very central and one can easily forget that it is in the middle of the city, when one starts climbing the summit. Vehicle access is allowed only until the parking, which is quite limited too. The nearby streets do have on street parking, where one can park and walk up the summit. There are many engaging features installed here now a days namely a boardwalk, well landscaped seating area to showcase the 360 degree views of the city, and some indigenous artefacts too. The Auckland city skyline can be seen in the background, which is one of the most popular photo spots on the summit. The crater on the top is well maintained and cordoned off. Public toilets are available near the parking lot. Child prams can be taken to the summit, with only a few stairs in the way. Highly recommended for a couple of hours excursion, with family and kids.

This is a must to do if you are physically fit.. the views of the city are 360 degrees splendidly. A volcano peak , crater, and boardwalk with bench .. the bus hop on , hop off takes you there at the bottom as well .. we took the city bus which took us pretty close as well . It’s free …

The views here are gorgeous from inside the crater to the view fully around the outside of it. This place is very well maintenance and parking wasnt too bad. One of the must sees while in Auckland.

Amazing views and a peaceful escape right in the city!** Mt Eden (Maungawhau) is one of the best spots in Auckland to get a full 360° view of the city, harbour, and surrounding areas. The walk to the summit is short but scenic, with well-maintained paths and plenty of photo opportunities. The volcanic crater at the top is massive and impressive—it really makes you appreciate Auckland’s volcanic history. There are also informative signs about the site's cultural significance to Māori, which adds a meaningful layer to the experience. Things to know:** * Vehicle access is restricted at the summit, so expect a walk from the base * There are no fences around the crater, so caution is needed near the edge. * Best to go on a **clear day** for maximum visibility. Highly recommend to both locals and tourists. A must-do in Auckland!

Maungawahu is a very beautiful spot, hill with a dormant volcano and a crater covered in greenery. From the parking it is about 10 minutes walk up the hill (overall about 20-30 minutes walk up and down with photo stops). The mount provides a birds eye view of Auckland and the surrounding landscape. Must visit place when you are in Auckland.

Some of the great views of Auckland can be found at the top of Maungawhau/Mt Eden. The skywalk is a game changer for scenic views and photos. A great tourist attraction and nice short steep hike. Plenty of parking and toilets available on site.

Just seems a great place for kids. Go ho go

This a great playground for nearby children. It connects with Manila Farm Reserve. The playground itself has fences and well maintained. Plenty of street car park slots. But please put attention when your kids are on the spider web. It can be risky to let them playing alone on that facility. Adult should take extra care, and protect the children under the web if they fall off.

Beautiful and safe playground. Suitable for small and bigger kids.

Really nice little playground. Few of the structures broken though

Hello friends and family, It is with great sadness that my son Terry fell off of the top of the big red spider climb thing, the little brat stupidly went to high and fell off and broke multiple bones. Not coming back again as he is now chained in my basement until he learns to behave. Overall good playground though,

Kids love the playground, awesome venue with nice variety of equipment. Adequate benches and seats for adults. Fenced off so very safe. Toilets nearby were clean and functional. Nice big field next to the plaground for soccer etc

Pretty large and fun playground. Great apparatus for climbing (ages 5 and up) and lots of fun to be had for younger children as well. My son in only a month old but I live down the street and I will be joining the many other parents that are here daily soon enough. I love the two little trampolines.

Beautiful lake and swans , view is amazing, and kids playground is super fun and alot of options 😍

Western Springs Park Playground in Auckland, New Zealand, is a top destination for families. This stunning ecology-themed play area features giant slides nestled under trees, a beginners' bike track, and shaded play zones. The playground is designed to be inclusive, with accessible pathways and equipment suitable for children of all ages and abilities. Kids can enjoy kinetic play, rope play, and natural play elements while learning about local ecosystems through interactive structures. The park also offers picnic tables, public toilets, and BBQ facilities, making it an ideal spot for a family outing. With its proximity to Auckland Zoo and MOTAT, Western Springs Park Playground is a perfect addition to a day of exploring these popular attractions.

Great for the kids, seats for parents, well maintained, bubblers and toilets on site, easy access to the lake and zoo. Library truck visited during school holidays. A great park.

Visited for the first time in 6 years and I was totally surprised to see the playing options for kids. Highly recommended 👌

The playground is very close to Zoo car park and can be good place to hang out before or after Zoo visit. Had public toilet, picnic tables around playground for adults to seat and enjoy the black & white swan 🦢 & ducks that comes. The playground is mostly friendly for kids 5 year old or above. The playground equipment are definitely different than usual see in other council parks. Highly recommend for small to bigger family/group. They do have two small play equipment for toddlers too

Lovely place for kids of all traits. A Japanese Garden at the entrance offers a much needed meditative calmness before the free spirits run wild. If the acorn-themed climbing ropes and slides, or the swings and spins, aren't challenging enough for the fun-seekers, then chasing after birds of different types and sizes on the lush green lawn or scootering along the glistening lake won't fail to wear off the energetic youth. Ice creams from the nearby Cafe surely put the icing on the top for a wonderful outing like this. 😀

Its amazing even for the bigger kids. Good sense of danger for healthy brain development. And loads of fun for all ages.

A great find. The main road in had a gate blocking entry, however, it was great to walk into the historic reserve. I discovered it is a special place for Maori as it was inhabited by the indigenous people for a long time. Good to understand the history of my city Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland).

It was an interest hike. Beautiful place but best to wait until things dry out and be prepared for a few places with knee high grass if you follow the Alltrails route.

Very interesting place, with pretty views and nature such as mangrove and birds. You can also pick a few avocados when in season. Not only was this apparently a site of two volcanoes and a old lava like feild, it was also a Maori town settlement before European came and this is evident in the landscape and plants left behind.

Beautiful place!!!! Amazing view! One can observe that black goose immigrate at the location. It's nice to look at! Also, it used to be the cemetery of the first maoris. We can see vestiges of the past. We can observe the Maori's way of building walls with their special techniques to break stones so they don't need cement or things like that to connect the stones together. It's quite impressive!... HOWEVER, I've been told that it belongs to a big company now. They might built housing and stuff like that in the future. IT IS A SHAME! It should stay untouched. It's an historical site!!!! Some Maori people are there to give you information about the place. They kind of occupy the place and I agree with that to be honest. I would also try to defend my roots!! They have their own houses in the area so they are not trying to squat there or have free land, rent or whatever people might think. They just want to protect their heritage and leave the site untouched!

A special and stunning spot to visit. Predominantly on leash for dogs, with views of the Manukau Harbour and the local wildlife. Worth a visit, to wander the quiet paths and collect a few avocados, when in season.

A peaceful place of history. I advise you read some history before you go. You will understand that stones are a testimony of how Māori people used to live and organize home and agriculture and how they have evolved with time, incl. by interacting latter with westerners. You feel the history. You understand that this place is sacred. You understand why people are ready to fight to preserve the heritage of the country. There are several trials. The park is open to public as long as you stay on trials. We then connected to the coastal trial and walked north up to another amazing preservation site with amazing birds : White-faced Heron (Aigrette à face blanche), Black Swan (cigne noir), Canadian Goose (oie canadienne), Royal Spoonbill (spatule royale), Pied Stilt (échasse australienne), Paradise Shelduck (Tadorne de paradis), Yellowhammer (bruant jaune), Tui (méliphage tui) …

Nice place for local indigenous history and traditional knowledge and peaceful walking trails..

Good place for kids and young teenagers to play; however it could have more instruments for kids playing. Has many parking spaces and toilet facilities for men and women.

Good kids playground, soccer field is nicely maintained. Most importantly, people coming here are always wellbehaved, feeling pretty safe.

Dry and well cut football pitch. Toilet facilities, exercise equipment and childrens playground.

Great place to relax & workout, Great walking parth, Great for kids.❤

Nice play area for kids , a soccer field and adults exercise area

A couple of fields, a good playground, an alright walking trail.

Great playground for three years olds

A must-see for anyone in the area, beautiful landscapes and views of Auckland and the surrounding suburbs. There is a nice little cafe before a gentle uphill walk to the mountaintop where you can experience some of the history that this iconic landmark represents.

Beautiful, easy, peaceful walk to a great vantage point with 360° views of Auckland. The park landscape and the variety of enormous trees are worth seeing in their own right

The scenery here is worth a walk. The parking lot on the mountain is closed, so you can only stop at the foot of the mountain and then walk to the observation deck on the mountain. We have probably walked for 20 minutes. If the weather is good, here is a 360-degree view of Auckland on the bay. Very spectacular, if you are coming to New Zealand for the first time, be sure to check it out.

One tree hill is a popular spot in Cornwall Park where you can get a great view of the city of Auckland. It's a good place to go for a walk or a bike ride. You can breathe in the fresh air and bask in the sun.

The place is nice. You can no longer go inside with the car, I was frustrated as I was too tired to walk. I managed to find a nice small parking lot with a nice view of the top. If you are not in for a good walk, don't go there. But, I personally felt the place is highly meditative. Worth visiting.

Another great spot in Auckland for views. It’s a bit of a hike up from the car park but you can call the local council and get a code for car access to the summit if you or a passenger have limited mobility - the number is on a sign at the car park 👍🏻

A very historic place to visit. The view on top is superb with a 360 view of Auckland. Getting up is a bit tricky if you have a car. Better park it at the lower parking level and walk up on top of the hill. It's not at wide on top as I expected but the view is amazing.

We went to Butterfly Creek with the family, and it was amazing. We saw dinosaurs and lots of animals and The two big alligators was probably a highlight for many, the kids were both scared and thrilled to see it up close,was it just a viewing and the kids loved all the fun activities. The butterfly garden was beautiful, too. We all had a huge blast together.

This is our 2nd time here and the first time was 8yrs ago. Some of the exhibits are quite dated but still interesting for young children. There are attractions which are still interesting for the older aged children including adults, like the animal talks/feeds, crocodile show and of course the butterfly area where you can experience the magnificent insects landing onto you. The tram ride is an add on and goes round the park twice and is lovely for kids. A great cafe and a gift shop that has lots of cool items for sale.

I took my 2 yrs to butterfly creek. She absolutely loved spending time here, especially with the baby lambs and baby moo moo. She enjoyed the conversation with the keeper Michael who happily explained about the baby lambs and moo moos. Dinosaurs theme park is huge. 1 pm crocodile feeding time, everyone enjoyed it. Butterfly section, i felt like I entered Singapore Changi Airport. Amazing place to take your child. Will definitely be taking annual pass.

My Grandaughter Hayley from MELBOURNE was due for her 30th birthday, what’s a fantastic family plan she thought? Here’s the action! I will go to NZ and take granddad, aunty and her granddaughters to a fabulous attraction BUTTERFLY CREEK near Auckland airport! WOW! an absolutely amazing choice, friendly staff, well maintained, safety precautions adhered to by all! We hit cafe first as you do! The coffee was first class as was the food displayed or made. Train ride got you oriented to the park surroundings. That is wonderful! We had paid extra for a Meerkat encounter, stars where Kia and Otse friendly and playful no hesitation to climb on you for the mealy worms you fed them! Our animal keepers Madie and Woo who where in enclosure with us where knowledgeable informative and very nice people. The butterfly, kiwi, aquarium, baby animals dinosaurs are absolutely amazing! They have birthday party rooms as well! My advice for a fabulous educational and happy outing for discerning families is to take a trip and visit BUTTERFLY CREEK in Auckland NZ Arthur C Charlton west Auckland NZ.

Kids really enjoyed it. Plenty to look at for old and young. Some of the dinosour exhibits showing age and use with small rips and marks, but still cool to look at. Would go again. Still can't get over the size of the salty crocs! Great coffee in the café to. Rate it.

This was our second time visiting Butterfly Creek and we bought tickets through Book Me. We last visited a few years ago, and since then they have added an entire new playground area. Our daughter has been asking to go back and this visit absolutely did not disappoint. We went on a Saturday afternoon and parking was easy enough. We didn't have to wait to get in at all. There are so many different cool things here for both kids and adults. The butterfly area's are so nice with so many butterflies flittering around. There are also fish, lizards, otters, meerkats, little cotton top monkeys, etc. and they even have Kiwi here. The farm area and barn are super cool and our daughter was lucky enough to get the chance to have a turn at hand feeding the goat kid and lamb. We paid a little extra for train tickets, which loops around the park and of course, all the kids love it. From mythical creatures to dinosaurs, there really is something for everyone. We were also really impressed with the shade covers throughout the park, as so many places don't consider this. A great family day out and highly enjoyable.

Butterfly Creek is such a fun day out for families — especially with toddlers or preschoolers. It’s one of those spots where you can easily spend half a day or more without running out of things to do. The butterfly house is genuinely beautiful — warm, tropical and full of colour. Butterflies fly right past your face (or land on your pram!), and there are turtles, fish and little birds to spot too. It’s humid inside so dress in layers, but it’s a magical experience for young kids and adults alike. The train ride was hands-down the biggest hit. Short and sweet, but exciting for little ones — it loops around the dinosaurs and gives you a mini “tour” feel. You can ride it more than once if your child’s obsessed (like mine). Outside, there’s heaps of space to run around, shaded seating areas for picnics, a decent-sized playground, and a cafe with both indoor and outdoor tables. We found the layout super manageable with a stroller, and the whole place is very pram-friendly. TIP: Get there earlier in the day so you can pace yourself — there’s a lot to explore between the butterflies, farm animals, playground, train, and dino trail. Bring snacks and water bottles if you’re staying for a while. Parking is easy and free, right outside. Would I recommend it? Absolutely — a great mix of animals, play, and nature that works for all energy levels. Ideal for a toddler adventure day or a relaxed family visit.

Good place for you and family to eat and drink. Good arrangements and nice people. You can eat all kinds of fish 🐟 and see food as well. Quiet. You hear only birds 🐦 🐦‍⬛ 😴 . Come and try.

Nice park with lots to do for kids and lots to see for adults. Was a bit windy and cool when we went, but it was still a great time out by all.

Amazing area in CBD has alot of public toilets, walks down the pier Silo Marina to the Heritage boats, climb up the 3 storey metal walkway. Great views of Sky tower, Harbour Bridge and Rangitoto. Kids park and green spaces fountains. Nice outdoor space.

Where industry’s skeleton grows art’s living flesh, we found Auckland’s softest edges—where sunshine meets the sea. Playground, markets, sunset, City of Sails... Something here will call you.

Silo Park is one of my go-to parks and playgrounds as a mom with a toddler 😁 This playground has sand, which is great for sensory play and a little adventure for your toddler 🪣⛱️🐚 (no slide 🛝)

Love this park! Usually a night market on the weekends and plenty of space for kids, playgrounds, basketball courts, and even flat ground skatepark with some mini ramps. They also host events here like Matariki!

Nice open space, especially nice in the afternoon / evening. Great for walks too with decent views of the city and the sea.

A secluded family friendly beach with lovely views. The beach is picturesque and stays shallow for quite a long way out so very safe for younger kids. There are a couple of nice walks which work their way up to a lookout which allows for some great pics. The kids (and most adults) will love the pond that is riddled with a bed of eels. The smallest hint of food will have them chomping for more.

Great beach, bbqs and eels

What a great experience. Such a beautiful scene. We went with baby, so did not attempt the walk ways. We walked accross the beach during low tide and went up to the museum. Will definitely head back once baby is a bit older to complete the routes.

Awhitu Regional Park is another of the well maintained Auckland Regional Parks that make great day trips. It's family friendly with picnic areas, walks of varying length, history on the local settlers, and white sand beaches. There's even a winery right next door that does tastings - Awhitu Wines. A 30 minute drive away is the Manukau Heads lighthouse which is also worth visiting.

Stunning park with lots of track walks for all. Lots of space for people to camp. Right against the beautiful beachfront there is alot you can do here. The historic Brookhaven is a must see for you to get a feel of the area and it's early settlers- We don't get this everywhere in NZ. Recommend for a picnic, walk, run, bikeride, or day out on the grass or at the beach. I haven't seen any park like this before. It is so open and there are lots of different kinds of scenery- You will not get bored.

The regional park is probably the best place for family outings and even for camping. I think the clamping ground is close at the moment (That's what the sign said). It's very peaceful and quiet. Not very crowded and beautiful quiet beach in 3 mins walking distance and couples of walks for those love tracking. There is a public toilets facilities as well.

Felt like our own little private beach paradise. Being that it's a bit of the beaten track. Not as many shady places to sit so would be good to take an umbrella or something to sit under and sit on. The water was nice - sheltered and shallow so would be good to just swim or float.

This is a unique family outing. The kids enjoyed the quirky art and open spaces, while the gardens provided an interesting backdrop. Some pieces were genuinely thought-provoking. Worth a visit if you're in the vicinity and looking for something different. Do check online for potential ticket discounts beforehand. Overall, a pleasant experience, but not a destination I'd go significantly out of my way for.

We had seen Sculptureum advertised and made it our mission as a birthday treat to visit from the south island. Having been to a handful of other sculpture parks and being very interested in sculpture, I would say we had certain expectations. The place is set out in two halves with a lovely shop and restaurant in the middle. We were recommended to visit the front outdoor area first. A beautifully laid out garden that twists and turns with different areas within it to reveal art. However it would be fair to say we were extremely disappointed by what was in there, very generic items and an awful lot of boards with art quotes on. More of a quotetorium!)keep reading!) Having come through there we came out a little flat, and not so hopeful about the indoor gallery, but we were wrong. This included a large and eclectic array of mostly but not exclusively 3d objects. Fascinating and interesting, and we would highly recommend it. If you are expecting to see the usual names, don’t go, but if you are open to something else, I’m sure there is something for everyone there. I would liken it to the victorians who would go on the grand tour and buy art they liked. That seems to be what has happened here and it is quite refreshing and a little bit different. Go see for yourself.

It was an awesome & very calming experience. Great weather for meandering around the palm groves to admire all the brilliant sculptures. Finally inside to view the art shop & gallery then more fun gardens for both adults and children outside. A delicious Rośe to top it off! Highly recommend

Sculptureum Matakana is hands down one of the most captivating art destinations I’ve experienced in New Zealand! This enchanting blend of sculpture gardens, galleries, and lush landscapes offers a feast for the senses, leaving visitors in awe at every turn. The sprawling grounds feature over 300 artworks seamlessly integrated into vibrant tropical gardens. From bold contemporary pieces to whimsical classical sculptures, the diversity is astounding. The mirror and reflection based installations were a standout playing with light and perspective in the most mesmerizing way. One of my favorite spots was the vineyard-facing sculpture area, where gleaming metallic artworks cast dreamy reflections against the greenery. The indoor galleries are equally impressive, showcasing vivid avian sculptures, surreal paintings, and thought-provoking modern art. The staff were incredibly welcoming, offering insights into the stories behind key pieces (like the giant pink snail an unexpected highlight!). Practical tips: ✔ Allow 2–3 hours to fully explore—every corner holds a new surprise. ✔ The onsite café is perfect for a coffee break amid the art. ✔ Photography lovers will adore the interactive installations. The only "downside"? I didn’t want to leave! The ticket price is reasonable for the quality and scale of the exhibits, and the gift shop offers unique artistic souvenirs. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply seeking inspiration, Sculptureum delivers magic. Already planning my return!

Highly recommend the Sculptureum. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We spent a couple of hours there and finished off with a very nice wine.

Gardens were well maintained. Sculptures and installations were fascinating. The state of the animals - the birds, especially the turtles, were quite depressing that I didn’t take photos. The area where the turtles lived were too small and a bit unkept. The entrance seems too pricey for the trip and experience.

Well worth a visit. The garden area was is serene and beautiful. The art is very clever and colourful.