Hike, bike, kayak or pack a picnic and bowls set for a day out at one of Auckland’s parks. The perfect way to see the diversity and beauty of our landscape.

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland isn't short on a park or two - the perfect mix of urban and nature! Take a stroll across rolling grasslands or trek through dense native rainforest. Soak up the views from a rugged clifftop or settle in for a picnic on a golden-sand beach. Here are our top picks, so pack your jandals/flip flops/thongs or your hiking boots plus a picnic, and get out and explore Auckland's natural side!

Regional parks
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Ambury Regional Park

Ambury is a working farm, so it’s popular with families keen to get up close to the animals. Afterwards, take the short Lost Gardens Walk to see remnants of early Māori stone mounds once used for gardening. 

Āwhitu Regional Park

An hour’s drive from the city centre, Āwhitu makes a great day trip, with two tranquil white-sand beaches, sheltered picnic and barbecue spots, and a number of walking, mountain biking and horse riding tracks. 

Duder Regional Park

Add this to your itinerary if you’re taking a day trip to Clevedon or Whitford in Auckland’s east. The park has several beaches with safe swimming and a number of walks and mountain biking tracks with superb coastal views. 

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Hunua Ranges Regional Park

The largest native forest in the Auckland region, Hunua is home to thriving native wildlife, beautiful waterfalls and more than 450 species of plants. Choose one of the many walks, ranging from easy to challenging, and don’t miss the Hunua Falls.

Long Bay Regional Park

Get out on the water for kayaking or swimming, then chill out in the shade with a picnic, throw a ball around, or book a barbecue site if you’ve got a big group (early bookings are advised in summer). The playground’s an added bonus, complete with flying fox.

Shakespear Regional Park

As well as Shakespear’s sheltered family-friendly beaches, it’s a great spot for fishing, kayaking and boating, and the walking tracks reward you with some amazing views. A sanctuary for threatened native wildlife makes it great for bird watching.

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Waitākere Ranges Regional Park

The Waitākere Ranges is a weekend favourite with Aucklanders. There's everything from waterfalls, hikes through native forest and rugged clifftops with views for days. Drop in at the Arataki Visitor Centre for information on hikes, learn about the flora and fauna and check out the epic view across the ranges and out to the coast.

Tāwharanui Regional Park

Tāwharanui is one of the best places to see New Zealand’s natural beauty. Do as much or as little as you like – swimming, surfing, snorkelling and diving at Anchor Bay, a stroll on the soft white sand, mountain biking or walking. Stay overnight in the park's campground and wake up to a sunrise over the beach - book up early in the summer months as it's a popular spot!

City parks
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Albert Park

Central Auckland's Albert Park is a great spot for a lunchtime picnic, evening stroll or wiling away an afternoon under a tree with a good book. With its fountain, pretty gardens and outdoor events, festivals and art exhibitions it's a popular park for locals and visitors.

Cornwall Park

Close to the city centre, Cornwall Park is the perfect day out. Walk up One Tree Hill – Maungakiekie, one of Auckland’s 48 volcanic cones and a significant cultural and historical site. Perfect for a walk and a picnic or stop in for lunch at the café.

Auckland Domain

Built on an extinct volcanic crater, take a stroll through native bush trails, wide-open fields or one of the gardens at Auckland’s oldest park. Have a picnic under a tree, visit Auckland War Memorial Museum and see the exotic plants and flowers at the Wintergardens.  

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Bastion Point

A short drive or scenic walk along the waterfront from downtown Auckland, this park is the spot for gorgeous views of the Hauraki Gulf. The beautifully manicured gardens and memorial are a tribute to Michael Joseph Savage, New Zealand’s first Labour Prime Minister. 

Western Springs Park

Bordering both the Auckland Zoo and the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), this is the perfect place for a walk or a picnic. Watch the swans and ducks on the lake and roaming around the open lawns too, walk or cycle the snaking paths, head to an event at Western Springs Stadium or watch a race at the Speedway.

Find these parks on the map

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Western Springs Park

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Albert Park

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Bastion Point

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Hunua Ranges Regional Park

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Waitākere Ranges Regional Park

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Long Bay Regional Park

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Shakespear Regional Park

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Tāwharanui Regional Park

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Ambury Regional Park

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Duder Regional Park

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Āwhitu Regional Park

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Cornwall Park

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Auckland Domain