Visit Auckland's regional and city parks

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.