Sprawling over green hills and dormant volcanoes around a scenic bay, Auckland is packed with reserves, parks, and playgrounds that are perfect for walking, picnicking, or simply spending time in nature. Moreover, as Auckland is surrounded by water, many of these green spaces offer beautiful sea views.
No matter where you are in the city, you’ll find a green space or reserve nearby, where you can escape the urban streets for a calm stroll or a picnic. Auckland’s parks are generally safe, well-maintained, great for families, and extremely popular with local residents.
Here is our pick of the most popular parks in Auckland, along with a couple of less-visited spots.
Auckland Domain
Best for downtown greenery
If you’re staying in the city center, the Auckland Domain is a convenient stop for a picnic, a stroll, or a peaceful moment under a tree. Follow winding trails across green lawns, past lakes, and through small pockets of bushland. Take time to explore the Wintergardens, where greenhouses filled with colorful flowers are set around a decorative courtyard. Don’t miss the Fernery, built in the 1920s on the site of an old scoria (volcanic rock) quarry.
The Domain is surprisingly large, and being screened from the city by New Zealand ferns offers an unusual, tranquil experience. There is a café on-site, but grab a snack from a downtown deli to enjoy it alfresco. The Domain also hosts the Auckland Museum, where you can learn about New Zealand history and see unique Māori and Pacific Island collections as well as natural history and military exhibits.
Auckland Botanic Gardens
Best for horticulturalists
One of the city’s loveliest green spaces is tucked away in South Auckland, appealing to many nature enthusiasts. The Auckland Botanic Gardens are a reasonable drive from the city, but you can easily spend the day here, wandering through the various gardens. Highlights include the African garden, an edible garden, a native forest, and a children’s garden filled with interactive activities. If you bring a picnic, head to the new sustainable meadow and relax amidst colorful wildflowers.
The Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre is a work of art in itself, featuring columns resembling huge trees that hold up the canopy. Both the visitor center and the gardens display a range of artworks by local sculptors, aiming to make sculpture accessible to everyone. Every second year, from November to March, a sculpture trail showcases works from various New Zealand artists.
Cornwall Park
Best for city center views
This large, peaceful park is situated in Central Auckland, making it a popular escape for both locals and visitors to the city. There are two entrances: on the northern side, you’ll find a café, a restaurant, and neatly manicured gardens, while the southern side features a large playground and plenty of open space and trees. Sheep graze in the paddocks at the foot of the hill.
Relax under the trees on a sunny day, or walk up to One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie), a site of historical significance topped by a large stone obelisk and a bronze statue of a Māori warrior. This spot also offers panoramic views across Auckland.
Waterview Reserve
Best for families
One of Auckland’s newer parks, Waterview Reserve is ideal for families looking for a space for children to blow off some steam. Kids can enjoy a water play area, a playground, a bike track, a skate park, and a basketball court. Take the walking trail toward the water to glimpse local history, including remnants of early European settlements.
For a longer trek, cross the footbridge and connect to the Te Auaunga (Oakley Creek) Walkway, which dips through lush bush and follows a creek to a nearby urban waterfall.
Otuataua Stonefields
Best for local history and avocados
Close to the airport, Otuataua Stonefields is a historic site and natural reserve rich with volcanic stones. This culturally significant area for Māori people showcases remains from both pre-European and colonial eras. Māori farmers ingeniously created walled gardens of volcanic stones to extend the growing season.
It’s a pleasant place to wander, exploring intriguing mounds and walls made from volcanic stones, while enjoying stunning views of the harbor. Since it can get very hot during summer, remember to bring necessary supplies. If you visit between November and March, head to the Avocado Orchard to pick fresh avocados—up to five per person for free.
Wenderholm Regional Park
Best for a peaceful beach escape
Located to the north of Auckland, near the mouth of the Puhio River, Wenderholm Regional Park is perfect for a day trip away from the city. Expect an open space dotted with large trees, and a long beach with fine sand. Sheltered by native trees and full of birdlife, it’s a popular spot for picnics or barbecues on the beach. You can also enjoy a bushwalk or ascend Maungatauhoro hill for scenic views of the Hauraki Gulf.
Ambury Farm
Best for animal encounters
Also located in South Auckland, Ambury Farm (Ambury Regional Park) is a delightful park for families. There’s a petting zoo featuring a range of friendly farm animals, and if you visit between September and November, you may catch a glimpse of lambs and other baby animals. Try to time your visit to coincide with one of the feeding sessions.
Surrounding the farm is an expansive park adorned with numerous trees and trails that are perfect for cycling and leisurely walks. You’ll find lovely views of the harbor and a family-friendly campsite for those wanting an overnight stay.
