Wander over expansive green hills, take the kids to the nearby playground or enjoy beautiful sandy beaches during Parks Week, from 4-12 March.
Auckland Council’s Head of Parks Services, Mark Bowater, says Parks Week – which runs until Sunday 12 March as part of a joint venture by the New Zealand Recreation Association and Parks and Leisure Australia – helps to remind people of the range of parks and recreational areas in Auckland and other cities around Australasia.
“Auckland has more than 4000 parks and Parks Week highlights the value these spaces provide in promoting health and wellness, connecting people with nature, supporting economic development and strengthening communities,” he says.
So over the next week, why not make your way through this A-Z guide of some of Auckland’s top park experiences – you might discover something new!
Adventure to the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and listen to the sea echo through the Bethells Beach cave.
Book a night away at one of the picturesque seaside campsites, historic lodges, kiwi baches or relaxing holiday parks.
Cycle your way around the beautiful Te Ara Tahuna Estuary in Ōrewa.
Do an orienteering course at Duder Regional Park.
Enjoy quiet time with the family at an outdoor movie this weekend with Movies in Parks.
Feed an eel at Āwhitu Regional Park.
Grab your pooch and head along to the Doggy Day Out at Tōtara Park in Manurewa on Monday 6 March, 5.30pm-6.30pm.
Hop on a horse and ride along expansive rolling farmland to the Kaipara coast at Te Rau Pūriri.
Immerse yourself in nature at the Shakespear Open Sanctuary.
Join a game of disc golf at Waitawa Regional Park.
Kayak Te Ara Moana – ‘the sea-going pathway’ – a self-guided five-day sea kayak along 51km of Auckland’s scenic southeastern coastline.
Let’s Get Fit at free workouts in selected parks around Auckland until Sunday 26 March.
Magical Park – an app that transforms a normal park into a digital playground – will get the kids off the couch and outside chasing after dinosaur eggs and collecting kittens.
Navigate your way around Mandy Patmore’s exhibition Nahonga, on display at the Arataki Visitor Centre until Sunday 30 April.
Ogle the blooming flowers on show at the Auckland Botanic Gardens – there’s even a free guided walk on Wednesday 8 March, 1pm-2pm.
Pitch a tent at the Te Muri Beach Campground in Mahurangi Regional Park
Quiz yourself on Auckland’s history on one of the many great heritage walks.
Round up the kids and have a blast at the Rocket Park playground in Mt Albert.
Stay at the 1930s, solar-powered bungalow overlooking the spectacular Anawhata Beach.
Take a picnic and enjoy outstanding views of the inner Hauraki Gulf at Omana Regional Park.
Unwind by tackling the Hilary Trail, which takes you through native forest, rocky shores and black sand beaches, and offers a magnificent view around every corner.
Volunteer at Wenderholm Regional Park. You can plant a tree, get involved in a beach clean-up or help keep the track in working order.
Walk Te Ara Hura and explore Waiheke’s coastline, passing through native bush and visiting historical sites.
eXplore the spectacular Fairy Falls track by walking through ancient forests and along flowing streams.
Yoga in the Park is on at Morvern Reserve in Epsom on Monday 6 March, 5.30-6.30pm.
Zig-Zag your way up North Head Historic Reserve for unforgettable views of Auckland City.