A regional park with majestic views, an inner city oasis and a holiday park near Whangateau Harbour have won three 2015 Trip Advisor certificates of excellence.
Reviewers have praised Auckland Council’s Tawharanui Regional Park, Albert Park and Whangateau Holiday Park for their natural beauty, tranquillity, quality of facilities and activities such as camping and kayaking.
The annual awards recognise favourite travel places worldwide, based on reviews and opinions posted on Trip Advisor’s online review forum.
Auckland Council’s Tawharanui Regional Park is New Zealand’s first open sanctuary. The park features some of the Auckland region's most beautiful white sand beaches, rolling pastures, shingled bays, native coastal forest and regenerating wetlands. Among the reviews it was described as a “superb park, with great camping, walks and a beautiful beach.”
Albert Park, run by Auckland Council, boasts a colourful flower display, water features, ancient and majestic trees, rich history and lots of places to walk or relax in the heart of the CBD. It is a worthy recipient of reviews such as “best free activity in downtown Auckland” and an “inner-city oasis” and is highly valued by students, workers and visitors.
Whangateau Holiday Park, one of Auckland Council’s three holiday parks, is situated right on the water’s edge overlooking the harbour and activities include swimming, fishing, kayaking, sailing and native bird watching.
Chair of Auckland Council’s Parks, Recreation and Sports Committee, Councillor Christine Fletcher says it’s great to know that Aucklanders and visitors are making the most of the city’s open spaces.
“Awards like this are recognition of the effort that goes into developing and maintaining our parks and community facilities,” Cr Fletcher says.
Other Auckland destinations which have been identified as top places to visit include Waitakere Ranges, Maungawhau-Mt Eden, Auckland Domain, Bethells Beach, One Tree Hill, North Head Historic Reserve, Manukau Heads Lighthouse, Parnell Rose Gardens, MJ Savage Memorial Park and St. Helier’s Bay.