Auckland’s regional parks have achieved an unprecedented milestone, marking the highest ever visitation numbers in the first three months of 2024, compared to the same period over previous years.
According to Auckland Council’s visitor data, regional parks across Tāmaki Makaurau were visited an estimated 2,579,033 times from 1 January to 31 March of this year, as recreation lovers took to some of our greatest outdoor destinations to soak up the beauty and enjoy the outdoor activities on offer.
Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee is stoked with the latest parks visitor numbers.
"The record-breaking numbers of people visiting our regional parks show just how much Aucklanders and visitors to our city love to experience our stunning nature reserves, native bush and coastal areas. These parks are a breath of fresh air, keeping us happy, healthy and connected to each other and our environment.
“A huge ‘ngā mihi’ to our hard-working Auckland Council rangers, wider parks teams and volunteers for making our regional parks a place where Aucklanders want to spend time and a home for our birds and native wildlife to thrive.”
Visitor data is collected using counters at park entry points and regional park rangers use a formula, that takes into account estimated passengers per car, to calculate average visitor numbers each month.
It’s not just Aucklanders who love these green spaces, the most recent State of the City 2023 report shows Auckland is ranked 9th in the world for the quality of its outdoor activities recommended by locals and visitors, thanks in part to its accessible outdoor locations and numerous green spaces.
Auckland Council Manager Regional Parks Scott De Silva is pleased that the community is making the most of Auckland’s regional park network.
“It’s great to see so many people enjoying our regional parks - our Auckland Council parks team love to see people engaging with the great outdoors.
“To ensure the preservation of these parks for generations to come, we want to remind everyone to stick to the paths, take your rubbish home with you, check first if you are able to take your dog, and to be patient over the busy summer period.
“Regional parks like Long Bay and Tāwharanui were jam-packed over summer so we’d love to see people spread out to some of our other parks too. For a quieter and more relaxing time or a nice walk, try one of our farm parks like Ātiu Creek or Tāpapakanga regional parks - or one of our other amazing parks throughout Tāmaki Makaurau – you won’t regret it!”
Owned and managed by Auckland Council, there are 28 regional parks across Tāmaki Makaurau, covering more than 40,000 hectares. From the forested expanses of the Hunua Ranges in the south and the Waitākere Ranges in the west; to the island getaways of Glenfern on Aotea Great Barrier and Whakanewha on Waiheke Island; to compact and cute Scandrett and remote Tawhitokino, our region offers more regional parks than anywhere else in Aotearoa New Zealand.
From epic walking trails, to relaxing picnic spots, camping and bach escapes, and including some of New Zealand’s best beaches and most accessible forests, Auckland’s regional parks have something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a family day out, a solo adventure, or a place to get together with friends, Auckland’s regional parks are the perfect place to connect with nature.
