The weather is warming up, daffodils are blooming and everything is turning green. It's time to get outside! Check out our list of spring-tastic things to do down south.
1. Ambury Farm
Round up the family, pop on your gumboots and head on over to Ambury Regional Park to see the farm animals.
2. Auckland Botanic Gardens
Stop and smell the flowers at the Auckland Botanic Gardens. There are more than 10,000 plant varieties from around the world to be enjoyed.
3. Awhitū Regional Park
Wander over rolling pastures, explore the wetlands, enjoy the sandy beaches or relax at one of the picnic and barbecue areas. Afterwards, why not pop over to the Manukau Heads Lighthouse?
4. Hunua Falls
The Hunua Falls has a large, flat area perfect for picnicking and a spectacular 30m waterfall – great for photo snapping but not for swimming. The Hunua Falls Lookout Walk is also a must-do and takes you from the Wairoa River, through lush bush to a lookout overlooking the falls. Make sure you protect our kauri and prevent the spread of kauri dieback by staying on the tracks and thoroughly cleaning your shoes (and your animal’s paws) with disinfectant at the designated cleaning stations.
5. Māngere Mountain
Hike 106m above sea level to the top of one of Auckland’s best-preserved volcanic cones, and take in the spectacular views across the Manukau Harbour.
6. Mutukāroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park
A natural oasis amid urban and industrial Auckland, this park offers open pastures and expansive views. It is the largest non-volcanic hill in Auckland and stands tall between Mt Wellington and Penrose.
7. Ōtuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve
This important historic place has spectacular views over the harbour and surrounding countryside. You can see the large-scale stonework and earthwork remains that show how people once lived and worked.
8. Tawhitokino Regional Park
This small scenic park is tucked away at the end of the Kawakawa Bay Coast Road (the road in can be prone to slips, so keep an eye on the Auckland Council website for updates). Tawhitokino is accessible by boat or by walking across the rocks at low tide from Waiti Bay. It offers a beautiful, secluded stretch of white-sand beach backed by bush and farmland.
9. Tōtara Park
Tōtara Park is one of south Auckland’s premier parks, and stretches over a massive 216 hectares. Relax and unwind among the flora and fauna or stroll through rolling farmland, taking in views from Glenbrook and Manukau Heads to Rangitoto. If you're in a more active mood, make the most of the tennis court, trek the bridle trail or explore the many different walking tracks through the large native bush and farmland.
10. Waharau Regional Park
Waharau extends from the ranges to the coast on the eastern side of the Hunua Ranges. Here you can enjoy farmland, river banks and forest perfect for camping, picnics, walking and mountain biking. Or walk the ridge track for outstanding views.
