Auckland has more than 4000 parks and reserves to explore. Many of them are fantastic places to take a picnic – here are a few of our favourites.
Where are your favourite places to picnic in Auckland? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook, or tag us in a photo on Instagram.
Top picnic spots in Auckland
1. Auckland Domain
A classic inner-city spot to spread out a blanket and nibble on some cheese and crackers. Finish the afternoon with a trip to Auckland War Memorial Museum or sniff out the sensory garden.
2. Old Thorp’s Quarry waterfall
Take an easy five-minute walk to the old Thorp Quarry site in Clevedon Scenic Reserve, which has a beautiful waterfall and wetland. This part of the reserve provides a boardwalk and a seating area perfect for a picnic.
3. Waterview Reserve
Waterview Reserve has picnic tables, barbeque facilities and shady gazebos, making it the perfect place for a day out. The kids will enjoy the water play features, slides, swings, climbing frames, skate park and learn-to-cycle track.
4. Te Atatū Peninsula walkway
This popular walkway stretches along the northern and eastern edge of Te Atatū Peninsula and looks out across the Waitematā Harbour.
Starting at Harbourview-Orangihina Park, the 4km walkway is an easy stroll that extends through to Chapman Strand. Enjoy a picnic along the walkway and take in the beautiful views.
5. Whakanewha Regional Park
Jump on the ferry to Waiheke Island and enjoy a BBQ and a spot of beach cricket.
6. Ōtāhuhu Recreation Precinct
Give your kids the feeling of exploring one of Auckland’s volcanoes with large grass mounds and craters, slides to the bottom, small ground-level trampolines which are safe and accessible, and plenty more play equipment.
The park is just minutes away from a library, aquatic centre and community teaching garden, making it ideal for a full day’s worth of adventure.
7. Shakespear Regional Park
Shakespear is an open sanctuary with a working farm of sheep and cattle. In the spring, lambs are a popular sight attracting many visitors.
8. Have a hangi at Ōkoromai Bay
If you’re heading to Shakespear Regional Park, check out Ōkoromai Bay: it has a hāngi site that can cater for up to 100 people.
9. Huia Domain
Huia is a quiet settlement by the Manukau Harbour. It has tidal beaches, picnic spots and campsites.
10. Long Bay Regional Park
Long Bay is a fantastic place to have a picnic. It is easy to find a picturesque and secluded spot for a small group, or book one of our designated picnic and event sites for your larger group.
There are free-to-use barbecues dotted around the park, or feel free to bring your own gas barbecue. For wood-fired barbecues, you must bring your own fuel.
Groups of 100 people or more must book one of the seven bookable sites.
Looking for more inspiration?
Check out a list of regional parks with picnic spots on the Auckland Council website.
