Auckland comes alive when we flock to parks, beaches, pools, playgrounds and walking and cycle tracks – plus the many festivals and free events. With so much to choose from, we surveyed more than 450 Aucklanders to find their favourites.
Top Walk: Tāmaki Drive
Walking along Tāmaki Drive is one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of the city’s harbour setting and the many activities on or near it. Aucklanders agreed, with 36 per cent voting it their top pick.
The 10km walk curves along the waterfront from downtown Auckland, taking in several gorgeous eastern beaches before finishing up at St Heliers. It's quintessential Tāmaki Makaurau.
Runners-up: North Shore Coastal Walk, Hunua Falls Upper Lookout Walk, Coast to Coast Walkway
Top Regional Beach: Ōrewa
Sitting between three beautiful harbours, Auckland is the envy of many other cities. Some of the world’s best beaches are less than an hour’s drive from the city centre.
But there can only be one winner, and it was the 3km stretch of golden sand at Ōrewa Beach that stood out, taking 29 per cent of the vote. Just 20 minutes north of Auckland’s harbour bridge, Ōrewa is the ideal spot for water enthusiasts, exercisers, families and foodies.
Runners-up: Piha, Long Bay, Tāwharanui
Top City Beach: Takapuna
It’s a short trip from the CBD and, with open ocean (but small waves), stunning views out to Rangitoto, a grassy hill to picnic on, an amazing playground, numerous cafes close by and lots of space for beach activities, it’s no surprise Takapuna Beach took first place, with 49 per cent of the vote.
Runners-up: Mission Bay, Saint Heliers, Cheltenham
Top Event: Lantern Festival
A huge range of summer events showcase the city’s diversity, and with the spectacular illumination of hundreds of Chinese lanterns, nearly 100 food and crafts stalls, and performances of traditional and modern Chinese culture, few do that better than the Lantern Festival, ranked number one by 40 per cent of respondents.
Runners-up: Franklin Rd Lights, Music in Parks, Movies in Parks
