It wouldn’t be a Kiwi summer without a good old barbie. And what better way to get everyone together than by firing up the grill in one of Auckland’s beautiful parks.
A number of Auckland Council parks across the region have BBQ facilities that are free for anyone to use.
So, grab the saussies, eye fillets and vege patties and sizzle on down to these BBQ hot spots in Auckland – first come first served!
Long Bay Regional Park
Long Bay is a busy seaside park that’s great for a picnic. There are four electric (free to operate) and two wood-fired BBQs (BYO wood or charcoal) available for casual use. Another four electric BBQs are on three of the bookable sites. These can be used when the site has not been booked.
Tōtara Park
Make use of one of the three free BBQ sites at Tōtara Park, one of south Auckland’s premier parks. Here you’ll enjoy a tranquil, country atmosphere with superb flora and fauna and rolling farmland. Afterwards, pop on over to the nearby Auckland Botanic Gardens.
Ōmana Regional Park
Ōmana is an ideal family park with a shelly beach offering safe swimming at high tide, shady pōhutukawa, walks across farmland, a playground and outstanding views of the inner Hauraki Gulf. You’ll also find four gas, two single electric and two double electric BBQs.
Wenderholm Regional Park
Wenderholm is located in the picturesque mouth of the Puhoi River, surrounded by forested headlands. Here there are three electric and six wood-fired (two double and four single) BBQs available for casual use. Just bring your own wood or charcoal.
Little Oneroa Reserve
Waiheke’s Little Oneroa is a small reserve with lovely coastal views. It’s great for families offering a safe swimming location, plus two BBQs for a lunchtime feed.
Tips for safe barbecuing
- Don’t leave unattended a BBQ that is in use.
- Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces.
- Turn off and clean the BBQ after use.
- Take your rubbish and recyclable materials/bottles home with you – all of our regional parks are rubbish-free.
If you’re bringing your own equipment please note:
- You cannot take coal- or wood-burning BBQs into parks, reserves or beaches.
- You can take your own gas BBQ into parks and reserves, but you must not use it near or under trees.
- All open-flame BBQs should be elevated at least 30cm off the ground.
Visit the Fire and Emergency website for more information about using outdoor gas cookers.
