Skip the long traffic queues weaving their way out of Auckland and head to Auckland’s North Shore.
Check out Takapuna’s town centre, catch a ride to ferry wharf at Northcote Point, bring a board to the skatepark in Glenfield, take the kids to a destination playground in Takapuna and traverse impressive bush track upgrades in the Birkenhead area, to name a few.
Add in some of the best swimming beaches in the region and you've got yourself a pretty sweet summer staycation sorted.
Glenfield skatepark
Marlborough Park’s skatepark is the largest and arguably coolest on the North Shore. Other attractions include a new junior playground, flying fox, youth hall and new basketball court.
Destination Devonport
As far as playgrounds go, North Shore has two of the best around – the uber popular Takapuna Beach playground, and the Bean Rock Lighthouse inspired playground on Devonport’s waterfront.
At its centre, is a 7.9-metre high tower inspired by the historic Bean Rock Lighthouse. Surrounding that, is an array of coastal elements, including an inter-tidal-reef-themed group spinner and rocker, balance springers, a crawl tunnel and rope climb, an air swing, and a three-bay swing.
The playground is suited to children up to 12 years of age.
Takapuna's Waiwharariki Anzac Square
A new town square and civic space connects Lake Road with Takapuna beach through Hurstmere Green and the upgraded Hurstmere Road, so head to this popular beachside suburb to meet up with friends and take in all Takapuna has to offer!
Featuring raingardens, compelling artwork and native planting to filter stormwater runoff, along with a water feature, the square has been designed with flexibility for different uses in mind - including the home of the much-loved weekly Takapuna Sunday market.
Designed by toi whenua artists Wyvern & Hokimai-anahera Rosieur, the square is full of functional features and mahi toi (artwork) that reflect the cultural and natural heritage of the area, starting with the impressive waharoa (stylised gateway arches) welcoming visitors into the square.
Castor Bay’s Stairway to Heaven
Check out Castor Bay’s Kennedy Park and its legendary 120 step staircase to the beach below. With spectacular coastal views across the Waitematā Harbour to Rangitoto Island and beyond, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Kennedy Park has a children's playground and sandpit area covered by shade sails, along with established trees that provide shade for a picnic.
Kennedy Park is also an area rich in Māori and military history. There is an ancient Māori pā site (Rahopara Pā) dating back hundreds of years and you’ll also get to sight several historic WWII tunnels and gun emplacement areas from the beach.
Summer events aplenty
There are events aplenty, big and small, planned to take place across the North Shore throughout summer.
To find out what’s on offer, visit OurAuckland events.
