When Auckland is home, it can be easy to forget how incredible our region is.
So good, that iconic travel guide Lonely Planet recently declared Tāmaki Makaurau the best place to visit in 2022.
OurAuckland has been highlighting some of the amazing beaches, regional parks, maunga, public spaces and other attractions that you can visit around the city.
But what about the many local gems Auckland has to offer?
We’ve compiled a list of local walks, playgrounds, parks and other great places to check out as the weather gets warmer.
As Mayor Phil Goff says: “With lockdown restrictions in place, we are the only ones who can get out and enjoy it right now.”
So, get out, explore – and go local!
Ambury Regional Park
Bring the whole family and enjoy a day at the award winning Ambury Regional Park, which is also a working farm, and a significant habitat for shore birds and various ecological sites. The kids will love seeing all the farm animals up close, and there are plenty of BBQ tables and great spots for a picnic.
Ōtara Path
Whether you enjoy walking, cycling or jogging - the Ōtara Path is for you. This path follows the route of Ōtara Creek, where you enjoy a quiet escape alongside tidal mudflats. Starting at Otamariki Park, you can shoot some hoops at the basketball court, check out the large playground, or continue along the track. The path runs through the northern section of Ngati Ōtara Park, where you will find a few park benches along the way to take a break and admire the view of the estuary. There's also a second children's playground, outdoor workout equipment and public toilets.
Tōtara Park
Just don’t get lost, because with 216 hectares of open space to explore it’s perfectly possible. Tōtara Park is world-famous in Manurewa but perhaps less well-known outside the area despite boasting vast natural areas, bridle trails, bush walking, the Tōtara Park Pools and mountain biking. It’s kept in fantastic shape thanks to enthusiastic local support groups, who would love you to enjoy the park, and the Auckland Botany Gardens right next door. There’s terrific access from from Wairere Road and Everglade Drive leading to a playground, toilets, a car park with mobility parking, barbecues, picnic tables and seating.
Kirks Bush
Proudly standing on the Papakura side of Great South Road is Kirks Bush, one of the last remaining native bush areas to be found in an urban setting. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the main street of the town, or the railway station. Named after the brothers who owned the land in the early 1900s, the popular local attraction was in decline until the Friends of Kirks Bush partnered with council to restore it to its former glory, and now, almost 30 years later, boardwalks have been added, invasive weeds are gone and years of accumulated rubbish is gone.
Maraetai
If you’re not a serious booted and suited tramper, there are two things needed for any good walk – toilets and ice-cream. The beautiful walk from Maraetai Beach to the wharf at Magazine Bay has both. You can do as much or as little as you like regardless of where you start, there are wonderful photo opportunities, a beachfront playground for toddlers and children and ice-cream or coffee just across the road. Maraetai is hugely popular over summer and is often crowded at weekends, but is surprisingly serene in weekdays. And that other thing? There are plenty of public toilets.
Discover more walks, parks and activities across the region here on OurAuckland, as well as great ways to stay active, healthy, entertained and learning at home.
