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!
Kopupaka Playground
West Auckland’s newest ‘destination playground’ is well-equipped and offers a wide range of play opportunities. Toilets, fitness equipment, barbecues, picnic tables and seating are also inside the reserve.
Harbourview Orangihina Path
Enjoy a scenic shared path following the eastern edge of Te Atatū Peninsula. The path connects Harbourview-Orangihina Park to Harbourview Beach Reserve. The compacted gravel path is suitable for walking and cycling. It's pram friendly, though there are a couple of narrow bridges which won’t fit a double buggy. The shared path is mostly flat with some ups and downs.
Archibald Park
Archibald Park path is part of the Te Whau Pathway and offers a safe off-road shared path. This is great if you or your kids are learning to ride a bike, and want to combine a bike ride with a kick around at the sports fields or picnic.
Olympic Park
This large park straddles the Wai Tahurangi Stream, feeding into the Whau River. There is plenty of open, green space for picnics or the kids to kick a ball around. Basketball courts, a concrete cycling velodrome, and sports fields provide more opportunities for activity, as well as a state-of-the-art playground, which was awarded The Outstanding Park Award by the New Zealand Recreation Association in 2017.
Parrs Park path and playground
This path goes around Parrs Park. It's great track for children learning to ride, and has a small bike pump area. It takes you right next to the playground which is best known for its tall tower, two awesome slides and array of climbing activities. An interactive sand and water play area provides kids with hours of fun and water flow experimentation. Younger children will love the caterpillar seesaw and rocking bumble bees.
Beveridge to Arataki Path
This scenic bush track takes you from Exhibition Drive to the Arataki Visitor Centre, the gateway to the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. The gravel track runs through beautiful native bush. It's mostly a gentle gradient, with a few steep sections where cyclists may need to dismount. It's a shared path – so remember to look out for walkers if you're riding.
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.