With more than 4000 parks in Auckland, there are outdoor areas in every corner of the region ready to be explored. The east central suburbs of St Heliers, Remuera, Ōrākei and Stonefields are no exception, with beautiful wetlands, kauri dells, playgrounds and basketball courts that beckon to be part of your next weekend adventure.
These four parks might be lesser-known than other spots in the east central suburbs, but they offer treasures worth discovering.
Wander through wetlands
The Maungarei Springs Wetland is an oasis in the middle of one of Auckland’s newest suburbs, Stonefields. The park is built on a former quarry site in the lava flows of Maungarei/ Mt Wellington and features boardwalks through wetlands lined by harakeke (flax).
While walking along the boardwalks at Maungarei Springs Wetland, visitors might see pāpango (New Zealand scaup), kawaupaka (little shag) and matuku moana (white-faced heron).
Not only is it a pleasant gentle walk, but the area is a working landscape, playing a critical role in the environment. The wetland provides important stormwater treatment for the 160ha catchment which drains into it. Treating stormwater helps prevent contaminants such as heavy metals and algal bloom from entering the ecosystem.
The Maungarei Springs Wetland also offers the opportunity to see some unique native flora and fauna. The area is home to the native plant the hairy willow herb Epilobium hirtigerum as well as the pāpango (New Zealand scaup), New Zealand’s only diving duck. Other birds you might see include kawaupaka (little shag) and matuku moana (white-faced heron).
For those wanting a serious walk, the Maungarei Springs Wetland connects to the Stonefields Path which offers a bird’s eye view of the wetlands and a chance to see three pou installations created and donated by Ngāti Paoa, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Ngāti Te Ata. At the end of your walk you can enjoy the barbecue facilities at the Tephra Boulevard entrance to Maungarei Springs Wetland.
One of three pou installations created and donated by Ngāti Paoa, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Ngāti Te Ata on the Stonefields Path, which is built on the lava flows of Maungarei / Mt Wellington.
Take a swing at Wharua Reserve
Children playing on the swings at Wharua Reserve might enjoy some of the best views in Auckland. This playground is tucked away in Remuera and is a hidden gem for parents, boasting beautiful vistas of Rangitoto, Takarunga / Mt Victoria and Maungauika / North Head. There are lots of activities to keep the kids occupied such as a wobbly slide, carousel, rope climbing frame and a fireman’s pole – kids can even play a game of trying to make their ‘toes touch Rangitoto’ while playing on the swings.
Wharua Reserve in Remuera has an action-packed playground with views of Takarunga / Mt Victoria, Maungauika / North Head and Rangitoto.
The park joins Portland Reserve and Waitaramoa Reserve with a stream that flows to Hobson Bay, home to ducks and other bird life. While in the neighbourhood you could also go playground hopping and check out the play facilities at Shore Road Reserve or the spider’s web climbing net at Newmarket Park.
Dawdle through Dingle Dell
Wandering through the lush forest in Dingle Dell Reserve, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of St Heliers. This enchanting 9ha urban ngahere (forest) echoes with bird song and is a favourite with nature lovers and dog walkers. The Dingle Dell Path is a 1.6km combination of tracks and stairs that cross through native bush and over streams, offering cool respite in the summer heat.
Dingle Dell walkway.
Dingle Dell Reserve has an interesting history. In 1842 it was one of four farms purchased by Major Thomas Bunbury, and while he owned the land he planted hawthorn hedges, oaks and weeping willows – some of which are still here today. In 1880 the land was purchased by the Northcote and St Heliers Land Company, who developed the area as a seaside suburb. The space was set aside as a public nature reserve in the 1930s, and during the Great Depression men were employed to fill in the swampy areas. Around this time it was given its name Dingle Dell, a play on ‘Dingley Dell’, a fictional town in Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers.
Dingle Dell Reserve is home to many native trees including kauri and is classified as a high value kauri eco system. There are shoe cleaning stations around the dell to prevent the spread of kauri dieback.
Holding court at Kupe Reserve
Kupe Reserve in Ōrākei features an epic adventure playground next to Ōrākei Tennis Club.
Kupe Reserve in Ōrākei packs a lot into this little pocket of parkland. The reserve, which is situated behind the Ōrākei Community Centre, is teeming with things to keep the entire family occupied. The children’s playground features slides and an epic rock climbing wall, and parents can keep an eye on their kids while working out on the outdoor fitness equipment. There’s plenty of courtside action for teens at the basketball half court, and the reserve is also home to Ōrākei Tennis Club, a facility supported by Auckland Council.
Practise your three-pointers at Kupe Reserve’s basketball half court.
