Things to do in Tāmaki Makaurau this autumn

Autumn is here, but there’s still a few more days before the golden weather is set to end, and the good news is you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a memorable time in Tāmaki Makaurau. As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s no better time to embrace the beauty of the season.

From breathtaking walking trails and cosy indoor experiences for the odd rainy day, to playgrounds that offer more than just swings and slides, Auckland Council has your ultimate autumn bucket list sorted for you and your whānau.

Explore our stunning regional parks and pathways

Autumn is the perfect season to venture into Auckland’s 28 regional parks, where you can witness nature’s changing colours and soak up some of the best views in the region. A few of the top activities to enjoy include:

On the eastern side of the rugged Hunua Ranges, Waharau Regional Park extends from the range to the coast.

• Walking through tree-lined trails before the deciduous trees lose their leaves.

• Enjoying a cosy picnic with homemade treats while the grass is still dry.

• Spotting native birds as they prepare for the cooler months.

• Camping under crisp, starlit skies.

• Stay active on these running and hiking trails.

Our regional park picks for autumn:

Ātiu Creek Regional Park  Bike tracks and a stunning view of the Kaipara Harbour make this a must visit.

Shakespear Regional Park  Perfect for scenic hikes and birdwatching, this open sanctuary is accessible via Whangaparāoa Road in Army Bay.

Waharau Regional Park Enjoy farmland, river banks and forest for camping, picnics, walking and mountain biking.

Some tracks in regional parks might be closed to help stop Kauri Dieback. Be sure to check the Auckland Council website before you go to see if your destination is affected.

Playgrounds closer to home

The Aorere Park junior area has a low climbing structure with a ramp, crawl tunnel and open slide. There is also a set of low swings including a basket swing, water play and a wheelchair accessible spinner.

Before the days get too short, make the most of letting the kids run wild at some of Auckland’s best playgrounds. Whether they love climbing, sliding, or biking, these spots have something for all ages:

Aorere Park – Located in the heart of Māngere East, Aorere Park playground is divided into separate areas for children of different age groups. There is also a basketball court and fitness equipment to enjoy while the kids are playing.

Waterview Reserve - Waterview Reserve is a fantastic park to visit with a range of activities for kids of all ages. Nestled in between West and Central Auckland, it features a basketball court, playground and water play area.

Birkenhead War Memorial Park – For all your extreme sports enthusiasts, this awesome park features a skate park and BMX pump track. Additionally, there are picnic tables for a family get together, and walking tracks inside the park as well.

Read about our upgraded South Auckland playgrounds, or some hidden parks in the Central Auckland area. 

See Tāmaki Makaurau from our gorgeous cycle paths

This wide, sealed path links Keith Hay Park and Mt Roskill War Memorial Park, offering scenic views of Puketāpapa / Mt Roskill. Along the way, enjoy highlights like the eel bridge over Oakley Creek, a fitness circuit, and playgrounds.

Autumn’s cooler weather is the perfect time to get on a bike and enjoy the scenic views from our many cycle paths. From the Puketāpapa Path in Mount Roskill, to the stunning views of the beautiful Ōrewa estuary from the Te Ara Tahuna path to Narrow Neck’s costal scenery, there is plenty to enjoy on your travels.

Discover more of the best family-friendly bike rides in Auckland.

Try a new hobby

Join in to learn Ukulele at one of our community centres across Auckland.

Autumn represents the change from old to new, and so can you by starting a new hobby or learning a new skill.

From participating in one of the many music workshops run at our community centres across Auckland, or learning to repurpose your used items into new treasures via the Re-Creators workshops, there is plenty to learn in the Autumn season.

Find workshops, courses, and other ways to upskill on OurAuckland.

Indoor escapes for chilly days

In the (hopefully unlikely!) event the weather turns cool and rainy as we move into Autumn, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep the whānau entertained:

• Auckland Art Gallery – Get lost in world-class art.

• Auckland Museum – Learn about Aotearoa’s rich history and culture.

• MOTAT – Interactive exhibits perfect for curious minds.

• Libraries & Community Centres – Cosy up with a good book or join a workshop

Embrace the colours of autumn!

With so many activities to choose from, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy autumn in Tāmaki Makaurau. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or family fun, get out there and make the most of this beautiful season!