Building better for Ōrākei parks and leisure

Growth in Auckland isn’t just about big council projects like new roads, major transport initiatives, or improved water services.

Local boards also fund projects, upgrades and facilities that build better neighbourhoods and help create great places to live.

From fascinating wildlife habitats to playground paradises, Ōrākei has 122 parks and reserves. Check out these examples of how Ōrākei Local Board has been investing in building better park and recreation experiences for everyone.

Wetlands and walking paths

Our local area is fortunate to have an impressive range of biodiversity including wetland reserves which are home to unique wildlife. Ōrākei Local Board has recently upgraded the tracks in the following two wetland reserves so that you can explore and observe their natural wonders.

A long sandbank stretching out to the Tamaki estuary from Glendowie, Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve is home to around 30 species of birds. In 2024, the walking tracks were restored to fix damage caused by coastal erosion. There is an impressive 1.5 hour walk around the reserve which is especially good for spotting wading birds between full and half-tide over the summer months.

Waiatarua Reserve covers 40 hectares in Remuera, including a peaceful path winding its way among the wetlands, with a playground, half-court and skate ramp in the eastern corner.

A man walking down the path at Waiatarua Reserve.

Enjoy a relaxing walk amongst greenery at Waiatarua Reserve.

Sports and recreation

Active children and adults alike are spoilt for choice when it comes to sports offerings nearby.

The fields and facilities of Michaels Avenue Reserve in Ellerslie were upgraded in 2023 for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, hosting the Argentinian team as a training ground. In 2025 a new playground opened, featuring colourful slides and other elements ideal to entertain tamariki and siblings of those playing team sports over on the fields.

Another park boasting recent renewals to both a fenced junior playground and a “big kids” playground is Crossfield Reserve in Glendowie. The reserve also contains six football fields, a popular skate and BMX bowl and is home to Glendowie Community Centre.

What's happening in East Auckland

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With Auckland Cricket proposing to make Colin Maiden Park its new home, the Ōrākei Local Board has secured funding from council’s Fix and Finish Fund to upgrade Thomas Bloodworth Park and Shore Road East Reserve to bolster field time for community use.

Boats sailing around the local boathouse.

Seaside and sunshine

Kiwis love that ocean air, and we are lucky to have a whole lot of options when it comes to beautiful spots to enjoy our moana in Ōrākei.

In a top waterfront location on the Waitematā Harbour, The Landing on Tāmaki Drive is an outstanding setting to admire water sports from dry ground or even dabble in some yourself. Hire a kayak, join a waka ama or sailing club, or even launch your own boat!

Over the past few years, Ōrākei Local Board has consulted with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, community and other stakeholders to develop a concept plan for The Landing.

One action from this plan that has been achieved so far is the addition of a whare waka for waka ama storage. An investigation is also underway to see how harbour access can be made safer for everyone.

The local board teams up with Akarana Marine Sports Charitable Trust each year to bring locals Splash Landing – a weekend of family fun (on and off the water) at this stunning location, so keep an eye out for announcements for the 2026 edition.

Local Parks Management Plan

The board is tying all the great work they do in these parks and reserves together into one plan! They’ve just adopted the Ōrākei Local Parks Management Plan which will be available to view online soon.