Leaves turn shades of orange and golden yellow and temperatures cool a bit, but the end of daylight saving can be the beginning of an unforgettable autumn.
Check out our pick of free and affordable autumn outings – choose from iconic parks, zoo, museum and art gallery or a historic village where clocks slow and the 1800s call.
These activities never disappoint for an autumn adventure in the city.
Prized parks
Nothing beats an invigorating walk in the park in autumn. Tāmaki Makaurau has more than 4000 leafy green spaces for you to choose from – heritage gems with ancient trees, urban pocket parks, much-loved playgrounds, busy sports fields, dog-walking areas, hidden woodlands and 28 regional parks.
Here are five favourites to get you started. To plan your walk, head to AKL Paths before you go.
Cornwall Park, Epsom
Come take a stroll through the autumn woods at Cornwall Park.
One of the classics, Cornwall Park is your green oasis, rich with history, nature, farm-life and places to explore. Covering 172 hectares – the park weaves together our heritage, ecology, agriculture, wildlife and community within its lush landscape.
Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga
The kids will love riding their bikes at the Lloyd Elsmore Park bike track.
This is a whānau favourite, located in East Auckland. Try the Lloyd Elsmore Park Loop - a short path around the park suitable for walking, running, and cycling. Families with children will especially enjoy the local playgrounds, sports fields, BMX pump track and skatepark.
Still keen to get wet in the cooler weather? Lloyd Elsmore Park Pool and Leisure Centre also sits within the park, and has a heated lap and leisure pool. For more info head to the Auckland Leisure website.
Meola Reef Reserve, Western Springs
Looking to take your pup for a walk as well? Tāmaki Makaurau’s canine companions adore sniffing around our green spaces, and there are plenty where they can chase a ball, meet up with poochie pals or walk on-lead with their owners.
Especially popular is Meola Reef Reserve, which overlooks Waitematā Harbour, with an off-leash area. Find out other places you can walk your dog on Auckland Council’s website.
Waitawa Regional Park, Kawakawa Bay
There is magnificent views overlooking the beach area at Waitawa Regional Park.
One of our newest regional parks situated on the region’s southeastern coast, just 15 minutes drive from Clevedon, Waitawa features walking tracks and mountain bike trails of varying difficulty, as well as horse-riding trails, a disc golf course picnic spots at Mataitai Bay, and a primo fishing spot at Waitawa Wharf.
Amey Daldy Park
Feel like staying closer to the city centre this autumn? Head to Amey Daldy Park in Wynyard Quarter. Named after one of New Zealand’s most celebrated suffragists, this is a little green oasis where parents can kick back on the grass while children run, chase and explore the rolling landscape. It’s the perfect spot to park up with a coffee or an ice cream on a crisp, sunny day and plan some fun things to do at Wynyard Quarter.
To find a park near you can visit the park finder page on the Auckland Council website.
Going to the zoo, zoo, zoo
A must-visit for everyone who loves wildlife and connecting with nature in the cooler autumn months is Auckland Zoo.
Home to more than 3000 animals from 130 different species, there’s so much to explore and feel awe-inspired by. Check out the map for a schedule of free daily keeper talks. Try a range of kai from the zoo’s choice of cafes or bring a picnic to enjoy in the expansive lush grounds.
It’s free for children aged three and under. If the kids still have energy to burn, let them go wild in the playground at neighbouring Western Springs Lakeside Park.
Check out ticket prices and information on the animals on the Auckland Zoo website.
Sail the seas
Don't miss out on booking an evening sail at the NZ Maritime Museum.
Auckland is renowned as the home of three harbours. You and your whānau can experience a sail across the beautiful Waitematā Harbour on one of the stunning sea vessels at New Zealand Maritime Museum.
Once you’re back on dry land, explore the museum itself – entry is free for Aucklanders with proof of address. Walk through the replica cabin (it rocks like a boat at sea!) and study the intricate details on beautiful model boats. If you want to avoid parking, throw a train ride into the mix to and from Waitematā Station, a short walk from the museum.
Get the picture
Another great city centre destination is Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. General admission is free and under 12s are free to ticketed shows.
Get hands-on at Te Aka Matua / the Creative Learning Centre where Artland - an evolving sculptural environment made from modelling clay - invites families to create and explore. The gallery also has an excellent café where you can grab a bite to eat before you ascend the steps into Albert Park.
Find out what's on at the Auckland Art Gallery.
Step back in time
Rewind the years and pay a autumn family visit to Howick Historical Village.
Looking for some screen-free entertainment options? Head to Howick Historical Village, a living history museum which depicts a settlement between the years of 1840 to 1880.
Explore heritage buildings, including schoolhouses, a blacksmith's forge, a grand homestead, and more! Play old-fashioned games, stroll the picturesque streets and picnic in the gardens.
Check out opening times and prices on the Howick Historical Village website.
With all of these activities to enjoy, you’re all set to have an autumn to remember.