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Auckland’s top 10 picnic spots

With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to gather together your friends and family and head out for a picnic.


We’ve put together a list of our favourite spots in Auckland for you to try out!

Albert Park

We love Albert Park for a picnic! There are so many flowers out in the spring and summer and there’s even a pagoda with open walls which is perfect for sitting in if it’s raining. Plus it’s a good spot for dog-watching.

Albert Park. Photo and main image Shelley McDonald


Tāwharanui Regional Park

There are walks aplenty here to “spread your legs” along the coastline and bush walks where beautiful birdlife abounds, and plenty of Pohutukawa trees to shelter under for a picnic on the beach at Tāwharanui Regional Park. It’s one of our favourite summer locations for a swim, too. But leave the dog at home as no dogs are allowed as it is a wildlife sanctuary too.

Tāwharanui Regional Park. Photo Carolyn Enting


Wenderholm

A glorious spot with plentiful picnic spots evenly spread out under pohutukawa trees. And depending on your mood you can sit seaside or riverside as the peninsula is abutted by the Pūhoi River estuary and Hauraki Gulf. Here you can’t help but soak up the serenity even with lots of other families about.

Pūhoi River estuary at Wenderholm. Photo Carolyn Enting


Takarunga/Mt Victoria

Takarunga in Devonport is Auckland’s highest volcanic cone and a lovely place for a picnic and the climb up makes it all the more satisfying. The view from the top of Takarunga looks out over Auckland and the Waitematā Harbour and is rather spectacular.

Takarunga, Devonport is Auckland’s highest volcanic cone. Photo Auckland City Council


Karekare beach and falls

The only issue with Karekare is the parking but if you are lucky to score one, you can then spread out on this beautiful beach. The distance from the road to the shore across the sand is expansive to say the least. There are also sheltered grassy picnic spots along the path, many with shade, and while you are there make sure you take a short walk up the hill to the magical Karekare Falls.


Shakespear Regional Park

Located at the end of the Whangaparoa Peninsula, Shakespear Regional Park abounds with beaches, picnic areas, walking trails and spectacular views. At low tide you can also pick your way around the coastline to Okoromai Bay. If you do this be sure to pick your timing. Dogs have to stay at home.

Shakespear Regional Park. Photo Carolyn Enting


Auckland Domain

We can’t go past the Auckland Domain, a sanctuary slap bang in the middle of the city filled with ancient trees and plenty of grass and shade perfect for leisurely picnics. Enjoy the flowers or stroll along the well-formed paths and soak in the view over the city and harbour from the hill beside the Auckland Museum.

The Domain, Auckland Central. Photo Carolyn Enting


Long Bay Regional Park

Long Bay Regional Park is perfect for social distancing because it is so long! There is plenty of parking and plenty of room to spread out along the beach and grass areas. And being near the beach is always a good time. It is also the starting point for the Long Bay Regional Park Coastal Walk.

Long Bay Regional Park Coastal Walk. Photo Carolyn Enting


Oakley Creek Waterfall

Oakley Creek Waterfall in the city suburb of Waterview is a haven for ducks and locals, and a popular picnic spot. It is the city’s only natural waterfall and one of Auckland’s best kept secrets. The Oakley Creek Walkway can be accessed from Great North Road, Waterview and the Unitech cycle path, Mt Albert.

Oakley Creek Waterfall. Photo Carolyn Enting


Chelsea Heritage Path

Located beside the historic Chelsea Sugar factory, Chelsea Heritage Path has plenty of areas to spread out and spread your legs with walking trails and wide-open spaces with beautiful views out to Auckland from Northcote. Dogs are welcome here too.

Chelsea Heritage Path. Photo Michiko Hylands
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