I probably like Milford park more than the average punter because I grew up down the road…read more Throughout my childhood, I spent many a day at Milford Park climbing the trees, playing BYC and go home stay home. Trip down memory lane aside, Milford Park is still a great spot to bring the kiddies. There is a freshly painted, bright blue playground, toilets, BBQ pits AND the Beach is right next door. Not to mention in Summer there is frequently concerts or outdoor movie screenings. Oh, and for all those runners out there every Wednesday night there is a fun run that leaves from the Milford Cruising Club in the park and goes to Takapuna and back for only $7 ($3 for kids), free drink included!

I shouldn't review the park as high as I would prefer to keep this to myself - but better to be…read morehonest. A good little suburban park - good parking, safe kids playground, beach volleyball courts and the beach a hop and a skip away. The Creek provides a bit of action if the tide is in as the yachts and fisher boats trailing and out over the 4 hours of tide. Good takeouts and coffee close by in Milford and it is not surprising the number of people who get fish and chips from PJs (another secret) and eat them on the picnic tables worth a visit

This place is GINORMOUS and an absolute haven for pooches. A friend and I took ours here on…read moreSaturday and they had an absolute hoot of a time off-roading through the forest. Just a few handy tips... 1. Keep your pups on a leash until your on the track. Apparently logging trucks go through here on the reg. 2. Take water! Before you know it you've walked for 3 hours and both and your pooch are panting. 3. If your dogs don't have very good recall, keep them on the leash. There are a tonne of smells in the forrest and it's huge. Apparently it's not uncommon for dogs to get lost! Woodhill is definitely worth a visit, with or without dogs. Next time we are definitely going to make a day trip out of it and take the costal path down to the beach!

Old fav. A working Forrest, I think it's cool they share it with the community. Horse tracks, bike…read moretracks, adventure playgrounds and of course the reason I go, lots of places to walk/run the dogs. Stretching from Muriwai Beach in the south to South Head in the north (figure that one out) there is everything from beaches to streams to forests to venture through. To keep everyone please remember water and sunscreen (yes for pooch), to keep your dog on lead if they're prey driven or nose driven and be aware of your surroundings, where trees are being harvested and stay away. For more info or if in doubt as to where you can and can't go call the forest recreation services on 09 420 9566, they're very helpful. Remember no smoking, fires or firearms in the Forrest. Oh and lastly, being a sand based Forrest it is less muddy in winter.

Marlborough Park in Glenfield has a little bit of everything for everyone. I love visiting for the…read moreplayground as it has a section of low tunnels and abacus balls for my preschooler to enjoy playing with; also swings and slides that suit the little and big kid. Not only are the children catered for, there is a basketball court, a skate bowl, a climbing frame, and even a flying fox. If your jogging in the area, why not pop in and work out on the free adult gym equipment? Fantastic park for a picnic on a warm sunny day, and with lots of trees is just really pretty to look at. Please don't miss the peace of Marlborough Park.

Northwood Reserve is a neighbourhood park in the Rosedale area that backs onto a whole lot of…read morenative bush with a stream that runs all the way through it. This is a really awesome park for walking the dog or taking children to as there's so much room to run around, there's a playground with a covered shade area and seats, and theres even a barbeque station set up so it pretty much keeps the whole family happy. I take a lot of pram walks down here because its close to my work and it is perfect for quiet walks with the baby mainly because there is hardly ever anybody here! The reserve had a major overhaul last year when the council put some power lines underground so there was a lot of digging and fenced off areas but it seems to have recovered okay and you'd hardly even know anything had happened here. For a neighbourhood park I always wonder why this place isn't always packed but I think its because the area is still relatively quiet so nobody knows about it yet! I'm pretty sure this will change fairly soon. In the meantime I'm happy to take peaceful walks through the park on my own.

I went there yesterday for the first time in years and loved it. There isn't many places where dogs…read morecan run around in a safe environment and it was nice not having to worry about people that are afraid of dogs. It was just a great, relaxed break in the day that me and my dog, Chonker, thoroughly enjoyed.

I only recently found this place. I was looking for a safe area where my boy Zuzu & I could get a…read morelittle exercise, away from cars & construction & danger. We found it. Zuzu has a ball in this place. The fences off area is amazing for a chap who doesn't normally get the chance to be free to explore without me tugging on his lead all the time. As an added bonus there are other dogs there too. Zuzu doesn't get much of a chance to socialise with other dogs, they are usually to busy or too far away. So having a relaxed environment where the pressure is off is great. Especially for Zuzu. The only downside is that you have to drive there. I say its a downside because Zuzu has a tendency to get car sick really easily. So if you're a lucky owner who's dog doesn't get sick, jump in your car & get there. After all..... There is no better sight than seeing your dog having a blast, wagging its tail & frolicking in the long grass.

Despite being a bit scared of dogs, Mt Eden Dog Park is one of my favourite places in Auckland…read more Situated halfway up the mountain, it has a brilliant view for you to enjoy while letting your dog (or in my case, my friend's dog) have a good run around. I've spent hours up there over the years, gossiping and catching up with my best friend. We often take milkshakes bought in Mt Eden Village up there with us, and it's a really nice way to spend a few hours in the afternoon. The park itself is big enough for your dog to have a good run and explore, while also offering a trough of water to keep them hydrated. Bonus: Every now and again couches magically appear in the dog park, and tucking up on them with a friend and yum drink is a great way to enjoy the amazing view.

I am not a dog lover or even an animal lover. Dogs scare me and for a reason. I have been chased…read moreand nearly bitten by dogs so it took a lot of strength for me to even go to the dog park. A friend of mine has a dog a cute dog called Million. She is the first dog I have ever patted and she is a bundle of joy. My friend and I took her for a walk and we ended up at dog park with other dogs. It was rather interesting watching the dogs interact with each other. The owners of the dogs all got along and talked about their dogs. I actually had a lovely time and I learnt something different.

Waiatarua Reserve is a wetlands dog exercising park located in Meadowbank (close to the Remuera…read moreGolf Course). Perfect if you have a dog that needs to have a good run around and interact with others. There are a number of ponds around the reserve, perfect for your pooch to jump into and have a splash about. Dogs are not allowed in the wetlands area, but there you can be sure to find Pukekos hiding in between the reeds. On the skirts of the reserve is a half basketball court and a stake board park, perfect entertainment for the kids while you take the dog for a run. This has to be my favourite dog park located in the suburban area, definitely one to check out if you have an active dog that needs to let off some steam. There is a car park and plenty of parking available on street. The car park is security locked at 9:30pm daylight savings time and 8:30pm in the winter.

The Waiatarua Reserve is no secret to any dog-owner. The good part about this though is that the…read moreReserve is so large that even if it is quite busy there is still ample room for every pup and pooch to roam free, to sniff til their heart's content, and to play fetch like a maniac. There are several access points so parking is never a problem and the Reserve's users are generally very responsible it cleaning up after their dog's. It is a really excellent place for all dogs to brush up on their social skills and to have a doggie date with friends. The walking trail is pram friendly for all keen families. There are a few things to be weary of: 1) There is a pond which can be great for dogs take a swim. However, the water quality is notoriously dubious (with reports of dogs getting sick) and there can be a strong undercurrent after a big downpour. In fact, my pooch Tilly had a near drowning their last winter. 2) The reserve is not fully contained, so there are parts where a very driven dog could go on a walkabout into someone's yard if the pooch doesn't have good recall. 3) There are quite a few giant muddy puddles that every dogs insists on submerging themselves in. If you aren't prepared to give your dog a bath immediately afterward, plan accordingly. Likewise, if it is rainy bring your gumboots.

Totally disagree with Eddy D on this one. I've taken dogs that ice been dog sitting here and had no…read moreproblems even with ones that are easily distracted. State housing? I live in Mission Bay and the homes and good people of Waterview seem fine to me. The grassed areas are rolling slopes away from from the road and there is a beautiful forest area that backs onto the water inlet. The playground is about 100m away from the road, there are almost always families playing there and using the lying fox. There is a public toilet which is well maintained. The dog area is away from the playground and even further from the road. If you are running a dog, they can't even see the road and get good exercise on the gentle slopes. There are well constructed loop paths down even further away from the road, under the trees. Think quaint bridges across a bubbling creek (weather dependent) and shady massive native trees with grasses clearings and park benches to enjoy the view. There is actually two loops, one that follows the creek and a slightly longer one which follows the edge of the estuary. Although this back part of the park is leash on, I've always seen dogs roaming free with their owners.

Heron Park had been recommended to me in the past but I have only had a chance to get there this…read moreweek for the first time. Cool place! I welcomed the rolling hills, albeit small ones, with serene views of the hills off in the distance as I approached on foot from Great North Road. The more I walk along the pathway winding its way around these grassy mounds, the more the sound of traffic winds it way back. The play ground is set quite far back from the road which is great, otherwise safety would be a bit of a worry for parents. They also have a flying fox, fun for the older kiddies. A designated dog off leash area too, which by the look of the map is probably a bit too close to the road however. It was an enjoyable stroll amongst a very open area, with some well established trees and some young ones slowly maturing. If you want to get here by car, the entrance is on Cadman Avenue.

Great place to walk a woof. Shame the water care are such c- units and remove pictures off then…read morewater tank aye. Stink water care stains

This place is Zuzu & myself's new favourite place to do. Great for the small, medium and bigger…read moredogs. It also caters for all different levels of fitness. I am hopelessly overweight & unfit & yet together we both manage to have a pant worthy walk. Best thing of all.... Everyone is very nice. I think you have to leave your preconceptions & prejudices at the gate, it just isn't tolerated there. The best time of day to go in the summer time is between 5 & 6. The heat of the sun is starting to diminish, plus there are more doggies to say hello to!

Fantastic park and walkway that I got to introduce to friends who had never heard of it or been…read morebefore! So glad they know of it now, especially the one who has a dog whose allowed on this track. Just next to Castor Bay, Kennedy is home to gun emplacements as well as tunnels from the Second World War. The tunnels are only open second Sunday of every month between 11am and 2pm for guided walks by volunteers from the Kennedy Park WWII Trust. There is also ample green grass and shade from trees next to the wooden coastal walkway. There is a sturdy wooden staircase leading to Back Beach where several people were doing up and down stair-runs and other fit-stuff. Good on them. Unfortunately we came at high tide so couldn't make it full all the way around the cliffs but definitely coming back at low tide to do more walk exploring and go for a swim! Having said that though, we instead did the coastal walk, noticed the spiderweb-centred playground that looked like fun as well. A proper dedicated car park space you can turn into after the main sign. Such a great park space- must see.

JF Kennedy Park is one of those fantastic spots that has somehow managed to remain relatively…read moreunknown - well, unknown enough at least to ensure it's not overcrowded or anything. You get there a little turnoff into a carpark off Beach Road which reveals a wide expanse of park complete with a quality playground. At first you don't quite realise how high up you are, but then you notice the water of the Hauraki Gulf on the horizon out to the east, walk to the edge of the park, and see that you're actually on a high clifftop. You can follow a wooden staircase all the way down the cliff-face, revealing a beautiful beach mercifully free of direct car access which makes gives it a nice secluded feel. It is a favourite of the fitness/dog walking crowd, but most of the time this beach is pretty well empty so it's a great place to come for a swim, enjoy some Vitamin D, and marvel at the golden rock of the cliff. My favourite time to come is just before sunset - it's especially peaceful around this time, and in summer the water's still lovely and warm.