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

The new Hurstmere Green redevelopment cost the council (and ratepayers) a decent handful of change,…read morehowever the results have been worth it. Some fantastic eateries have opened up on the terrace overlooking the new space and the night markets and events such as the open air cinema take advantage of the new built-in seating areas. The park is green with modern, well designed social and seating areas and forms an attractive transitional space from the shopping area of Hurstmere Rd to the park and beach at The Strand beyond.

There are a rusties and crusties brigade sadly prominent on the North Shore which rail against…read morespending rates on anything other than roads, rubbish, pipes and whatnot. I challenge them to come here when the night market is on and not enjoy it. This is a perfect example of spending that's got a community together while opening up lots of spots for great new eateries. The old Hurstmere Green by contrast was a travesty of a wasted public space - it simply worked for nobody but the smokers that used to sit in the dingy spots under the tree. Now it's an open, vibrant space that links Hurstmere Road nicely to the beach. I love the seating arrangements which allow you to recline or talk to your neighbour depending on what you feel like. I love the green space. I especially love the little sculpted details in the drink fountains and whatnot where they've managed to get a images of Lake Pupuke and Rangitoto in there - fantastic imagery evoking the natural surroundings. Kudos to the urban designers here, and may all public spaces in Auckland eventually be upgraded to this high standard.

Killarney Park should be more popular than it is. It almost seems like people (including myself)…read morejust forget about it. And it really is beautiful (if you can avoid the duck poo). Situated right on the bank of the beautiful Lake Pupuke, Killarney Park is a lovely place to relax. Sit in the sun with some lunch, relax under a tree with a book, grab a coffee from the nearby cafe, or take a stroll around the lake. Despite being right in the middle of busy Takapuna, you honestly feel miles away when you're here, and you realise how cool and unique it is that you can walk from beach to lake in 5 minutes. The lake itself is always busy with little boaters, kayakers and dive groups. You'll often find our Olympic rowers and kayakers training here. The walk around the lake is a really nice one, and I highly recommend it, although there are some annioying parts that don't let you take dogs, those can be avoided though. It is close to many of Takapunas cafes, but doesn't have them in the immediate vacinity, which actually makes for a much more relaxed, natural atmosphere. Lovely.

There are some places where you come to hang with your mates, some where you just like to be alone,…read moreand some where you don't mind either way. For me, Killarney Park falls into the *alone* category. My high school years were spent at the nearby Rosmini College, and Killarney Park is where I came just to unwind and be with my thoughts during those turbulent teenage years. For somewhere so close to central Takapuna it is incredibly serene and peaceful - it's something to do with the lake and the rowers on it...or the ducks - something about things gently passing while you're still is just relaxing. So yeah I come here to chill - lie on the grass, walk among the dew in the morning, sometimes I'll bring my guitar down and sit under a tree and have a quiet play to myself. Blissful.

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.

do NOT go to this beach. my whole family got bit by something and gave them red itchy bites just by…read moregoing in the water. Also we saw plenty of poisonous jellyfish which could've sent my babies to the hospital

Narrow Neck Beach is simply the most beautiful beach in Auckland !…read moreNear Devo, this beach is very large and quiet. Here, you will find clear water, fine sand not forgetting a wonderful view. But the photographs will talk better about it than a long explanation. Just the perfect place to go and relax after a working day.

I must admit Potters Park this morning was a saving grace, up early for a 6 km charity walk along…read morethe bays, the children needed a playground to kill the time with while we waited for the race to begin. Potters Park has a lovely grassy area perfect for kicking a ball about or flying a kite, and the most beautiful rose gardens on site. You can sit and read a book on the many benches available. I was very impressed with the playground as I have taken my toddler to a few places that have been only good for the over 2 1/2 age bracket, so for the mums who would love to see bub crawling, climbing and interacting with the playground a bit more heres your answer. Of course the park has bathrooms on site care of the council, and right next door is a large public pay and display car park which is free on the weekends, what a bonus. The Playground is only a small one, so if it is a busy time of day you might have to wait a bit for swings etc, however I recommend early on a saturday morning as on sunday the Anzac street carpark fills up with the Takapuna Sunday Markets.

Lake Pupuke was created by a volcanic eruption, aaaages ago. It was the same one that created that…read morecool Kauri fossil forest in between Takapuna Beach & Thorne Bay. Anyways, nowadays it's used for a flurry of activities in Summer. There's a windsurfing school down by Sylvian Park, plenty of kayakers and dragon boaters and even regular sailing and rowing competitions. Yes, you can swim at Lake Pupuke too but the sea at the Eastern end is only a couple of hundred metres away and is much nicer! The great thing about the lake is that if it's windy at the beach, 90% of the time it'll be calm at the lake and vice versa! I'll admit, I grew up around the corner so may be somewhat biased but I think it's an all round decent lake that's well-worth visiting for a summer picnic or water based activity!

This secluded beach has white sand, clear water and is an absolute favourite amongst locals. Walk…read morealong the coast from the larger, more populated Takapuna Beach past historic scoria reefs and petrified log holes and within 15 minutes you will find yourself at this hidden haven. Don't forget to pick up a coffee or an award winning liquorice ice cream from Takapuna Beach Cafe before you start. Fun Fact: If you are walking your dogs during low tide be sure to let them have a dip or drink in the fresh water rock pool towards the Southern end of the beach. The water trickles down from Lake Pupuke and the dogs just love it!

Thorne Bay is simply amazing. Forget the busy main beach at Takapuna, if it is seclusion you are…read moreafter then take the time to find your way to this beautiful bay. You can access Thorne Bay via Minnehaha Avenue, then there is a bit of a walk across some rock pools but the trek is worth it. Thorne Bay has white sand with lots of tiny pretty shells and if possible grab yourself a spot under one of the trees for some shade. When I went I was surprised at how far the tide came up, so if possible pick a time when it is low. The bay is also very rocky and so that combined with the tide means it isn't child friendly, which is nice because there aren't a lot of kids there. I had a beautiful time when I went early this year. Yes the weather was great too but just being in this small paradise you feel like you're not even in Auckland. If you haven't been you must go, you won't want to go to a mainstream beach again.

Great way to experience nature and learn from an experienced animal advocate. We did the night hike…read moreand it was thrilling to go thru the forest with Tristan. He provided a tasty picnic dinner near the beach. This was the last night of our 3 weeks in New Zealand and enabled us to end on a great non-touristy note. Highly recommend Tristan's tours.

Looking for a shore excursion off the beaten path in Auckland that would take me into nature and…read moreout of the city and after much research I settled on Habitat Tours. I am so glad I did. Tristan picked up my guest and I in the harbor downtown where our cruise ship was docked and off we went. We had opted for the Waitakere Half Day Tour which included a short hike through the beautiful sand dunes leading up to Lake Wainamu, a walk through the Cascade Kauri Park among the majestic and ancient Kauri trees, and some play time at Bethell's Beach to stroll the sands, wade into the waters, and take it all in (with tea and cookies waiting for us when we finished). It was just my guest and I on our tour so everything was tailored to us and very intimate. We loved chatting with our guide Tristan and we felt great about supporting a local small business. If we had more time we would have done a full day tour. Really just a fantastic day and would highly recommend Habitat Tours to anyone wanting to get out and explore nature around Auckland.

Another favourite with the dogs, Sylvan Park is located on the Northern side of Lake Pupuke and is…read moreless well-known than the South side, where the Pump house is. This suits both me and the dogs just fine. We are more than happy to roam the grassy embankment, play catch and discover new bush trails alone. Enter the park behind the tennis courts on Dodson Ave. Head down the RHS of the back courts and you will find yourself on a trail. Go right and you will end up at the back of Milford Primary (15 - 20mins), where there is a boat ramp if you want to go for a dip (too much swan poop for me - be each their own). Head left and you end up in an opening, which if you keep following round turns into the main part of the park. Here you will find toilets, BBQs and Madloop Windsurfing School. Whilst Sylvan Park ain't huge, it's a great daytime option during summer when our four legged friends are banned from the beaches!

Fantastic little inner city escape with lake beside it and away from the hustle of the city!read more