Beautiful lush trails along the waterfront, offering tranquil views of the headlands and ocean…read more There are about four or five different trail options. Do not be fooled by the time stamped on the map though. The 1.5 hr trail was a mere 45-50 minutes. I suppose it depends on your hike speed, but it certainly wasn't near 1.5 hours. I suggest the perimeter track (which is listed as a 2.5 hr loop) for some epic views of the Puhoi River, Moturoa Isl. and the ocean. There are rest benches along the ridge, so bring a lunch and enjoy the view above before making the trek down. The only issue I had with this park was the amount of stairs during the ascent. I'd say we came across three sets of stairs with at least 30-40 steps each! We assume it was for the preservation of the roots, or that the terrain was not very stable. Being winter season we caught our fair share of rain. I would absolutely like to return during a full Sun day. Especially since it's less than an hours drive from Auckland!

Here you will find such a beautiful scenic park, with a fantastic beach to swim at in summer…read more I love Wenderholm, there is so much to offer here. Massive old Pohutakawa's line the park and bloom to maximum beauty during the hottest months of the year. I really enjoy taking my son to the beach as its super safe, have nice calm waters, and also close by an estuary which is also brilliant for child play. Stunning views across the sea call for many hours spent lying at the beach, reading that fave book or building sandcastles with the little ones. Super facilities for the public; include lots of space to choose a private spot, birds roaming in their natural habitat, lots of picnic tables to use, and public bathrooms. Be sure to spend a day down at Wenderholm and be at one with nature.

The park is well maintained, with a safe to swim at beach. Great walks along the cliffsread more

Auckland really is a beautiful city with so many outdoor beauties…read more Long Bay Regional Park is a sure winner, and a superb place to take the little ones on the weekend. On my recent second mother's day, my family and I travelled to Long Bay to take part in the Free Volunteer Tree Planting at Long Bay Regional Park. Parking close to the awesome kid's playground with flying fox, we had a 15 minute uphill walk to the park location that had been chosen for planting. This event had been organised by the wonderful Auckland City Council. The stunning weather really brought out the serenity of mother nature. Aucklander's and foreigners showed up from all around to plant kowhai's, flax, cabbage trees and more. This beautiful park has so much to offer; a slice of paradise where young and old can come, relax and enjoy nature in its purest form. I recommend taking one of the many walks through tracks labelled in the park, or even enjoying leisure time walking or running in your spare time. You have so much on offer, whether you want to do nothing or do lots. The ocean is at the parks edge, so be sure to stroll on the beautiful long beach and take a swim in the glorious ocean too.

This has to be one of the busiest beaches during the summer months! And it's pretty obvious why…read more The beach itself is absolutely beautiful. The water is clear and crisp and the sand is squeaky clean... it actually squeaks sometimes when you rub your feet in it! This is a great beach for the family as more often that not there are little waves, which make for some fun boogie boarding or body surfing. As Jacob said it's not often that there's real surf-able waves here but when the east coast swell gets up and hits at the right angle you might be in for a treat. There are some awesome rock pools to explore and a hill to climb which gives you a great look out over the bay. But be careful! I once saw a group of young kids get washed along the rocks as a set wave rolled in. Make sure you accompany your kids and only go exploring if there aren't big waves and the tide's not too high!

Beautiful Anchor Bay is a day trip spent perfectly in one of our regions golden treasures…read more I spent Easter Sunday here with my son and partner, we arrived not too long after lunch, and the car park close by was already packed to maximum capacity. A short walk down to the beach via the beach path and we found a lovely patch of sand with our name on it. I spent my time here swimming in the beautiful clean cool ocean, body surfing waves, and sun tanning. I recommend if you're not too relaxed to take a walk down the beach towards the rock pools which fill up and explore a deep human sized rock pool that you can dive bomb into! Sublime. The little kids will enjoy running about the rock pools and soaking in them, or searching for the little and big crabs that call it their home. The oceans out beyond the bay are protected as a marine reserve so the fish/sea creatures are happy and you won't see a fisherman in this regional park area. I love the peace I feel at Anchor Bay and always cherish my time here.

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

Auckland Council owned memorial park. Beautiful place with wonderful staff. Always ask if you want…read moreanything specific. Always accommodating. Enjoy outings there.

Hillsborough Bay is a place of beauty. Just off the top of Hillsborough Road there is also a track…read moreyou can take which is like walking through the jungle to get there. At the bottom lies a green and a picnic table. Carry on across the road down steps to the bay and you will be in awe of the beautiful surroundings. You can see a couple of mountains before you. The setting is tranquil and there are wooden benches to sit on. Take a book and sit under the shade of a tree. There is a children's park at the end, however, it is rarely used. There is also a beach area, however its quite stoney. If you want to meditate or go somewhere peaceful this is your place.

Just had a bite at Catalina and need to walk the dog so I meandered over through the park and to…read morethe playground. What a great space with its cool climbing structures that look like pieces of sculpture art and are loads of fun for the kids to play on. This will be an anchor in the new community that is going to include hundreds of new houses and schools. The playground is surrounded by native plantings and wide open spaces with shady trees. This playground and surrounding park will form part of a coastal walk and cycleway.

The park is clean and the playground is super duper exciting with a huge climbing structure made of…read morerope. More for the advanced of young climbers, 8 years and up. There's a two person swing which again should only be attempted by the agile and sober...and preferably of the smaller in stature and of similar sizes. The park is clean with well kept gardens. The toilets are on an electronic release and subjected to vandalism. It would pay to bring your own disinfectant wipes but there is toilet paper and the hand dryers are working! Bonus! The park benches are under luscious green trees which provide cool shade which was welcome respite on a hot day like today. Best not to hang around after dark. Best not to park your freedom camper nearby either. The area can be a bit rough. Other than that, enjoy! Other than that, it's a blast!

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.