2 minute read
Auckland Regional Parks
> AMBURY REGIONAL PARK, AMBURY FARM PARK, SOUTH AUCKLAND Roam amongst the farm animals all year round. From July-August, you can help feed the lambs and watch the calves being fed with help from the park rangers. Better yet, it’s free.
> ĀWHITU REGIONAL PARK, SOUTH AUCKLAND Occupying the reasonably underexplored Āwhitu Peninsula, here lies Kauritutahi Beach, a tranquil stretch of white sand, as well as sheltered picnic and barbecue areas, and the basic but beautiful Peninsula campground.
Advertisement
> TĀPAPAKANGA, SOUTH AUCKLAND An attractive coastal farm park with beautiful walking tracks dripping in Māori and European history. The beach (and beach fronting campsite) boasts views over the Firth of Thames and is
> SHAKESPEAR REGIONAL PARK, NORTH AUCKLAND Stay for an hour, day or the entire week. This is a spectacular wildlife sanctuary with many wellmaintained walking tracks, campgrounds, sheep farms and large beaches.
> TĀWHARANUI, NORTH AUCKLAND Where beach meets bush. This is a haven for walkers, bird watchers, surfers and snorkellers. Discover stunning white-sand beaches, rolling pastures, shingled bays and native forest.
> DUDER REGIONAL PARK, EAST AUCKLAND Where great green hills tumble into golden beaches. Work up a sweat on one of several walks (red and yellow trails are moderate, whereas blue trails are more intense). Say hello to the sheep and cool off in the sea. There’s nothing commercial here, so pack plenty of water, sun cream and provisions.
> SCANDRETT REGIONAL PARK, NORTH AUCKLAND Albeit smaller and less well-known when compared to other Auckland parks, that’s part of the appeal. Embark on a looped walk, laze on the beach and fossick in rock pools. And don’t miss the historic Scandrett homestead and a handful of farm buildings built in 1855.
> ŌMANA REGIONAL PARK, EAST AUCKLAND Pull on your gumboots and stride out for a day of beach walks, farmland tramps and pā exploration. This large grassy knoll overlooks the inner Hauraki Gulf and features free barbecues and a playground.
> MAHURANGI REGIONAL PARK, NORTH AUCKLAND A beautiful, wind-licked park with native forest, idyllic bays and panoramas. Walks ranging from half-an-hour to three hours will certainly invigorate.
> HŪNUA RANGES REGIONAL PARK, EAST AUCKLAND Explore the largest area of native forest in Auckland. There are dozens of walks, three bike tracks, beautiful Hūnua Falls and decent fishing at Mangatangi and Mangatāwhiri reservoirs.
IMAGE ABOVE: Hūnua Falls © Auckland Unlimited Inc.
