Auckland is spoilt for choice when it comes to places to picnic. Whether you’re spur of the moment and spontaneous or like to plan ahead, we’ve compiled a list of our absolute favourite family picnic spots in Auckland for you to keep in mind.
Bastion Point
Mission Bay
This beautiful bay is a firm favourite among Aucklanders, and there’s always an abundance of people lapping up the sunshine. If crowds of people aren’t your thing, Bastion Point is just the place for your family! You can carve out your own quiet picnicking spot on the hill, and still bask in the gorgeous views of Mission Bay. The kids will love exploring the Point; running about the gardens and climbing around the monument.
North Head Historic Reserve
Devonport
Create an epic day experience for your kids at this historic defence site. Starting with a fantastic ferry ride, then landing at your perfect picnic spot on the hillside (fit with jaw-dropping views of the harbour), this amazing place is a win for the whole family. There are mysterious tunnels, nooks, and hidden crannies for kids to discover and explore. This family outing is great for teens too (if you’re feeling adventurous, take them in the evening and pack some torches for a bit of scary fun!).
Dove-Myer Robinson Park or Parnell Rose Gardens
Parnell
Kids will love this classy picnic setting, nestled between a rainbow of roses. While this romantic spot is within the central city, it’s a complete getaway. Here, you can chill out, lay out a blanket, and settle in to stop and smell the roses. This spot is also perfect for snapping some photos of the family having fun and running free.
Coyle Park
Point Chevalier
This park truly has everything to offer for a picnic outing. Outdoor tables are scattered around sweeping grassy fields, huge pine trees offer shade, and all the while there’s a stunning harbour view. There’s another bonus to this park too, it’s a boredom buster – fit with an epic playground for tots and tweens (and an adult-friendly flying fox). This park is only a short walk from an ice-cream café (don’t worry, we’ll keep it on the down low).
The Domain
Auckland Central
There’s heaps of space for everyone at the Auckland Domain, so pack a ball and bat, as well as the picnic rug! Carve out a spot in the shade under the pavilion, or dine with stunning views of Auckland (and the awe-inspiring backdrop of the War Memorial Museum), or claim the field. On this picturesque outing, make sure you check out the Winter Gardens to see oodles of colours, flowers and plants.
Cornwall Park
Epsom
Cornwall Park is another vast landscape in a bustling city. We love to visit when the lambs are out in spring, and the daffodils are blooming. It is absolutely idyllic, and the kids love to run around and see the animals too! This is a perfect spot to lay out the picnic rug, or nab one of the ten barbecues on the grounds for a more kiwi affair. If you manage to hike your way up One Tree Hill, you’ll be greeted with an epic view too.
Western Springs
Point Chevalier
Right next to the zoo, this wonderful park is a family favourite. Grass and looping tracks (good for scooters and skateboards too) surround pretty little lakes which are always bustling with geese and swans. There are scenic bridges, a charming Japanese garden and more to be delighted in. Make sure you get a spot on the grass where the geese haven’t been – there may be some surprises.
By Olivia Stanley
Image: Pinterest
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