Going Places

Looking for somewhere to go on an outing? We used to run a feature in our print edition called Going Places, which lists a variety of parks, walks, tracks, swimming pools and destinations that are great for family outings. Now its available here on our website. However, it may pay to double check the availability of the destination before making the trip, because we no longer check the listings regularly.

Auckland City

Mission Bay
There’s plenty to do around the bays on Tamaki Drive. Mission Bay is the ideal spot for a picnic by the fountain. Play games on the grass and let the kids loose on the beach or in the playground. Rollerblades and bikes are perfect for the long beachside path that wends its way along the waterfront.

Okahu Bay
Head down to the waterfront and enjoy a swim at Okahu Bay on Tamaki Drive (near to Kelly Tarlton’s). The white sand beach is suitable for children to swim at and there’s often an ice-cream van on the street when you’ve built up an appetite! Across the road is a reserve with a small playground and lots of room for running around.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o T?maki
In the central city Auckland Art Gallery Toi o T?maki has free entry (apart from special exhibitions) and a wide variety of art from dramatic traditional paintings to modern sculpture. Children’s art activities are available for $2 every Sunday at 2pm. Behind the gallery is Albert Park with its huge established trees, statues, a floral clock, the rotunda and an impressive fountain.

Auckland Central Library
Raining outside? Head to the Auckland Central Library and check out the changes! You’re invited to explore the new area for children on the ground floor. Teenagers can explore the new location of their collection, close to the children’s area, but distinctly different.

Aotea Square Markets
For some eclectic shopping and entertainment take in Aotea Square Markets, Friday and Saturday 10am-6pm. Fashion, jewellery, Pasifika arts and crafts, ethnic cuisine and local entertainers occupy the square rain or shine. Phone 307 5467 or visit www.the-edge.co.nz.

Auckland Domain
It’s always good to get out in the fresh air with the kids, so go on an expedition to feed the ducks at the Auckland Domain. There is plenty to do here including visiting the museum (entry by donation) and the Winter Gardens with exotic plantlife in the glasshouses and a magical fernery. Check out the Domain’s new sculpture walk, too.

Western Springs
Western Springs also has ducks, and there is a popular playground. This is an excellent place for a safe bike ride and there are plenty of perfect picnic places and barbeques available.

Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a busy central location opposite Victoria Park Market and there is plenty of outdoor action here with rugby and soccer matches, a large petanque pitch and a children’s playground. A large skate park provides ramps, rail slide bars, walls and more for skateboard fans.

Grey Lynn Paddling Pool
Grey Lynn Paddling Pool (Grosvenor Street, off Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn, phone 303 2068) opens from mid-December until March, 10am-6pm daily. This is a free facility, located in Grey Lynn Park. There’s a playground adjacent with swings, slides, seesaws, climbing equipment, a flying-fox and a trained lifeguard to monitor the pool throughout the summer. The park has a flying fox, fitness trail, gardens and sculptures, sportsfields, a basketball court and facilities for skateboarding plus lots of green space to explore.

Mt Eden
Venture up to the summit of Mt Eden (196m) where there are three craters and access is by both road and path. At the base of Mt Eden (Maungawhau), at the corner of Clive and Mt Eden Roads you’ll find a great playground with heaps of activities packed into a small area. It’s close to the road so keep a close eye one the children, but there is equipment for all ages including an excellent flying fox to make the big kids scream and gentler activities for the toddlers too.

Outhwaite Park
A small family-friendly playground can be found at Outhwaite Park (Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket), just across the road from the Domain and near to Newmarket and Auckland Hospital. There are the usual swings plus tunnel slide and climbing frame. Toilet facilities, free barbeques and plenty of shade make it a city refuge for a picnic and a play.

One Tree Hill
Make the most of a fine day at One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie), set in the beautiful Cornwall Park. Once the site of an ancient Maori pa and now home to sheep and cattle, you can trek to the summit and enjoy views right across the Auckland region. There are a variety of barbeque sites available, playgrounds by the Observatory and the open spaces make this an excellent venue for kite flying.

Cornwall Park Visitor Centre
This is located in historic Huia Lodge and opposite is Acacia Cottage, the oldest wooden house in Auckland. Take a walk through to see how the earliest settler cottages were built and furnished. Open 10am-4pm daily.

Rocket Park
On New North Road in Mt Albert this park is well known for its namesake rocket. There is a large picnic area and a well-designed outdoor playground plus special play equipment for disabled children.

Potters Park
On the corner of Dominion and Balmoral Roads in Mt Eden, this park has a securely fenced playground and plenty of green space to run around on plus a basketball hoop and toilet facilities.

Jellicoe Park
Now that the sun is out and the days are longer, a park makes a great family destination. Jellicoe Park (131 Trafalgar Street and Grey Street) has fine native and exotic trees, flower gardens, a fountain, memorial arches and historic buildings. The open spaces are great for ball games and picnics; there are toilets, tables and a playground. See the adjacent replica Fencible cottages built in 1847.

Point Erin Park
The 4ha Point Erin Park is a great open space for the whole family to enjoy with a playground, tables, bike stands and toilets. Adjacent to the Point Erin Pools. 94 Shelly Beach Road, Ponsonby.

Western Park
5-7 Ponsonby Road, Beresford Street, Freemans Bay. This is a brilliant park in the city. Huge trees and good paths follow a seasonal stream down to sportsfields on the lower area. There are intriguing sculptures on the Ponsonby Road frontage and check out the viewing platform by Hopetoun Street to look out over the harbour. Toilets, tables, bike stands, drinking fountains, playground and a flying fox.

Basque Park, Eden Terrace
Locals have helped landscape this park with beautiful native trees and a stunning water feature. The large grassy area is perfect for a quiet picnic followed by a game of cricket or a throw of the Frisbee. You’ll find the park off Exmouth Street.

Ayrlies
Stop and smell the roses! Situated 40 minutes east of Auckland City, Ayrlies is one of New Zealand’s best known gardens, characterised by sweeping lawns, native plantings, ponds and waterways. For more information visit www.gardens.org.nz

Dove-Myer Robinson Park
Dove-Myer Robinson Park in Parnell is a festival of colour with around 5000 rosebushes growing there. To enjoy the spectacular blooms at their fullest, visit the rose gardens between October and April. You can access the park from Gladstone Road and Judges Bay Road

Tole Reserve
Tole Reserve in Ponsonby has a great skateboard concrete bowl suitable for those who are beginning or to those who like a bit of excitement, given the position of the bowl. Access is either from the end of Tole Street or 104 Clarence Street.

Music in Parks
Enjoy Music in Parks over the summer with free concerts all over Auckland’s parks and reserves. Find out where your local event is by visiting www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/events.

Bastion Point
Take in the stunning views of the Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island from historic Bastion Point. Located off Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, the kids will love flying a kite, enjoying a picnic or kicking a ball in the large open space.

Alberton House
Discover historic Auckland at Alberton House, 100 Mt Albert Rd, Mt Albert. This mansion began as a farmhouse in 1863 and was famous in the 19th century for its balls, hunts, garden parties and music.

Potiki Adventures
Come and experience a unique New Zealand encounter with Potiki Adventures. Experience an entertaining, relaxed introduction to Auckland’s beautiful beaches, urban sites of Maori significance and native forests. www.potikiadventures.com

Waitakere City

Waitakere Ranges
Venture west into the Waitakere Ranges to explore the native bush. There is a wide range of tracks for the beginner and the more adventurous tramper. A good place to start is the Arataki Visitor Centre on Scenic Drive. There are interesting displays, knowledgeable staff and an easy walk close by with native plants marked along the way. Remember to always take adequate clothing and food with you when you go into the bush and tell someone where you are going.

Corban Estate Arts Centre
Corban Estate Arts Centre, located in the historic Corban Winery Estate buildings in Henderson, is home to galleries featuring changing exhibitions, a gallery shop and artists’ studios. Open 7 days 10am-4pm. In the park behind the centre see sculpture with a function at the Opanuku Arts Bridge designed by Neil Miller.

Pacifica Arts Village
The Pacifica Arts Village is also located at the Corban Estate. Weavers meet every Wednesday, and welcome visitors. You can enjoy arts, crafts and food at the Pacifica Markets at the village on the second Saturday of every month, 12 noon to 5pm.

Henderson Heritage Trail
The Henderson Heritage Trail looks at history from 1844 and there are some great relics to be seen. There are two loops, each about a 40-minutes walk, both start and finish at the Henderson’s Mill Cottage. See www.waitakere.govt.nz/ArtCul/hr/hrtgtril.asp for photos and a map you can download. The trails include landmarks like The Mill Dam, the remains of the Delta Point landing and the concrete wharf at Tui Glen which is under reconstruction, and the Falls Hotel where you can stop for refreshments on the sunny deck.

Hart Domain
When the kids are restless, get away from home and enjoy a local playground. Behind the Waitakere Plaza shopping Centre on Vitasovich Road in Henderson you’ll find Hart Domain complete with a concrete taniwha decorated with handmade tiles. The playground has shadecloth for protection from the sun and full wheelchair access. You can also take a walk across the road to see the statues of bullocks that have been made from old shopping trolleys.

Kaikoura Reserve
In the Glendene area try Kaikoura Reserve, built in the shape of a crayfish, Glen Eden has Sunvue Park with its dragon-shaped playground and in Massey the playground at Moire Park is shaped like a ship. There are also toilets nearby plus a walk along the stream and through the bush so you can take a picnic and spend a few hours here.

Shadbolt Park
For a good family walk start at Shadbolt Park in Green Bay and take the walkway along the Avondale Stream. You can take an exit to Connell Street or Lucknow Place or continue on through a pine glade and back to the other end of the park.

Lopdell House
Lopdell House in Titirangi is the public art gallery for Waitakere City. The galleries show exhibitions of local and international contemporary fine arts and crafts plus film, new music and performance, workshops and public forums, lectures, seminars and debates. There is also a theatre, shop and restaurant.

Auckland’s West Coast
The black sand beaches of Auckland’s west coast are dramatic destinations with crashing surf, walking tracks and spectacular landmarks. See Lion Rock at Piha, and creepy caves at Bethell’s Beach (Te Henga). Karekare Beach has sensational sand dunes to roll down or take a walk up the hill to Karekare Falls.
Calmer beaches can be found on the Manukau Harbour. Take a walk along Green Bay Beach and investigate the rock pools or take the high road along the top of the cliffs on the Karaka Park coastal walk. Nearby Titirangi Beach is a sheltered spot at the bottom of the hill with a playground and toilets. It’s also a great place to watch the wading birds at low tide. A little further out at Laingholm, Sandy’s Parade has a playground, basketball court and a skate ramp along with a calm beach setting and walks through the bush at Warner Park.
Further out of town are beaches like Armour Bay, a favourite spot for a family outing with a large, flat common for games, a petanque pitch and rock pools waiting to be explored. There’s a coin-operated barbecue, tennis court and a boat ramp for launching dinghies or kayaks. Something to keep everyone happy on a day out!

Skateboarding
For skateboarding action take the kids with boards, blades and bikes to a skate park. Try out Shadbolt Park in New Lynn, Parrs Park in Glen Eden, Pringle Park in Te Atatu Peninsula or Te Pai Park in Henderson which also has a nearby playground, and is adjacent to the well-used netball and tennis courts.

Luckens Reserve
Enjoy a coastal walk at Luckens Reserve in West Harbour. A sealed path, suitable for bikes, buggies and wheelchairs, meanders in and around many little inlets. Passing by wetlands and through native bush, you’ll hear the squawks of the gulls and catch glimpses of bush birds like fantails and tui. Bring a picnic basket and rug and have lunch in the picnic and play area under the tall pines.

Waipareira Walkway
Head down to the Waipareira Walkway at the West Harbour Marina and enjoy a coastal walk meandering in and around many little inlets, passing by wetlands and through native bush. Catch glimpses of bush birds like fantails and tui.

Paremuka Park
Located on Hillwell Drive this is Waitakere’s newest park and a major restoration project. It’s the perfect place for a stroll and is safe for pushchairs and bikes. From the viewing platform you can observe the newest inhabitants – the ducks, pukekos and the impressive Eel Man sculpture.

Muriwai
Enjoy a nature day at Muriwai. This rugged, west coast beach is home to 1,200 pairs of stunning yellow-headed gannets over summer. You might even spot a fur seal or blue penguin so be sure to bring your camera!

Armour Bay
Armour Bay in Huia is an ideal spot for families with children. They can play in the sea, explore rock pools or enjoy a game of petanque. With a BBQ site and tennis courts too, there’s something plenty for mum and dad to do too!

MOTAT
Get set to discover something new at MOTAT, New Zealand’s largest and leading transport and technology museum. Within 40 acres, MOTAT will take you on an interactive journey through many of the technological achievements that have helped shape New Zealand.  Whether your family is keen on planes, trains or cars, or just finding out how things work, MOTAT is the place to be for discovery!

Harbourview Walkway
Enjoy a summer walk along the Harbourview walkway, off Te Atatu Rd, just past the roundabout. This walk winds its way past two historic homes, over several small creeks, and leads down and around some stunning water features. There are boardwalks and a picnic platform out over the water at Harbourview Reserve.

Manutewhau
Take the kids for a day out at Manutewhau! Paddle in the cool shallow water and marvel at the sculptured steam bed or wander through the lush native bush – some of the best remaining in the Waitakere urban area. Enjoy a picnic afterwards in St Margaret’s or Moire Park in the many open grassy areas while children play on the playground, fly a kite or kick a ball around on the sports fields. Access via West Harbour Drive.

Moire Park, Massey
Bring the rugby ball or your walking shoes, you can do it all right here! There are great walks for those who want to check out the native bush and open grassy areas for the kids to run around or fly a kite. Access from Moire Rd or Royal Rd.

BeesOnline Honey Centre and Cafe
Raining again? Head to BeesOnline on State Highway 16, Waimauku. This working, purpose built honey centre has live bee display with talks and tours. Enjoy tasty honey samples and a great lunch at the cafe.

Olympic Park
The playground at the award winning Olympic Park in New Lynn offers facilities for children of all ages. From state of the art swings to roped climbing structures, kids will love it!  Access from Portage Road in New Lynn.

Connells Bay Sculpture Park
Planning a trip to Waiheke these holidays? Stop by at the Connells Bay Sculpture Park on Cowes Bay Road. The family can enjoy a guided walk through native bush and farmland and enjoy stunning views of the Gulf and the incredible sculpture collection.

Eden Garden
Eden Garden is an award-winning garden created in an abandoned quarry on the slopes of Mt Eden. Enjoy the gardens, take in the beautiful views and grab a cuppa at the café. You’ll also find one of the largest collections of camellias in the Southern Hemisphere. A small admission fee is charged. The garden is open 9am – 4.30pm daily.

North Shore City

Devonport
Head over the harbour bridge or catch a ferry to Devonport, an excellent destination for a family outing. You can enjoy the beach and the ever-changing waterscape as the boats, from P-class yachts to cruise ships, ply the harbour. The playground and petanque pitch are popular or you can try fishing from the pier. Walk or drive up Mount Victoria, the highest of Auckland’s volcanic cones and survey the city. For an extra dose of fun take some cardboard for sliding down the slopes.

Navy Museum
Have you visited the Navy Museum in Spring Street, Devonport yet? The museum honours New Zealand’s naval heritage and displays an impressive collection of naval treasures. Open 10am-4.30pm.

North Head Historic Reserve
Another Devonport location to explore is the North Head Historic Reserve with its tunnels and disappearing guns. Standing at the entrance to the inner harbour you can look out over the Hauraki Gulf and check out the military remains that date from pre-European times to World War II. The reserve is open 6am-10pm but vehicle gates close at 6pm.

Ngataringa Park
This park is on the way into Devonport and has been built on reclaimed land. Once a rubbish dump, the park is now home to lovely gardens and a maze constructed using hedges and stone to recreate the circular ring mazes of ancient Europe and incorporating Maori motifs.

Fishing
Devonport isn’t the only good spot to take the kids fishing. Try the wharf area at Beach Haven Point at the end of Beach Haven Road, where there is also a picnic area with tables. Birkenhead Point and wharf is another fisherman’s hangout with Hinemoa Park alongside providing a playground and picnic area.
Osborne Memorial Pool (Mahara Avenue, Birkenhead, phone 418 3560) is $10 for a family pass and open from November through to April 12noon – 6pm. They have a 33m gas-heated outdoor pool, two paddling pools and a grassed picnic and barbecue area.

Little Shoal Bay
At Northcote, this is great for a family expedition. There’s a tennis court, petanque pitch and three-on-three basketball hoop as well as a large grassed area and an all-weather cricket pitch. The wetlands that border Little Shoal Bay are easily accessible via a boardwalk and there is also access to the Le Roys Bush Reserve.

Takapuna to Milford Walk
Closer to town, venture out on the Takapuna to Milford walk. The walk takes about two hours and is mainly along public roads and paths, highlighting historical facts about buildings and the area. There is a fossil forest, best seen at low tide when it is most visible and the foreshore more accessible. Some pathways are not properly constructed and care should be taken. See www.northshorecity.govt.nz heritage pages or pick up a guide for this or other North Shore walks from visitor centres and libraries or contact Actionline, phone 486 8600.

Browns Bay Beach
Heading northwards, Browns Bay Beach can be found behind the shopping centre and is ideal for a family barbecue. There is parking behind the shopping centre, adjacent to the beach and a large modern playground for the children. Keen skateboarders will make the most of the ramp on the reserve area.

Long Bay Regional Park
This is home to a popular beach with great facilities, particularly good for large gatherings. Children can enjoy the small playground, miniature train and a flying fox, as well as the beach, of course. There are barbecues where you can cook up a winter feast. Bookings can be made for the barbecue and picnic sites (parksline phone 303 1530). For the energetic there is also a coastal track from Long Bay to Granny’s Bay and Pohutukawa Bay.

Shakespear Regional Park
Head north for the day to Shakespear Regional Park, on Whangaparaoa Peninsula. Birds from Tiritiri Matangi Island sanctuary have migrated across to the regenerating native forest. Hear bellbirds and see occasional kakariki and spy spring lambs too, along with the peacocks at Te Haruhi Bay. There are swimming spots for the warm days and camping facilities available. The many walks include a heritage trail with a World War 2 gun emplacement, native forest, farmland and wetland. You can book a picnic site, and barbecues are also available. Contact the Auckland Regional Council phone 366 2000.

Mairangi Arts Centre
Head indoors and check out the Mairangi Arts Centre for their latest exhibitions. They often display artworks by students and there’s always something interesting to see.

PumpHouse
Another destination for the artistic is the PumpHouse in Killarny Park on the shores of Lake Pupuke. It began its life as a water-pumping station but has been transformed into a theatre and gallery space. After taking a look at the latest exhibition you can enjoy a picnic by the lake.

Warkwork
Make the most of the school holidays and head further north to Warkwork where you’ll find plenty to keep the family entertained. See the Warkworth and District Museum, located at the end of Tudor Collins Drive in Warkworth. It’s part of the Parry Kauri Park alongside two huge kauri trees that are nearly 1000 years old! There is a brilliant long wooden boardwalk through the forest which makes a great adventure. Phone: 09 425 7093.

Honey Centre
Learn all about bees and see them in action at the Honey Centre (Cnr SH1 and Perry Road, 4km south of Warkworth, phone 09 425 8003). They have New Zealand’s largest live been display and you can watch the queen bee lay her eggs, see the worker bees with their pollen and sample the honey. And there is also a café.

Ti Point Reptile Park
Pack a picnic lunch and head out to New Zealand’s only reptile zoo. Located at Ti Point Rd in Warkworth, the Ti Point Reptile Park will provide a unique experience for young and old to see an incredible collection of reptiles including lizards and crocodiles. For more information phone 09 422 6021.

Ti Tree Hills Horse Treks
Saddle up this Spring! Enjoy a leisurely horse ride through native bush and admire incredible views of the Hauraki Gulf, Hibiscus Coast and the Coromandel. Ti Tree Hills Horse Treks cater to families, schools, tour groups and individuals of all ages. With quiet, well-mannered horses and ponies, you can be sure of a safe and enjoyable ride. For more info, visit www.titreehills.co.nz.

Harbourside Art Trail
Plan a day of art and culture, drive at your own pace and visit studios of local artists and craftspeople along the famous Harbourside Art Trail around Birkenhead and Northcote. The studio visits are complemented by the chance to explore some of the best bush reserves in New Zealand and relax in contemporary cafés or visit artists’ studios and workshops. For more information visit www.northshorecity.govt.nz.

Northcote Point
Take a leisurely stroll through historic Northcote Point, with its many old villas, a beautiful coastline and spectacular views. Northcote Point is one of the city’s most interesting heritage areas and today enjoys the advantages of a small backwater close to the city. Experience the cultural and historical origins of the area while reading about places of special interest outlined in the guide. Pick up a copy of the guide from the visitor information centres, area offices or libraries. Alternatively contact Actionline on 486 8600 and they’ll send you a copy.

Kauri Point Centennial Reserve
Hidden away next to the Chelsea Sugar Works, this gorgeous native reserve is a haven for all sorts of birdlife and includes numerous walking tracks of varying lengths. Pop the pooch on a lead, grab the kids and a picnic and head down Chelsea View Drive in Birkenhead for a great day out.

Fernglen
This wonderful garden is devoted solely to New Zealand native plants. Discover rare and endangered NZ plants and take a walk along one of the well maintained tracks and meet a couple of 300 year old kauri as well as ancient rimus. Located in Kauri Road, Birkenhead.

Literary Walks
The North Shore has established literary walks around Devonport, Takapuna and Castor Bay. The walks provide the perfect opportunity to find out about well-known authors who live or have lived in the city, and have to some extent been inspired by our city’s unique environment. Contact Action Line on 486 8600 for your copy.

Matakana Coast
Pack a picnic and travel down the coast for the day! Stretching from Puhoi to Pakiri, the Matakana Coast is lined with beautiful bays and reserves as well as fabulous art and craft stores.

Chatswood Reserve
The Chatswood Reserve in Birkenhead is a remnant of the kauri/hard beech forest that once covered much of North Shore City. The reserve is botanically rich and is reached from 17 entrances from surrounding Chatswood streets.

Historic Maori Site
Visit a North Shore Historic Maori Site. Remnants of Maori occupation in North Shore City include Te Urutapu, the sacred grove of pohutukawa near the Promenade in Takapuna and Rahopara Pa at Castor Bay. Devonport features the Tainui Memorial on King Edward Parade and Maori Pa sites on North Head and Mt Victoria.

Island Bay
Grab a fishing rod and picnic and head to Island Bay in Beachhaven. The fishing is great when the tide is in, but if it’s out the kids can still enjoy a play along the beach or on the playground. Access is via Island Bay Road.

Leigh Reserve
Leigh Reserve is a beautiful scenic reserve in Glenfield spanning 5.3 hectares with a well structured walkway system. Found at the corner of Leigh Terrace and Morriggia Place in Glenfield, a spectacular feature of the reserve is a mighty kauri tree, estimated to be around 700 years old.

The Kauri Museum
Come to The Kauri Museum in Matakohe and experience the history of the might Kauri, its fascinating gum and the pioneering past. Just off SH12 on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, north of Auckland.

Chelsea Sugar Refinery
Get away from the bustle of the city and enjoy a walk around the Chelsea Sugar Refinery Estate. Chelsea has a strong focus on being environmentally friendly, and the grounds provide a sanctuary to many endangered and rare species.

Matakana Village
In the scenic countryside just out of Matakana Village is Brick Bay Sculpture Trail. The trail itself is spread across two kilometres where ever-changing displays of 25 to 30 sculptural works are sited. All the sculptures are contemporary works by established and emerging artists. www.brickbaysculpture.co.nz.

Lake House Arts Centre
The Lake House Arts Centre in Takapuna is home to art and sculpture exhibitions which are held throughout the house. The art on display is colourful, plentiful and varied, catering to a range of tastes. There’s plenty to see and a café for a spot of lunch too.

Eastern Suburbs

Cockle Bay
In an easterly direction, take off for a white sand beach experience at Cockle Bay, near Howick. There are magnificent pohutukawa trees and rock pools to occupy the children, plus a playground and picnic tables near the beach.

Eastern Beach
Also check out Eastern Beach where tables and barbecues plus a large grass area for games, not to mention the beach itself, makes this a great picnic site.

Tohuna Torea Nature Reserve
This reserve is accessible from Riddell Road or West Tamaki Road in Glendowie. It has a walk along the sandspit out into the Tamaki Estuary with views of Howick, Mt Wellington and Brown’s Island. At low tide you can almost walk across the estuary. There are bushwalks in the mangroves bordering the sandspit with interesting birds to spot.

Waiatarua Reserve
For some outdoor activity visit Waiatarua Reserve (98 Abbotts Way, Meadowbank). New Zealand’s biggest urban wetland restoration project with wide pathways and extensive native planting. A unique wetland area of about 20ha, there’s plenty of birdlife to be spied upon along with toilets, a playground, table, viewing platform, basketball half-court and a skateboard half-pipe. You can also take the dog.

Point England Reserve
In Glen Innes pay a visit to the Point England Reserve (254 Point England Road). Covering a vast 41ha with a combination of rural (grazed) open space, sportsfields and bordering the Tamaki River, the reserve also includes the Glenn Innes Indoor Community Pool and Recreation Centre. Free electric barbecue, playground, toilets, boardwalk, lots of tables, drinking fountains and a basketball court.

Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre
Sir Lloyd Drive, Pakuranga, phone 535 5501. This centre has free entry to the swimming pools. Facilities include a 25m pool for lane swimming, and a separate 15-metre teaching and water therapy pool. There is also a 25m leisure pool, with graduated depth and incorporating a toddlers’ splash pool, complete with fun fountains. There are hot showers in the changing rooms and separate family changing rooms plus facilities for people with disabilities. There’s also a café.

Lagoon Leisure & Fitness
This has an indoor, heated 33.3m pool, a spa pool on poolside and a special kids’ pool. Outside there’s a 50m pool, a kids’ pool, dive pool and hydroslide. There’s lots of grass and you can even book in to use a barbecue. Family pass $10. Lagoon Drive, Panmure, phone 570 9061.

Mellons Bay
If the beach is your preference, check out Mellons Bay, just a few minutes from Howick Village. A lovely sheltered beach suitable for children to swim at and with a grass expanse suitable for a picnic.

The Uxbridge Centre
Check out the fabulous artistic activities at The Uxbridge Centre, 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick (phone 535 6467, www.uxbridge.org.nz). Exhibitions, art classes, theatre and other activities. Gallery hours 10am-4pm weekdays, 11am-2pm Saturdays.

Whitford
Grab the binoculars and head out to Whitford. Take a drive down Potts Road, which will bring you out to the coast. From here you may be lucky to spot one of the world’s rarest birds, the New Zealand dotterel, one of many species of coastal wading birds that use the shell-banks of the 500ha Cockle Bay estuary as a high tide roosting site. Other species to look out for include ducks, shags and godwits.

Okahu Bay
Check out the exciting new playground at Okahu Bay! This playground has it all, including a huge fort, a wheelchair-friendly swing, a basketball hoop, picnic tables, plus loads of space to run around. Just over the road from the beach, bring your bucket and spade and a picnic and stay all day!

All Saints Church
Take the family back in time and visit the second oldest church in New Zealand. Built in November 1847, the All Saints Church on Selwyn Road, was the first building to be erected in Howick and is full of history.

Awaroa Walkway
Put on your walking shoes and get some fresh air these holidays. The Awaroa Walkway offers a selection of walks to suit everyone. For more information about access, visit www.aucklandnz.com.

Manukau City

Brooks Beach
There are top places to go in the southern parts of the Auckland region too. Brooks Beach, on Manukau Harbour’s western shore, features camping, picnics, a golf course and walks through the tidal flats, regenerating forest and open fields. Visit the historic Brooks homestead, built in 1880 from local kauri. The park is still managed as a working farm, providing a look into New Zealand’s rural roots. There’s plenty of birdlife to keep an eye on with heron, pied oystercatcher, godwit and banded rail to be seen in the bush and on the foreshore.

Butterfly Creek
A great Auckland attraction is Butterfly Creek (Tom Pearce Drive, a minute from Auckland Airport). There is free entry to the child-friendly Papillon Bar & Café and to the fun of Curly’s playground. Pay to enter the Tropical Butterfly House, Buttermilk Farm, or ride on the Red Admiral Express miniature steam train. Phone 275 8880, www.butterflycreek.co.nz

Otara Market
For a big dose of Pacific culture head for Otara Market on Saturday mornings, 6am-10pm (Newbury Street, Otara). Get there early as the open-air market is already bustling as the sun comes up. Stalls with everything from fresh fruit to island music, clothing and arts and crafts along with fabulous food.

Moana-nui-a-kiwa Leisure Centre
Mascot Avenue, Mangere, phone 275 8979. This is a free indoor swimming facility with a 25m heated pool, learner pool, spa pool and sauna. The outdoor pools are open from November to March with five irregular-shaped pools, a jump pool, fast and gentle waterslides plus areas to enjoy a picnic or barbecue.

Massey Park Aquatic Centre
This centre also has indoor and outdoor pools including an indoor heated pool and a wave pool. For an alternative activity have a game on the outdoor beach volleyball courts. Ron Keats Drive, Papakura, phone 298 8526. Family pass from $8.

Pukekohe
Pukekohe has indoor pools in Franklin Road (phone 238 5240) plus there are outdoor pools open all summer in Pukekohe, Tuakau and Waiuku. Family pass $10.

Ambury Regional Farm Park
The fabulous Ambury Regional Farm Park at Mangere Bridge is a farm adventure for city folk. This 133 hectares working farm, stocked primarily with horses, sheep and cattle. See the animals and demonstrations of farm activities. Admission is free.

Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens
The Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens at Manurewa is a horticultural heaven for gardeners and also a prime venue for a family outing with ample lawns and pathways. There are many spots suitable for a picnic.

Tupu Youth Library
Manukau City Libraries have a special facility worth noting – the Tupu Youth Library on Dawson Road in Otara. This library takes special interest in children and young adults with special clubs, reading groups and story sessions. Look out for Sunday Fun Time for 5-12 year olds on Sundays from 12.30-3.30.

Glenbrook Station
Enjoy a day that the whole family will love at Glenbrook Station, Waiuku. Board the train at bustling Glenbrook and settle into the immaculate wood paneled carriages. Afterwards, take the kids over to the animal park and feed the farm animals. For more information go to www.railfan.org.nz.

Miniature Steam Train
For a train ride of the ‘miniature’ variety, head to the Panmure Lagoon. For just $1, both children and adults can enjoy a ride on a working miniature steam train. There’s also a children’s playground, so the kids can let off some steam of their own afterwards! Open every Sunday 1-4pm weather permitting.

Kiwi Esplanade
Head to Kiwi Esplanade in Mangere and experience lava flows from eruptions that happened over 20,000 years ago. You’ll also enjoy spectacular harbour vistas and flocks of up to 15,000 seabirds resting and feeding!

Tahuna Torea
Tahuna Torea encompasses 25 hectares of unique wildlife sited on a long sand bank extending out into the Tamaki Estuary. It is rich in Maori history as well as native birds and vegetation. Access via Vista Crescent or from the car-park at the end of West Tamaki Road.

Whitford Bird Garden
Enjoy New Zealand’s unique aviary of native and exotic plants and birds. Renowned wildlife artist, Blake Twigden, has combined a love of nature and his knowledge of plant and birdlife in one spectacular environment. 100 Trig Road, Whitford, phone 530 8807.

Mangere Mountain
Mangere Mountain at 100 Coronation Rd Mangere, looks out over the Mangere Ihumatao foreshore, stretching from Ambury Park to the Otuatua Stonefields. This fascinating site is a great place for the kids to learn about some of Auckland’s cultural history.

French Bay
French Bay’s beautiful shelly beach and grassed recreational area is surrounded by a fringe of pohutukawa trees. Enjoy an autumn stroll along the coastal cliff to Opou Reserve where the sea scouts are based. French Bay is also the home of the French Bay Boating Club and NZ Volunteer Marine Time Search and Rescue service.

Maraetai
Visit ‘Off the Beach Gallery’ at 70 Carlton Cres in Maraetai and discover original art, craft and gifts created by local artists including paintings, ceramics, pottery, wood works, jewellery, art and much more.

Pou Kapau
Visit the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre and meet Pou Kapau – the world’s tallest Maori/Pacific carving. Carved from a magnificent ancient Kauri, it stands at 20 metres high and weighs 20 tonnes!

Clevedon Village
Enjoy a relaxed day out at Clevedon Village. You’ll find delicious food, a farmers’ market, gallery and chocolate shop, vineyard, Italian market, deli and more!

Compiled by Claire Smith