Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the largest city in Aotearoa New Zealand and home to over 1.7 million people. The Auckland region reaches as far north as Wellsford and as far south as Pukekohe. It includes Aotea Great Barrier Island and all the other islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Within the region there are 27 Auckland Regional Parks and 39 locations listed on the official Auckland City Regional Park website. That makes for a impressive number of places to explore and enjoy.
Beautiful beaches, luscious bush, dramatic dams and spectacular waterfalls are common water features of many Auckland Regional Parks. Thousands of locals and visitors flock to some of the more popular locations, especially on the weekends or a gorgeous summer’s day. There are also some less known gems to discover and explore which means there is plenty of outdoor experiences for everyone.
During the long lockdown at the end of 2021, I was stuck within the Auckland borders. Once we were allowed out and about within the Auckland region I decided to start visiting the Auckland Regional Parks and locations I had not yet explored. This led me to the challenge of ticking off every regional park and location on the official Auckland City Council list.
While researching some of these Auckland Regional Parks, I discovered that useful online resources were limited. Hence, I decided to put together this personal experience guide. I hope this guide will not only help others in planning visits to these parks but that it may inspire more people to get out and explore the amazing places Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has on offer.
AUCKLAND REGIONAL PARKS
1. AMBURY REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 22 km – 20 minutes – South
I had heard good things about this regional park before visiting the first time and it was all true. It was a gorgeous sunny spring day and the park was overflowing with lots of baby farm animals. This is definitely a park for children a family outing, the kids will love it! Located near Mangere on the edge of the Manukau Harbour it is popular with many shorebirds so a fabulous place to visit if you are into bird watching. As well as walking tracks you will also find bike tracks for an easy ride. The park boasts camping grounds making it an easy to access holiday getaway right in South Auckland.
2. ĀTIU CREEK REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 93 km – 1 hour 20 minutes- North West
This large park is a little out of the way but worth the drive for spectacular views of the Kaipara Harbour. The park has a variety of tracks spanning rolling hills and a working farm. There is the Ātiu Creek Campground with toilet facilities and the Courtyard House that sleeps 12. It appears to be popular with horse enthusiasts who frequent the park for horse trekking. I spent a few hours here one afternoon walking about 11kms of track but could have added a lot more walking time as I didn’t venture down all the tracks.
AUCKLAND BOTANIC GARDENS
Distance & Time from Auckland: 24 km – 20 minutes – South
I am counting this as one of Auckland Regional Parks but it is on the official Auckland City Council list. Fortunately, I was introduced to the Botanic Gardens by a friend who knew the grounds well so I got the grand tour. Well kept public gardens are something I enjoy exploring. I have visited many within Aotearoa and around the world so I am not easily impressed. However, I did find some of the themed gardens well displayed and would probably say my favourite was the African Plants garden for the exotic flora on display. However, I think the best part of the gardens is that it backs onto Totora Park with forest trails. Another real gem located near Manurewa and a definite must-do for anyone who lives in Tāmaki Makaurau.
3. ĀWHITU REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 97 km – 1 hour 20 minutes – South West
It is worth the drive to visit this gorgeous park on the edge of the Manukau harbour. The highlight for me would have been the thriving wetlands. This regional park is not too far from the Southhead Lighthouse which offers some spectacular views in all directions across the Manukau harbour and out towards the Tasman Sea. If you are looking to spend a night out here then check in at the Big Bay Holiday Park for a great getaway. It is also work exploring the town of Waiuku which you will pass through getting to and from Āwhitu Regional Park.
4. DUDER REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 49 km – 50 minutes – East
This is one of the Auckland Regional Parks that really impressed me. I had low expectations as I imagined strolling farm paddocks while negotiating cow paddies. But this is a park with stunning views! I headed all the way out to Whakakaiwhara Point via the farm loop track, enjoyed a picnic lunch and rejoined the loop track to make my way back to the car park. The views really are the highlight of this park with incredible sights in all directions. I do need to mention, watch up for māmā cows, this goes for any farm parks you visit. I thought I was giving the babies plenty of space while walking through one paddock but one māmā cow didn’t think so and decided to charge at me. This was a first for me but thankfully my rural upbringing instincts kicked in and I managed to scare her off. She definitely caught me unaware though so no more māmā cow paddocks for me.
5. GLENFERN SANCTUARY REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 100 kms East by boat or plane
This would have to be my all-time favourite of the Auckland Regional Parks. Aotea Great Barrier is a special place for me as my work has taken me to the island nearly every year for more than ten years. Glenfern is a wildlife sanctuary, with a predator-proof fence. I have spent a lot of time volunteering with school students staying at Hillary Outdoors just over the hill. We have planted natives, worked on tracks, checked rat trap lines and anything else that may have needed to be done at the time. The views from the looks outs are stunning but one real highlight is being about to walk out into the canopy of a 600-year-old kauri tree. The only place I know of where you can experience something like that.
6. HUNUA RANGES REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 50 km – 45 minutes – South West
The Hunua Ranges is one of the biggest of the Auckland Regional Parks and there is a lot to explore. Hunua Falls would be the most popular attraction but the park has many tracks and trails for all ages and abilities. There is lodge and a number of campsites and one small hut that I am yet to visit. The trails in Hunua also link up to the neighbouring Waharau Regional Park so you can plan a real adventure. So far I have explored the Hunua falls area and hiked the Wairoa Loop which I really enjoyed. There are some impressive bush, birdlife and views.
7. LONG BAY REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 26 km – 25 minutes – North
This park seems to be popular with those living on the North Shore but I must say it has been one of my least favourite. The main track runs between a farm and the coast which is a common scene in many Auckland Regional Parks. However, I didn’t think this one didn’t have anything really special to offer. I had planned to walk all the way to the end of the track but recent rain had turned the track to mud. This made for a slippery and unpleasant walk so I turned around before I got to the end. If you were going to head out to this park I would recommend turning around at the end of the gravel path and taking the coastline for some of the walk back.
8. MAHURANGI REGIONAL PARK
Although one regional park, Mahurangi is separated into three parts: West, East-Sadler Point and East-Scott’s Point.
Mahurangi West
Distance & Time from Auckland: 55km – 45 minutes – North
Mahuranga West is a park I really enjoyed with a number of trails to explore and stunning views in many directions. The park is well set up for day stays and a campground for overnight visits which I imagine is very popular in the warmer months. The main beach, Otarawao/Sullivans Bay is great for swimming and if the tide is low enough you can walk across Te Muri estuary to enjoy the less populated Te Muri beach. This is a regional park that I will definitely go back to.
Mahurangi East – Sadler Point
This part of the park is only accessible by water as it is on a penisular cut off by private land. My plan is to venture back to Mahuranga West with a kayak to paddle across on a nice day.
Mahurangi East – Scott Point
Distance & Time from Auckland: 75km – 1 hour 15 minutes – North
This Auckland Regional Park is a bit of a drive but a great little picnic spot with good swimming for the kids if the tide is in. I am not so sure the swimming would be that great if it is low tide. The historic Scott Homestead is an attraction. On my trip out there we found fresh oysters for sale on the roadside, a real treat! Oysters are farmed in the Mahurangi River. If they are something you love to indulge in then be sure to also check out the family owned Mahurangai Oysters or the Oyster Farm Tours.
9. MOTUKOREA BROWNS ISLAND REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: By boat or kayak– South West
This is one of the few Auckland Regional Parks that you need a boat or kayak to get to. A friend and I decided to book a guided kayak tour with Auckland Sea Kayak Tours. It was just a short one hour paddle from St Heliers. We picked a perfect Sunday morning with calm waters and no wind. The paddle out there and back was just as enjoyable as the walk up to the summit with our fantastic guide who gave us some great history on the island. Definitely, a place to stop for a swim and a picnic if you are going to venture out there.
10. MURIWAI REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 43 km – 40 minutes – West
Muriwai has to be one of my favourite places to visit, especially when the gannets are in nesting from August through to March. Visiting in December and January should ensure you see plenty of fuzzy gannet chicks. But be warned the stench as you near the colony is strong! There is a short walkway that loops around the coast and back to the main car park which wouldn’t take more than half an hour to walk. The dramatic west coast alone is spectacular any time of the year and a popular coastline with surfers, Muriwai being no exception. In the summer this beach is a popular day time location but swimming is not very safe, as is the case with all of Auckland’s West Coast Beaches.
11. ŌMANA REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 38km – 45 minutes – East
This is a lovely park overlooking the water to Waiheke Island. There are a few walking tracks with the longest one taking no more than an hour around a 2.5km loop. You can camp here and there is access to the water’s edge. However, you are very much still in suburbia and it doesn’t feel like you have escaped the city. Very convenient though if you don’t want to go too far as it really is a gorgeous location.
12. ORERE POINT REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 69km – 1 hour 15 minutes – South East
This is a really small park but a gem nonetheless. From the end of Howards Road it is just a short 5-10 minute walk through the bush. This will take you to the boat ramp and water’s edge. There is a rustic set-up of tables and chairs that look to have been installed by locals. The easy access makes it worth a visit if you are passing by.
13. PĀKIRI REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 100km – 1 hour 50 minutes – North
This has to be the most dissatisfying of all the Auckland Regional Parks. Simply because it is not clear where the regional park is or if access is even possible. The Auckland Council website just says that pedestrian access is limited. All I managed to find on my visit out there, at the end of M Greenwood Road, was the Pakiri Parkland sign. It felt like a country road where visitors were not really welcome. There are some nice views including out to Te Hauturu-o-toi (Little Barrier Island) but there is not really any good spots to park and enjoy these views.
14. SCANDRETT REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 88km – 1 hour 30 minutes – North
Of the many Auckland Regional Parks this one has real character! I haven’t wandered the tracks yet but found it a great place for a picnic lunch. I also enjoyed a stroll among all the historic buildings including a boatshed, milking shed and homestead which make up the historic farm precinct. There is no camping here but you can park up in a self-contained vehicle or book one of the three waterfront baches. This would be a great summer location for a weekend getaway.
15. SHAKESPEAR REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 48km -48 minutes – North
This would be one of my favourite Auckland Regional Parks for its lengthy walking tracks and because it is a wildlife sanctuary protected by a predator proof fence. Being close in location to Tiritiri Matangi Island much of the same birdlife can be found. There is vehicle access into the park with the gates opening at 6am each morning and closing at 7pm (winter) or 9pm (summer). There is so much to do at this park from walking to snorkelling and you can camp or stay overnight in a self-contained camper. The park is popular for large group events (up to 500) such as weddings and reunions with the YMCA Lodge housing 84 beds. This Lodge is also popular with school groups and no doubt many Auckland youngsters have experienced an overnight here.
16. TĀPAPAKANGA REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 68km – 1 hour 10 minutes – South East
This park is the furthest south within the Auckland Region borders but not the most southern of all the regional parks. It would be up there as one of my favourites. The walking tracks are decent and there is a remote campsite I would love to go back and spend some time at in the summer. Like many of the east coast regional parks the views are stunning overlooking the Hauraki Gulf and here you can also see out over the Firth of Thames.
17. TĀWHARANUI REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 97km – 1 hour 43 minutes – North
It is quite a drive to get to this regional park which is why you want to pack the car and make a full day of it. Or even better, book a campsite and take the tent to stay a few days. Make sure you stop and explore Matakana on the way out, especially the Farmers Market on a Saturday, although parking can be a nightmare. Matakana is also a great place to stock up on supplies before heading out to penisular. Like Shakespear Regional Park, this is also a wildlife sanctuary protected by a predator proof fence. If you are lucky you might see the resident takahē. However, the real treat is to stay after the sun goes down and wait for the kiwi to come out. The Ecology Trail is likely your best chance to see them but remember to make sure you have a red torch as white light for kiwi is not ok. Some red cellophane over a normal torch light will do the trick.
18. TAWHITOKINO REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 60km – 1 hour – South East
The first time I visited this location I didn’t quite make it to Tawhitokino Beach. I was with a group of teenagers and we thought it might be more fun coasteering our way around but we didn’t get too far so I wouldn’t recommend trying that! To get there drive to the end of Kawakawa Bay Coast Road and walk around to the next beach, Tuturau Bay. About halfway along the beach, you will see a stream and some stairs. Those stairs lead the way up and over the hill to Tawhitokino Beach, just a 10-minute walk between the two beaches. It is a beautiful beach with a campsite about halfway along the beach which looks to be a gorgeous place to spend a night or two.
19. TE ĀRAI REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 121 km – 1 hour 55 minutes – North
I first visited this location back in 2016 when walking the Northland section of the Te Araroa Trail. The day started in Mangawhai and finished in Pakiri, it was a long beach walk! I do remember there being something special about this location and I was always keen to go back. I left it way too long but finally made it back in 2022 to discover it is a stunning location! I hear it is a popular surf spot and despite small surf on my last visit, there were still quite a few boards in the water. This place is quite a drive but absolutely worth it, pack a picnic, togs and a towel and spend the day.
20. TE RAU PŪRIRI REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 121 km – 1 hour 55 minutes – North
I haven’t explored this park but discovered it by chance one day on a drive out to the Kaipara Southhead. It is a large park of 340 heactares and apparently offers access to one of the best beaches in the Kaipara Harbour as well as Lake Rototoa. Visiting this Auckland Regional park could make for a great day trip by including a walk to the beach and finishing with a hot soak at Parakai Springs.
21. UTUKAROA HAMILINS HILL REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 12km – 15 minutes – South
This has to be the most random of the Auckland Regional Parks, located right next to the motorway (SH1) across from Sylvia Park Shopping Centre. But it really is a little gem and especially because it is so easily accessible. Much of the bush is young and regenerating with a canopy of kanuka in many places. Someone has had some foresight to turn this into a little pocket of pleasure that also has some great viewpoints across the city.
22. WAHARAU REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 93 km – 1 hour 15 minutes – South East
I have only visited this Auckland Regional Park briefly but drove around the park and discovered some cool little camp sites with some view points looking over the Firth of Thames. I noticed some walking tracks but struggled to find any information about them. If I was passing by and had time I might be tempted to stop again and explore. However, this is not a regional park that I would venture to intentionally.
23. WAITAKERE RANGES REGIONAL PARK
The Waitakere Ranges is one of the largest of the Auckland Regional Parks covering over 16,000 hectares of pristine bush, coastline and natural wonders. There are many great locations and tracks to explore despite many closures due to Kauri Dieback disease. However, for the purpose of this list I have stuck to the locations mentioned on the official Auckland City Council website.
Anawhata
Distance & Time from Auckland: 41 km – 1 hour – West
This beach is worth the windy drive down a narrow gravel road followed by a 20-minute walk downhill. Alternatively, you can walk from Piha Beach along the Anawhata Beach Trail of 5.6km taking a couple of hours. Chances are there will be hardly anyone there so it is definitely a place to head if you’re looking to avoid the crowds. Parking is limited at the end of Anawhata Road but there is enough room for about a dozen cars.
Arataki Visitor Centre
Distance & Time from Auckland: 22 km – 30 minutes – South West
If you are visiting the Waitakare Ranges for the first time then your first stop should be the Arataki Visitor’s Centre. The impressive two story whare houses a wealth of information on the ranges with fantastic staff who can answer all the questions you might have about tracks, flora and fauna. One of my favourite Waitakere walks starts and finishes here taking about two hours via the Nature Trail, Pipeline and Beveridge Track.
Cascade Kauri
Distance & Time from Auckland: 29 km – 40 minutes – West
This track is closed due to Kauri Dieback so I have not been able to explore this track although I have heard it is a gorgeous track hike.
Cornwallis
Distance & Time from Auckland: 30 km – 40 minutes – West
This is a great summer location with a number of short walks, a beach and a popular wharf for swimming and fishing. Boats also launch from beside this wharf. Not a park I would choose for the walks but definitely a great picnic and swimming location in the summer time.
Huia
Distance & Time from Auckland: 32 km – 44 minutes – West
Huia is most commonly known for the small quaint settlement just before heading over the hill to Whatipu Beach, the north head of the Manukau Harbour. Here you will find beaches, picnic spots, walks and a couple of camping grounds. There is also the 12km return walk to the Upper Huia Dam which I am yet to do but it is on the ‘to do’ list.
Kakamatura
Distance & Time from Auckland: 28 km – 40 minutes – West
I found this Auckland Regional Park to be quite the hidden gem. Although not big the stroll from the car park to the inlet was a lovely peaceful experience. That is until a dog came bounding past as this appears to be a very popular dog walking track. The pooches seemed to love it!
Karekare
Distance & Time from Auckland: 39 km – 50 minutes – West
Karekare Beach is often overlooked as the popular Piha just up the coast is usually the beach of choice. However, you may not know Karekare made its claim to fame by featuring in the 1993 movie, The Piano. This beach is worth visiting with the added bonus of Karekare Falls, a great swimming location in the warmer months. But do beware that there is a very windy road getting there and a height limit due to a low hanging tree. This is not a trip for camper vans. However, you can make your way around the Mercer Bay Loop Track (I would highly recommend) and then down Comans Track to Watchmans Road, or do the tracks vice versa.
Piha
Distance & Time from Auckland: 40 km – 50 minutes – West
Piha has to be the most popular beach on Auckland’s West Coast. Crowds flock here in the summer despite the unsafe safe swimming conditions. However, all year round you will find surfers in droves when the waves are playing the part. Lion Rock, in the centre of the beach intices many up the narrow track for views in both directions along the coast. The nearby Kitekite Falls is another popular local attraction with walking tracks and swimming holes to enjoy.
Te Henga / Bethells
Distance & Time from Auckland: 37 km – 40 minutes – West
Te Henga / Bethells Beach is probably my favourite of the west coast beaches for the variety the location offers. The Te Henga Walkway is a decent 10km coastal walk to Muriwai and Lake Wainamu and sand dunes offer quite a different experience. The walk out to and around the lake offering some good fresh water swimming spots. The beach itself is again popular in the summer time and attended by life guards. O’Neill Bay is just up from the main beach and frequented by surfers all year round.
Whatipū Scientific Reserve
Distance & Time from Auckland: 41 km – 1 hour – South West
For me the highlight of Whatipu Beach is the coastal walk that links you up to numerous caves for, some large and some a squeeze. Anyone up for a different kind of adventure will get just that. Whatipu is also a scientific reserve of high biodiversity value, owned by the Department of Conservation but managed on behalf by Auckland Council.
24. WAITAWA REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 52 km – 45 minutes – South East
This park is a hive of activity in the summertime and a popular place for fishing. The wharf is just a short walk from the car park. There are walking tracks with a very young regenerating bush that didn’t really interest me. However, I did enjoy wandering the shoreline and wished I had had my fishing rod. It also looks to be a great location for launching kayaks for fishing or recreation. I think the only thing that would entice me back to this park is the fishing but my guess is that the wharf would normally busy.
25. WENDERHOLM REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 41 km – 1 hour – North
Of the many Auckland Regional Parks, this is one I have visited more frequently and the thought of camping here has crossed my mind. The gorgeous white sand beach, magnificent pohutukawa and walking tracks with viewpoints are major attractions for me. You will find Couldrey House and Gardens within the grounds and for a small fee, you can explore the Victorian-Edwardian homestead. The location is quite convenient and not too far from Auckland city.
26. WHAKANEWHA REGIONAL PARK
Fullers Ferry to Waiheke Island – 40 minutes – East
I think I saved one of the best for last with this Regional Park. Whakanewha was the last Auckland Regional Park I had to tick off this list and what a gem! I had such a great time exploring without any real idea where I was going. It was easy to get there by bus from the Ferry Terminal at Matiatia and getting off the bus at the top of O’Brien Rd. A few minutes walking down the road I found the Bridle Path to Whakanewha and managed to stay on tracks all the way to Rocky Bay where I caught the bust back to Oneroa. I took the Kowhai Track, Tarata Track, Cascades, Central Track, Whakanewha Beach and then the Upland Track. This took about 3 hours over approximately 10kms.
27. WHAKATĪWAI REGIONAL PARK
Distance & Time from Auckland: 88 km – 1 hour – South East
When I visited this park in early March 2022 it was closed due to kauri dieback. However, this park has a special biodiversity focus with small patches of kōwhai forest that are unique in the Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland region. There is apparently a high number of lichen varieties with over 40 recorded. There is no clear indication online that the park is closed so try your luck if you are passing by. Otherwise, be sure to stop in at the nearby Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre and see for yourself some of the incredible sea birds such as the Kuaka/Godwits that migrate to and from Alaska every year.
AUCKLAND REGIONAL PARKS ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation options have been mentioned for some of the parks above. A number of the parks offer lodgings, camping and overnight parking for self-contained vehicles. There is no freedom camping in any Auckland Regional Parks. For all information on accommodation in any of the parks, check out the Auckland City Council website.
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ABOUT THE WRITER – Karllie is a solo budget traveller with a passion for inspiring others to explore her homeland of Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Having travelled to many places around the world she still believes there is nowhere more amazing and beautiful as home. In her 40s, Karllie has a background in education and enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking. Find out more about Karllie…
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