Jordan McCraeAuckland, the city of sails, is sandwiched by 2 harbors. This means that you’ll likely find as many waterfront areas as green spaces to enjoy a picnic outdoors.
The city has plenty to offer – from the shores of beautiful beaches to the century old trees that provide the perfect shade for you and your friends.
So, if you’re ready to trade the cold concrete streets of the city for a picnic blanket, then join us on a journey through Auckland’s best picnic spots. Pack a basket and let’s head on out!
- Escape the City Bustle at Albert Park
- Discover Auckland Domain's Picnic Paradise
- Uncover Hidden Tranquility at Cement Works
- Enjoy Secluded Sandy Bliss at Cheltenham Beach
- Get the Picnic Perfect Experience at Cornwall Park
- Get a Rose Infused Picnic at the Dove Myer Robinson Park
- Experience Lakeside Picnic Charm at Lake Wainamu
- Hold Big Picnic Gatherings at the Long Bay Regional Park
- Eat with a Majestic View at the Muriwai Regional Park
- Have a Waterside Picnic at the Mission Bay
- Mix Military History and Snacks at the North Head Historic Reserve
- Have a Perfect Day Outdoors at Piha
- Experience a Bustling Seaside Picnic at the Takapuna Beach Reserve
- Discover a Picnic Hidden Gem at the Wenderholm Regional Park
Escape the City Bustle at Albert Park
– Media Credit: jenn_soo_
Address: 33-43 Princes Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 301 0101
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
In the heart of Auckland’s CBD, Albert Park offers a serene escape from the humdrum of everyday life. Popular among students and city dwellers, this inner-city oasis provides you a perfect setting to enjoy a moment of tranquility for a leisurely picnic.
The park’s entrance can be found on the intersection of Bowen Avenue and Kitchener Street. There are footpaths that will lead you to a flat area towards the summit for the perfect picnic spot.
The tall trees surrounding the perimeter make Albert Park a go-to spot for a relaxing lunch break or weekend retreat.
| Pro Tip: After your picnic, make it a competition with your friends and family to see who can spot the most art pieces scattered around the park. The central fountain with cherubs and Venus is the main one, but there are other statues and memorials within the park. |
Discover Auckland Domain’s Picnic Paradise
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Address: Park Road, Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 301 0101
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Auckland Domain stands as an iconic and accessible picnic destination for most people living in the city. Boasting almost 75 hectares of diverse landscapes, this park caters to all picnic preferences whether you seek a quiet retreat or a more stimulating picnic.
As the biggest park in the city, there’s plenty of green space and some lush gardens within Auckland Domain where you can lay down your blanket and enjoy your picnic.
If you need a bit more stimulus while you eat, you can set up your picnic near the sports fields where you can enjoy the vibrant energy of cricket matches. You can also watch friendly games of soccer or even join one yourself to work up an appetite.
| Pro Tip: Auckland Domain is also where the Auckland War Memorial Museum is located. After your early morning picnic, we suggest heading over to the museum to incorporate some history to your fun day out! |
Uncover Hidden Tranquility at Cement Works
– Media Credit: rrebekahall
Address: 145 Wilson Road, Warkworth 0981, New Zealand
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 7 pm
For a more unique place in the city to enjoy a picnic with friends and family, you can escape to the special charm of Cement Works in Warkworth. We consider this a secret picnic spot tucked away from the usual crowds.
The location is where an 1880s cement factory that brought in the majority of Warkworth’s income used to stand. Today, the ruins share a bit of the town’s history while the grass fields serve as a great place to enjoy a meal while you look at the view.
The abandoned quarry which has since been cleaned and filled up also acts as a public swimming pool for locals to splash around after a lazy summer picnic.
| Pro Tip: Setting up your picnic near the quarry grants you amazing views of the entire location as well as the charm of the reflections. Just be sure to ub on a lot of anti-insect spray especially in the summer when the mosquitoes tend to multiply. |
Enjoy Secluded Sandy Bliss at Cheltenham Beach
– Media Credit: katiesshurink
Address: Bath Street, Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 301 0101
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Once Auckland’s more underrated spots, Cheltenham Beach in Devonport still retains its special allure even with its now rising popularity.
Located just at the back of North Head, this place is perfect for summer picnics when you want to enjoy easy access to sand and the water too. The trees that line the shore provide cool shaded areas so you can enjoy the view without getting sunburnt.
The best time to enjoy a picnic here is during the early mornings when it isn’t too hot yet. Although a sunset picnic sounds amazing too, we don’t recommend it because the beach is not as well lit at night to see what you’re eating.
| Pro Tip: Cheltenham Beach is a tidal beach which means that the tides rise and fall depending on the season. Just be sure to check the tides so you can pick and choose where to sit to avoid the waves invading your picnic as an unexpected guest. |
Get the Picnic Perfect Experience at Cornwall Park
Address: Green Lane West, Epsom, Auckland 1051, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 630 8485
Hours: Open everyday from 7 am to 9 pm
For those of you who get a bit claustrophobic when the places you’re at get too crowded, the Cornwall Park in Epsom is the best option to hold your next picnic.
You get to embrace the vast greenery of Cornwall Park in Epsom which is actually 2 parks combined into one. The park encompasses the iconic hill of One Tree Hill, includes heritage sites of over 100 years old, and huge open lawns.
If you’re more of the active type, there are also plenty of walking paths where you can enjoy a leisurely walk before or after your picnic. Afterwards, you can make the most of Cornwall Park’s barbecues stations and cook up your own feast.
| Pro Tip: Cornwall Park is surprisingly home to plenty of farm animals. You can find over 600 sheep here as well as 60 cows and friendly farmers that you can chat up in between bites. If you like baby animals, time your visit during August to see newborn lambs! |
Get a Rose Infused Picnic at the Dove Myer Robinson Park
– Media Credit: Illarsonmusic
Address: 85-87 Gladstone Road, Parnell, Auckland 1052, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 301 0101
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
The Dove-Myer Robinson Park or more commonly known as Parnell Rose Garden, is a haven for floral enthusiasts and picnic lovers. Boasting an impressive collection of about 5,000 individual rose bushes, this park serves as a picturesque canvas for your picnic.
Although you can’t directly have your picnic in the rose gardens, there are plenty of open spaces where you can have your outdoor feast. We recommend looking for the grass fields beside the main walkways where you can stay cool under the tall trees.
After eating, you can then head over to the rose area to enjoy the many varieties of flowers growing there which change with every season.
| Pro Tip: The Dove Myer Robinson Park is an all inclusive picnic destination because of all the amenities waiting for you there. There are clean toilets, changing rooms, picnic tables and free seating, as well as barbeque grills that anyone can use. |
Experience Lakeside Picnic Charm at Lake Wainamu
– Media Credit: r.fuaivaa
Address: Lake Wainamu, Auckland 0781, New Zealand
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Another unique spot for a picnic on our list of favorites is Lake Wainamu. You can expect a day of tranquility and scenic beauty with easy access to the water at Lake Wainamu. This idyllic location looks especially pretty during the late afternoons.
There are picturesque hills where you can spread out your blanket. You can choose between the hilly dunes or the more comfortable hills covered in grass.
If you’re going for a swim, the lake has freshwater that’s so refreshing, especially on warmer days. It can get deep fast in some areas, so if you’re swimming with kids or not so great swimmers, try to keep an eye out for them!
| Pro Tip: Lake Wainamu spans across a huge area that you can explore to find the perfect spot for your picnic. Just be sure to be aware of signs and fences cordon off some spots as private areas. You are not allowed to enter these spaces! |
Hold Big Picnic Gatherings at the Long Bay Regional Park
– Media Credit: fernwehhochvier
Address: Beach Road, Long Bay, Auckland 0792, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 301 0101
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 9 pm
Have you ever wanted to host a huge picnic with all of your loved ones, but you can’t quite find a location that can fit all of you comfortably? Long Bay Regional Park on the North Shore is your answer.
Ideal for larger groups, this park features well wide lawns that are always well maintained. There’s also beach access here and a playground for the kids. The only ones not invited to the party are pets, so you can leave them at home to rest.
As you finish up your day at the Long Bay Regional Park, you can take a leisurely stroll along the walking tracks while you take in the scenic sea views as the sun sets.
| Pro Tip: The Long Bay Regional Park is a well known destination for water sports. Not only can you swim here, but there are also opportunities to surf and kayak here. Since the Okura Marine Reserve parallels the park, it’s also a popular dive site! |
Eat with a Majestic View at the Muriwai Regional Park
– Media Credit: mattymcleannz
Address: Muriwai 0881, New Zealand
Phone Number:+64 9 301 0101
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Many locals and visitors have been captivated by the majestic allure of Muriwai Regional Park. With its stunning views, a bustling Gannet colony, and breathtaking sunsets, Muriwai stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur.
There are plenty of picnic tables to choose from and even some barbeque areas to grill up some sausages or burgers that you can burn off at the tennis court and playground.
Although its picturesque surroundings are worthy backdrops to your picnics, they show up even better on film. Don’t forget your camera at home! This idyllic setting requires no filter for Instagram-worthy shots. You can get classic picnic shots lying on the blanket!
| Pro Tip: While you’re enjoying your picnic, we don’t suggest having it on the sand dunes. The korowai gecko is endemic to this area and they mostly live inside the sand dunes and are easily attracted by the smell of food. |
Have a Waterside Picnic at the Mission Bay
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Address: Mission Bay, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Mission Bay, a well-known Auckland hotspot, invites avid picnickers like you with its vibrant energy and stunning views. While it may be bustling during peak times, strategic planning can help you find a peaceful spot, especially early mornings on weekdays.
We recommend you spread out your blanket on the beach for easy access to the water and a fun time on the sand. But, this area is a bit more crowded. The grass area makes for a classic picnic experience with less people.
For a higher perspective, you can make your way up to Bastion Point, where panoramic views of the Waitematā Harbour await for a dash of adventure.
| Pro Tip: If you’re too lazy to prepare your food and drinks for your picnic, you’ll be glad to hear that you can just drop by any of the many shops and restaurants in Mission Bay The Promenade. There are options for Italian food, desserts, and casual American grub. |
Mix Military History and Snacks at the North Head Historic Reserve
– Media Credit: puline_xx
Address: 18 Takarunga Road, Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 379 6476
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 10 pm
For history enthusiasts and city view lovers alike, North Head Historic Reserve in Devonport can satisfy both. The site used to be the primary coastal defense system of the country and was heavily fortified.
You can explore the military tunnels and other weaponry as you walk the grounds. There are well-signposted trails with numbered descriptions and orange markers, providing insights into the site’s rich history.
Once you’re satisfied, you’re then treated to panoramic views of the city at the peak of the location that overlooks Auckland’s skyline and Waiheke Island.
| Pro Tip: If you want to be as comfortable and safe as can be during your visit, we suggest packing a pair of hiking boots. You can just take them off and change to more comfy footwear after you make your way around the grounds. |
Have a Perfect Day Outdoors at Piha
– Media Credit: viktorijabird
Address: Piha 0772, New Zealand,
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Piha, nestled in the Waitakere Ranges, is probably one of our favorite spots to head up to when we’re itching for a picnic experience. You can choose between wide and open grassy areas with ample shade or expansive wooden tables and benches.
If grass isn’t your thing, there’s also plenty of room on the beach. All options give picnickers the chance to savor delicious meals against a stunning backdrop.
You’re allowed to bring portable gas barbeque grills to use while you’re in the area, just make sure not to leave trash behind. Discreet consumption of wine and beer is also okay, just cover up the containers and don’t drink in excess.
| Pro Tip: Everytime we’re here, we always go on the Mercer Bay Loop, an easy walk that takes you all around the area. Just be sure to check on its availability as it can be closed sometimes. There are signs near the picnic tables that you can read in advance. |
Experience a Bustling Seaside Picnic at the Takapuna Beach Reserve
– Media Credit: tmnii
Address: 37 The Strand, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 301 0101
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Takapuna Beach, a crowd favorite on the North Shore, buzzes with activity year-round. The vibrant atmosphere, perfect for people-watching, dog-watching, or even a refreshing dip in the ocean complements the perfect picnic day.
You can head to the benches and hammocks near the grassier area or the lounge chairs by the beach. Kids won’t get bored either, with a full blown playground complete with slides and swings, as well as plenty of room to run around in.
Water sports lovers can dive into more activities like swimming, paddle boarding, or kayaking in the ocean. There are also boat ramps that you can use.
| Pro Tip: We never spend a day here without treating ourselves to some good food at the Takapuna Beach Cafe located right on the shores. They’re open everyday from 6:30 am to 6 pm. Make sure you get their nut granola or their rosti benedict! |
Discover a Picnic Hidden Gem at the Wenderholm Regional Park
– Media Credit: dropzone88
Address: 37 Schischka Road, Waiwera 0873, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 301 0101
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 9 pm
Wenderholm Regional Park is tucked between the Puhoi River and the Waiwera River. The sound of the water running is a big reason why we love to visit here so much. The white noise drowns out the sounds of the city for a truly relaxing picnic.
Having expansive grounds, this park offers a wide array of quiet picnic spots by the water, providing an ideal setting for a peaceful day out.
You can use the Maungatautari Te Hikoi’ walking track to wander through the lush grounds and find your perfect secluded picnic spot.
| Pro Tip: Aside from the peaceful setting, the Wenderholm Regional Park also provides lots of opportunities to see animals. You can see North Island robins, southern right whales, and even dolphins on the shores. |
