14 of the Best picnic spots in Auckland

Do you know how many parks and reserves Auckland has? It has 4000 locations scattered all throughout the region. That is a lot specially if you are take into account the Auckland Region’s Area is just 4,894 km², so that’s 0.82 (nearly 1) picnic spot per square kilometre of land. From playgrounds, reserves, beach and regional parks Auckland has it all, for us here are our top 14, how about you where is your favourite spot?

Auckland Domain
Auckland CBD
Starting with something obvious, the most accessible place when you live in the city and its quite Central too. With around 75 hectares of space, you can find any type of picnic spot that you want, regardless you want a quiet setting, have a quick access to the museum, be near a wonderful garden or even watch people playing cricket.

Takapuna Beach
Takapuna
If you live in North Shore then this is a no brainer, located few metres from Hurstmere Road shops, this is a place you can mix shopping and picnic together. With tons of great cafes and restaurants in the zone, there is no need to prepare something at home, you can even snag a picnic mat during Sundays at the Takapuna Farmers Market.

Lake Wainamu
Waitakere
Magnificent Dunes, Nice Tramping spot, Picturesque Lakes with Bonus Waterfalls at the end. This is one of the most underrated spots in Auckland. But be warned there is a bit of trek to hurdle but once you’re in there you will be rewarded with this amazing place.

Awhitu Regional Park
Awhitu
Are you in for a long short drive? Yes, it is somewhere in between, it is somewhat near but it feels far. Just an hour and a half away from Auckland CBD you will be rewarded with this quiet spot that has access to both Brook and Kauritutahi Beach. Good family walking trails plus it’s one of the few spots you can have wood burning barbecues.

Muriwai Regional Park
Muriwai
Stunning views, Gannet colony and amazing sunsets, do we need to say more? Don’t forget to bring a nice camera for that Instagram worthy shots, a place so idyllic you wont need to use any photo editor to show its beauty.

Dove-Myer Robinson Park
Parnell
Better known as Rose Garden, and like the name suggest, this place have a lot of roses, 5000 bushes to be exact. Be sure to visit during the blooming period to make that picnic extra special.

Piha Beach
Piha
Another classic Western Auckland spot, if you’re in for surfing or just hanging around black sand beaches then this is your picnic spot.

Long Bay Regional Park
Long Bay
If you have a big crowd to bring along for a picnic then this is your spot. It’s one of the most spacious parks the North Shore has to offer, complete with a nice beach, well-kept lawns plus a nice playground for the kids. Did I mention a good walking track with nice sea views at the end of the park?

Wenderholm Regional Park
Waiwera
Another large park to bring a big crowd but it’s a bit father to the North. Like Long Bay, the picnic spots here are endless. It is Auckland’s first regional park that sports 360 degrees of amazing views, from the pristine beach, fresh water swimming, jetty, estuary and lush tress, Wenderholm has it. You can also camp here too.

Mission Bay
Mission Bay
One of the classic picnic spots in East Central Auckland, if you want a city park feel with a nice vibe then this place is a no brainer. Complete with a small beach and a plethora of restaurants just in Tamaki drive, you don’t need to prepare anything, just bring that mat and grab some Burger Fuel and Movenpick ice cream

Cornwall Park
Greenlane
It’s impossible for an Aucklander not to have a picnic here even just once. It’s a volcano, it’s a farm home to around 600 sheeps plus 60 cows, it’s a large garden, it is studded with 350 species and 8000 trees, it’s a heritage site, there are tons of trails and lots of barbecue facilities, all of that in a very Central Location of Greenlane.

Coyle Park
Point Chevalier
Want the best Auckland sunsets then this is one of the best spots Auckland has to offer.

Tawharanui Regional Park
Tawharanui
This is personally one of our favourite spots, its feels so far away but still near, just an hour and a quarter from Auckland CBD. Fine golden sand beach, lots of spots to lay that mat, either beside the beach or in the grassy knolls. Going here you would pass by Matakana so no need to prepare what to bring just grab those goodies at the market, taking note Markets are only open on Saturday morning to noon.

North Head Historic Reserve
Devonport
A North Shore Gem with a military history. With a perfect view of the city this is one of the best spots for city view lovers. Not just that it holds a military tunnel complex, gun emplacements and fortifications and is well signposted with numbered descriptions and orange markers. There are many trails too plus some fishing spots for those who wants to cast their rods.