Here are the Best Parks in North Island. Staying healthy has been a priority during the COVID-19 lockdown. Staying mentally fit has been a challenge as many of us struggle to keep the kids studying and entertained from a strictly homebound environment. As for physical fitness, we at Clean Planet have been getting creative, using rice bags, furniture, and our neighbourhood to keep the blood pumping and stomachs tightening. Irrespective of that, a lot of our outdoor spaces have been off-limits. Communal areas like playgrounds have been closed and many places out of reach due to driving restrictions.
As we slowly return to normality, we’d like to remind you of what our country, councils and nature has to offer us. The world is looking greener than it has for a while so here are the top five parks to visit in the North Island:
1. Arataki, Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
Beautiful scenic forest of the Waitakere ranges with over 1,200 reviews on Google. This place has a lot to offer, from lovely viewing decks to kids’ corner and a nice gift shop. Not to mention, you will able to observe some spectacular views.
Address: 300 Scenic Drive, Oratia, Waitakere 0604
Opening hours: 7 days per week, from 9 am to 5 pm
2. Auckland Botanic Gardens
With over 5,000 Google reviews, this is one of the must view Gardens in Auckland. It is located in Manurewa, a 20-minute drive from the city. Auckland Botanic Gardens includes New Zealand Native Plant Collection & many gardens such as Rose Gardens and The Potter Children’s Garden to name a few. Entry is free.
Address: 102 Hill Road, The Gardens, Auckland 2105
Opening hours:
Spring & summer hours (mid-October to mid-March)
Gardens open 8 am to 8 pm. Visitor Centre open 8 am to 4.30 pm
Autumn & winter hours (mid-March to mid-October)
Gardens open 8 am to 6 pm. Visitor Centre open 8 am to 4 pm
3. Kuirau Park, Rotorua
This park consists of geothermal pools, playgrounds, picnic tables and gardens. Plentiful walkways curve their way through the geothermal scenery, offering exciting vistas of mud pools, boiling lakes and geothermic marvels. These features can be unpredictable at times so make sure you stick to the tracks!
Address: 1371, Pukuatua St and, Ranolf Street, Rotorua 3010
Opening hours: 7 days per week, 9 am to 6 pm
4. Hamilton Lake Domain
We have been to this park a few times now, and every time we go here it feels like the first time, it is beautiful. There’s a nice lake which is very calming, enough parking space, nice cafés, and the stunning views. This is worth a visit if you haven’t been there already.
This place has over 2500 Google reviews.
Address: Ruakiwi Road, Hamilton Lake, Hamilton 3204
Opening Hours: 7 days per week, open 24 hours.
5. Central Park, Wellington
Central Park has a flying fox, playground for the kids, gardens, and grassy fields. You can enjoy nice short walks while kids can enjoy playing in the playground. Central Park is a good mix of gardens, grassed areas, bush and woodland.
Address: Brooklyn Road, Mount Cook, Wellington 6021
Opening Hours: 7 days per week, open 24 hours.