20 Auckland Parks You Can't Miss

Last Updated: 1 May, 2026

Auckland Regional Parks to Add to Your Day Trip Bucket List

Get outside and start discovering some of Auckland‘s best outdoor spaces! Scattered among the whole Auckland region are 25 Auckland regional parks covering more than 38,000 hectares (93,900 acres) of bush, mountains, beach and pastoral lands.

If you’re looking for some epic hikes, expansive views, breathtaking beaches or awesome places to camp, you need to hit the Auckland parks. We’ll list the top 20 parks in Auckland right here!

Across all the regional parks in Auckland, there are around 40 campsites, 100 km (62 mi) of coastline, 500 km (310 mi) of walking tracks, and 1,120 historic places to discover including Maori pa sites and early European buildings.

Not to mention the abundance of wildlife you could see with around 250 different types of animal species and around 8,000 different plant species.

Don’t forget to find a place to stay from The 50 Best Accommodations in Auckland.

1. Hunua Ranges

One of the largest regional parks in Auckland, the Hunua Ranges Regional Park is only an hour’s drive south of Auckland. Explore bush clad ranges with waterfalls, streams and beautiful views.

There are multiple views to explore this wild area of Auckland, from the 15-minute Hunua Falls Lookout Track to the 4-hour Ernies Track.

Find out more about the Hunua Ranges walks in Auckland Suburbs – Guide for Backpackers.

Location: South Auckland. There are multiple access points to the Hunua Ranges, such as the Hunua Falls – Falls Road, Wairoa – 1km down Moumoukai Road, and Mangatawhiri – at the end of Moumoukai Road.

2. Shakespear Park

In North Auckland, Shakespear Regional Park sits at the tip of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, offering a mix of sheltered bays, rolling pasture land, pockets of native bush and stunning views across the Hauraki Gulf.

This coastal sanctuary is also a pest-free wildlife reserve, so keep your eyes peeled for native birds and rare species in their natural habitat.

There are multiple walking tracks to explore, plus camping facilities if you fancy an overnight stay. The park’s sheltered beaches are perfect for swimming and picnics on a sunny day.

Visiting the park is one of the 10 Outstanding Things to Do in Orewa.

Location: North Auckland. From State Highway 1, take the Silverdale exit to Whangaparaoa Road and follow the road to the end.

3. Long Bay

A favourite camping spot with the locals, you can’t miss this stunning coastal regional park in Auckland! Long Bay is a 1 km (0.6 mi) long beach with great swimming, walks and more!

Plus, the water off the shores is a marine reserve, making for some excellent marine wildlife spotting if you’re snorkelling or out on a boat.

Check out 5 Auckland Road Trips You Can’t Miss for a list of things to do at Long Bay.

Location: Auckland North Shore. From State Highway 1, turn off Oteha Valley Road and follow to the traffic lights. From there, turn into Carlisle Road and follow the “AA” signs to Long Bay.

4. Waitakere Ranges

Another large regional park in Auckland covering 17,000 ha (42,000 acres) of unspoilt wilderness, the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park covers sensational native forest and rugged coast.

The black sand beaches are popular destinations, such as Karekare, Piha and Te Henga/Bethells Beach.

There’s so much to do in the area, that we had to write an entire guide for the Waitakere Ranges. Check it out at Waitakere Ranges – Guide for Backpackers.

Location: Waitakere, West Auckland. There are multiple access points to the Waitakere Ranges, with the most popular accesses being via Huia Road, Scenic Drive, Piha Road and Bethells Road.

5. Muriwai Beach

Just north of the Waitakere Ranges is the magnificent Muriwai Regional Park with its windswept coastland and black sand beach.

A must-do is to see the gannet colony atop the cliffs of Muriwai Beach, best seen between August and March. Surfing, walks, golf and much more can be enjoyed at this Auckland park, so take a look at 5 Magical Things to Do in Muriwai for more inspiration.

Location: West Auckland. Take State Highway 16 to Waimauku. At Waimauku, follow Muriwai Road all the way to the end.

6. Auckland Botanic Gardens

For a change of scenery, head to the Auckland Botanic Gardens. This peaceful escape south of the city showcases beautifully curated plant collections from New Zealand and around the world across 8,000 different species.

Wander through themed gardens, native forest sections and seasonal floral displays in a multitude of garden settings.

It’s especially popular in spring and summer when everything is in bloom, making it a great place to relax, go for a stroll and unwind.

Location: South Auckland. From State Highway 1 take the Manurewa exit then turn left onto Hill Road.

7. Whakanewha Regional Park

The only Auckland regional park on Waiheke Island, Whakanewha Regional Park is a stunning place to visit with its long sweeping half-moon beach, bush-clad valleys and forested headland.

Look out for wildlife in the forest and on the shores, or stay at the Poukaraka Flats Campground.

Check out more things to do on The Best Things to Do in Waiheke Island.

Location: Waiheke Island. Take a Waiheke Island ferry from the Downtown Ferry Building. From Matiatia Bay, either take the Rocky Bay bus to Gordons Road or drive/cycle there.

8. Ambury Regional Park

The Ambury Regional Park is a great place to take kids or to go if you love animals! This unique park combines working farmland with coastal scenery, where you’ll find sheep, cows and goats grazing across the fields.

The shore is also a significant habitat for birds, especially at low tide when shorebirds gather along Manukau Harbour.

Take the Lost Gardens Walk to see the remnants of a Māori settlement and stones used in their gardens, or follow the walking tracks along the coastline for stunning harbour views.

Location: South Auckland near the Auckland Airport. Take the airport motorway and follow signs for the Ambury Regional Park from Mangere Bridge and Coronation Road.

9. Wenderholm Regional Park

Wenderholm was the first of Auckland’s regional parks and remains one of the region’s most scenic coastal escapes.

Set where the Puhoi River meets the sea, the park offers a beautiful mix of beach, forest and riverside walking tracks perfect for a day out.

You can swim at the excellent beach, picnic under native trees or explore gentle trails with stunning water views. Look out for birds and check out the museum at Couldrey House.

Location: North Auckland. Just north of Waiwera off State Highway 1.

10. Mahurangi Regional Park

Beautiful beaches and the highlight of this regional park that protects three peninsulas at the mouth of the Mahurangi Harbour. The Mahurangi Park is split into two sections: Mahurangi West and Mahurangi East.

Mahurangi East and its attractions are only accessible by boat, whereas Mahurangi West has beaches, walks and campgrounds accessible by road.

Location: North Auckland. From State Highway 1 turn onto Mahurangi West Road, about 6 km (4 mi) north of the Wenderholm Regional Park.

11. Scandrett Regional Park

Another regional park in the Mahurangi area is the Scandrett Regional Park. Walk among regenerating native forest and past rocky headlands in this park with a wealth of walks.

Swim at attractive beaches and even see some historic farm buildings.

Check out more things to do in area with our guide 10 Best Things to Do in Warkworth.

Location: North Auckland (near Warkworth). From State Highway 1, follow the signs to Snells Beach and Algies Bay. Continue 3 km (2 mi) past Algies Bay and turn onto Scandrett Road.

12. Tawharanui Regional Park

The northernmost Auckland regional park, Tawharanui is blessed with some of the most stunning sandy beaches in the Auckland region.

It’s a picture-perfect spot with its rolling farmland and regenerating wetlands. What’s more, Tawharanui is predator-free, so you’re bound to see an abundance of birds!

Location: North Auckland. From State Highway 1 in Warkworth, follow the sings to Matakana. After Matakana, turn off toward Omaha and follow Takatu Road to the park.

13. Waharau Regional Park

Get off the beaten track and explore Waharau Regional Park! Set along the eastern coastline of the Firth of Thames, this quiet, spacious escape is known for its wide open farmland, native bush and long, peaceful shoreline.

It’s a great spot for walking, fishing or simply enjoying uninterrupted coastal views. On a clear day, you can see across to the Coromandel Peninsula, adding to its scenic appeal.

Location: South Auckland. From State Highway 2, turn off onto Mangatangi Road, then take Kaiaua Road to Kaiaua. From Kaiaua, take the East Coast Road to the park entrance.

14. Whakatiwai Regional Park

An alternative to the regional park mentioned above, Whakatiwai Park is just south of Waharau Regional Park.

A relaxed coastal setting with a mix of farmland, wetlands and shoreline, the park is perfect for birdwatching, especially for spotting migratory birds such as godwits, knots and turnstones.

The area also holds cultural significance for local iwi, adding meaningful depth to its natural beauty.

Location: South Auckland. From State Highway 2, turn off onto Mangatangi Road, then take Kaiaua Road to Kaiaua. The regional park is about 3 km (2 mi) north of Kaiaua.

15. Tapapakanga Regional Park

The final regional park near the Hunua Ranges is the Tapapakanga Regional Park. This is the best regional park in the Hunua Ranges area for swimming beaches and historical sites. On top of that, Tapapakanga is a farm park so farm animals are a big feature of the park.

Set along the Firth of Thames, this beautiful coastal escape mixes farmland with native bush and open shoreline, making it perfect for camping, picnicking and swimming.

The park also hosts music festivals throughout the year, adding a cultural twist you won’t find at many other regional parks.

Location: South Auckland. From Orere Point, turn onto the East Coast Road then down Deery Road to the park.

16. Tawhitokino Regional Park

This remote regional park is well worth getting off the beaten track for. There is no road access to the park, only a 40-minute walk from the nearest car park.

Relax on pohutukawa-fringed beaches, walk through native bush and farmland with unobstructed views. Camp the night for a truly special place to wake up in the morning.

Location: South Auckland. From Clevedon, drive to Kawakawa Bay then go all the way to the end of Kawakawa Bay Coast Road.

17. Awhitu Regional Park

This scenic regional park on the Awhitu Peninsula offers sweeping views over the Manukau Harbour and out to the Tasman Sea.

Explore rolling farmland, dramatic coastal cliffs and quiet beaches perfect for picnics and peaceful walks. Mountain bike trails wind through the landscape, and if you bring your own kayak, you’ll find great launching spots along the shore.

The historic Manukau Heads Lighthouse is a highlight, offering panoramic coastal views and a glimpse into the area’s maritime past. You can also check out the heritage Brook Homestead or settle in for the night at the onsite campsite.

Location: South Auckland. From Waiku, drive up the Awhitu Peninsula and through Matakawau. Turn right down Brook Road all the way to the Awhitu Park.

18. Duder Regional Park

Sticking out into the Hauraki Gulf, Duder Regional Park will make you feel like you’re on your own island with ocean views from every angle. This working farm offers a unique mix of farmland and coastal scenery, with easy walking tracks that wind through open pastures before climbing to elevated viewpoints.

The track network gives you stunning views of Rangitoto, Waiheke, Browns and Motuihe Islands. It’s also a brilliant spot for birdwatching and spotting native wildlife in a peaceful, open setting, perfect if you’re after a quiet escape with gorgeous Gulf views.

Location: South Auckland. From Whitford, take the Whitford-Maraetai Road through Maraetai and onto the Maraetai Coast Road to Umupuia. Duder Regional Park is just south of Umupuia on North Road.

19. Ōmana Regional Park

Another regional park with amazing views of the Hauraki Gulf is Ōmana Regional Park. Located on the eastern side of Auckland in Beachlands, this relaxed coastal escape is a hit with families thanks to its safe swimming beach, wide-open spaces and calm waters perfect for kids.

You’ll find grassy picnic areas ideal for barbecues, easy walking tracks offering stunning gulf views, and native bush areas to explore.

There’s also a historic homestead on-site, plus a campsite if you fancy extending your stay. With its spacious layout and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a wonderful spot to unwind by the sea.

Location: South Auckland. From Whitford, take the Whitford-Maraetai Road. Before reaching Maraetai, Ōmana is on the left.

20. Hamlins Hill (Mutukaroa Regional Park)

Mutukaroa Park, more commonly known as Hamlins Hill, is a wide-open green oasis and regional park closest to Auckland’s urban centre. Set on a volcanic cone, this expansive space offers walks over pastures with panoramic views stretching across the Manukau Harbour and surrounding suburbs.

The park holds significant Māori history, with terracing and earthworks still visible throughout the landscape. As one of Auckland’s largest archaeological sites, it’s a fascinating spot for those interested in the city’s rich cultural heritage, all while enjoying a peaceful escape from urban life.

Location: South Auckland. From State Highway 1, take the South Eastern Highway exit and onto Great South Road. The park is just before Sylvia Park Road.

More About Auckland

That’s it for our guide to Auckland parks; for more information about things to do in Auckland, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Auckland.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
Discover Auckland (Regional tourism website)
Auckland Council (Local council website)
Hauraki District Council (Local council website)

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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