17 things to do in Auckland in spring
1. Arataki Visitor Centre
The Arataki Visitor Centre is the gateway to the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, with more than 16,000 hectares of native rainforest and coastline. It's 250km of walking and tramping tracks provide access to beaches, breathtaking views, and spectacular rocky outcrops, including the Hillary Trail, black sand beaches, waterfalls and giant kauri trees.
2. Onehunga to Māngere Bridge cycle ride
Enjoy stunning harbour views, check out a bird nesting site and head to Ambury Farm Park for a picnic when you’re done. The ride can be accessed from the Onehunga train station.
3. The #Lightpath
Accessed via Upper Queen Street and Canada Street, the stunning pink Lightpath is well worth a look.
4. Ambury Farm Park
Cute animals! You'll see sheep, goats, cows, pigs, pet lambs (in season), chickens, turkey, rabbits and the elusive peacock. There are heaps of other activities and facilities available, including camping, picnic spots, barbecues and more.
5. Wenderholm
The picturesque mouth of the Puhoi River, surrounded by forested headlands, is Wenderholm, the first and perhaps still the most beautiful Regional Park. Wenderholm contains one of Aucklands best examples of mainland coastal forest.
6. Try orienteering
Orienteering courses are available in our Mahurangi, Atiu Creek, Duder and Huia regional parks.
7. Plan a picnic
Picnic sites of various sizes can be found across the region. Many are bookable for up to 100 guests. Most designated picnic sites have electric or woodfire barbecues, picnic tables, food preparation areas, drinking water and spaces suitable for games. Picnic site fees vary depending on the type of picnic site so please contact us on 09 301 0101 for bookings.
8. Get hitched
Auckland’s stunning parks are perfect places to hold weddings, civil unions or receptions. You’ll need an event permit, so contact us on 09 301 0101 to find out more.
9. Check out the Wynyard Quarter
Cafes, restaurants, bars, children’s activities, events, bars, sports equipment, bars, regular markets, live music, theatrical performances and people-watching a-plenty . . .
10. Explore Takapuna Beach Playground
Takapuna’s new playground at Gould Reserve is quickly becoming a local hot-spot. It is accessible for all abilities, with a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round and wheelchair-friendly trampoline. There's also a water play area, picnic facilities, climbing ropes and slides.
11. Walk from coast to coast
The Coast to Coast walk is a 16km hike across Auckland from one coast to the other, from the Waitematā Harbour to the Manukau Harbour. It takes you through landscapes shaped by 600 years of Māori occupation, and through some of our finest natural and built heritage areas, and offers panoramic views along the way.
12. Visit Ōtuataua Stonefields
This is one of the city’s last volcanic areas where you can see the large-scale stonework and earthwork remains that show how people once lived and worked.
13. Mountain bike in the city
Arch Hill Scenic Reserve, at 89 Ivanhoe Road in Grey Lynn, is a scenic reserve with a walkway linking Ivanhoe Road, Great North Road and Bond Street. There are two mountain bike trails, one suitable for beginners and one for more advanced riders.
14. Get your compost on!
The Compost Collective has free courses on how to make compost that your garden will find simply delicious.
15. Check out Symonds Street Cemetery
One of New Zealand's oldest urban cemeteries, Symonds Street Cemetery was Auckland's main burial ground from 1842 until Waikumete Cemetery opened in 1886.
Explore the cemetery with our three trail guides, which give information on notable sites and historical background.
16. Make the most of Māngere Bridge markets
Enjoy fresh produce, craft and delicious food every Sunday from 9am to 2pm at 30 Coronation Road, Māngere Bridge.
17. Knock off Auckland’s 10 Great Rides
If you haven’t been on your bike for a while and want to get back into it, try one of our ten great rides around Auckland. They are all off-road and on quiet streets, a manageable distance for most adults, and include some of the most beautiful spots in the region.