16 Of The Best Picnic Spots In Auckland
Going on a picnic has this whimsical quality about it. Perhaps it's the satisfication of bringing a menu to life with your own two hands, or the therapeutic-like ritual of wrapping it up and popping it in darling picnic basket. Roll out a comfy blanket and you create a moment of respite, where your inbox can't get you, and the only complexities to ponder are the shapes of the clouds as they skud through the sky above.
Fortunately, Tāmaki Makaurau is a picnic-enthusiast's utopia. Here are the best picnic spots to park up at.
The Best Picnic Spots In Auckland At A Glance
Jump to:
- Auckland's Best Picnic Spots On The North Shore
- The Best Picnic Spots In West Auckland
- The Best Picnic Spots Near Central Auckland
- The Best Picnic Spots In East Auckland
- The Best Picnic Spots In South Auckland
- Auckland's Best Picnic Spots Worth Roadtripping To
Auckland's Best Picnic Spots On The North Shore
Takapuna Beach
Takapuna
Image credit: Takapuna Beach | Auckland Unlimited
Level up your picnic game with a floating soiree on paddleboards (or, like, just take the paddleboard out afterwards). Punters flock to Takapuna Beach whenever the sun shines and it's just as stunning a place to be for a beach day as it is for a picnic. Top tip: head to Takapuna Beach Cafe & Store for a house-made gelato treat.
Cheltenham Beach
Devonport
This Devonport gem was once one of Auckland’s best-kept secrets. Now that the cat’s out of the bag, we might as well let you in on why it’s so special. Cheltenham Beach is a long stretch of sandy bliss nestled behind North Head and is one of the more secluded picnic beach spots in Auckland. It’s a tidal beach, so keep that in mind when planning your picnic, but there's plenty of room to sit down and enjoy the views. Take your esky and go see what all the fuss is about.
The Best Picnic Spots In West Auckland
Piha
Waitākare Ranges Regional Park
Image credit: Piha | Toby Hall
From sheltered grassy areas to huge tables and heaps of room on the beach, a picnic at Piha should be on your bucket list. Spread out your picnic rug and tuck into your delicious picnic. If you’re feeling game, Mercer Bay Loop is an easy walk with several picture-perfect picnic spots along the track. As it is located near some of the protected Kauri-dieback areas, make sure to check here if the track is open before you leave.
Muriwai Regional Park
Muriwai
The Muriwai gannet colony consistently draws crowds, and for good reason—it's an absolute must visit. And luckily, it isn't in isolation. Part of Muriwai Regional Park there are plenty of other activites to do, too, to make the most of the daytrip like swimming at the beach, wandering the forested paths, even playing tennis! And rolling out the ol' picnic rug, of course.
The Best Picnic Spots Near Central Auckland
Cornwall Park
Epsom
Image credit: Cornwall Park | Habib Zeiniadeh
How lucky are we to have this massive green oasis in our city? Cornwall Park has everything you could ever want for a cruisy picnic. The place is gigantic so you don’t have to worry about people accidentally sitting on your D.I.Y charcuterie board. Pack the snags for this picnic—there are barbecues throughout the park. And cows, but they’re just for looking at.
Parnell Rose Gardens
Parnell
At this picnic spot, you can literally rock up and smell the roses. Heck, you can even eat your sandos amongst them. The roses are in full bloom from October through until summer, but it is a perfect spot to settle down all year round.
Albert Park
Auckland CBD
Spending the day in the city and looking for some green space? Albert Park is a welcome escape from lecture halls and libraries for Auckland students, and this inner-city park is a favourite for picnics and lunchtime breaks to all who visit or work in the CBD. Scarecrow is close by and has your picnic hamper sorted with fresh salads, bread, cheese, pastries and sweet treats.
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The Best Picnic Spots In South Auckland
Ambury Regional Park
Māngere Bridge
Image credit: Ambury Regional Park | Alice Rich
A wonderland of cotton ball sheep, adorable piglets and astonishing peacocks, picnic at Ambury Park and enjoy views of the Manukau Harbour. For nostalgic heart-of-summer vibes, fire up one of the public-use BBQs and treat your fellow picnic pals to a sausage buttie (or six).
Māngere Mountain
Māngere
Venture South to the 70,000-year-old Māngere Mountain and not only will a huge LOTR-esque volcano greet you but the circuitous route to the summit will reward you with magical views of Manukau Harbour, plus there are picnic tables and a bookable hāngī pit. Discover more about Māori history at the visitor centre that's open during the week or maybe even sign up for a guided tour before your picnic.
Awhitu Peninsula
Waiuku
Awhitu Peninsula is tucked away between Manukau Heads and the Tasman Sea on the West Coast, in the south of Auckland. Once you arrive, give the lighthouse a climb, explore the regional park, and stop by one of the many beaches along the bay.
The Best Picnic Spots In East Auckland
Mission Bay
Tamaki Drive
Image credit: Mission Bay | Thomas Necklen
It’s no secret that Mission Bay is an Auckland hotspot and as such it's probably going to be one of the busiest places on our list. There’s no better way to experience Mission Bay than with a picnic with plenty of room on the beach and grass area. If you’re looking for an epic elevated spot, head up to Bastian Point, where you’ll be treated to sprawling views of the Waitematā Harbour.
Hūnua Ranges Regional Park
Hūnua
If adventure picnics are a bit of you, hit the Massey-Cossey Loop Track before setting up your blanket and snacks (or claiming one of their public picnic tables, including near the Hūnua Falls) in the Hūnua Ranges Regional Park. The walk, which measures up at 8.3km takes about 3 hours—perfect for whipping up an appetite.
Auckland's Best Picnic Spots Worth Roadtripping To
Omaha Beach
Omaha
Image credit: Omaha Beach | Kathryn Steane
Head through Matakana straight to the East coast and discover Omaha Beach. The golden sand stretches on for what feels like forever and the crystal blue water is often visited by a friendly pod of dolphins. Pack a chilly bin up and find your own dreamy strip of sand at the bay.
Tāwharanui Peninsula
Tāwharanui
Just a short drive down the road from Omaha is Tāwharanui Peninsula. The regional park is a sanctuary of green grass, refreshing water, and nature galore. With four sandy white beaches to choose from, enjoy a picnic down on the sand and follow it up with a trek around the farmlands creature-spotting.
Te Kohuroa/Mathesons Bay
Leigh
The wonderful little town of Leigh to the northern end of the Auckland boundary hides the secluded Te Kohuroa/Mathesons Bay, a beach perfect for a picnic in the sun. The bay is cornered off from the ocean so it provides the ideal spot for safe swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and the likes. There are even rock pools and a hiking track right on the beach to keep you entertained the entire day.
Wenderholm Regional Park
Wenderholm
A well-kept secret to the northern end of the Auckland boundary is Wenderholm Regional Park. Just up near Waiwera, the park is huge so you can count on finding your own quiet picnic spot by the water in the lush grounds and spend the day exploring the many parts of this mammoth park.
Want more? Check out:
- 22 Stunning Walks In Auckland To Take At Least Once
- Auckland's Best Cheap Eats For Delicious Kai Without Breaking The Bank
- Epic Things To Do In Auckland This Weekend
Main Image credit: Jonathan Borba.