LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!…read more Discovered this park the other day with my one year old son. I can't believe the amount of times I have driven by and not stopped for a closer look!! Duck feeding - yes Picnic friendly - yes Fully equipped modern playground - yes Sherwood reserve is expansive and connects to Freyburg Park off Anzac Road. If you are keen on a family picnic and/or outing to the playground with the kids but don't want to deal with tlhe crowds that Browns Bay has, this is a MUST VISIT!!

Gorgeous reserve. I use the walkway that runs through it from time to time and I love the scenery…read moreand the huge fresh grassy patches. The pathway that winds down and around is perfect for a bit of bike riding or skating down. Just don't do what I did and jump off your board on a downward slope... I had to watch in horror as my skateboard took a dive into the stream! There's a block of shops at the top of the reserve with a dairy and there's also a playground up top. Great spot for a slow Sunday stroll.

New Zealand's hidden gem! A quiet and picturesque place with convenient access to restaurants and…read moregrocery stores!

Snells Beach is perfect for the family - picnic tables, two playgrounds, plenty of parking and old…read morePohutukawa trees which provide shelter on hot days. The beach is very safe for swimming as the water is quite shallow; however it is good to note that you should always check the tide, as it does go out quite far. There is a water ski area available, and also boat launch ramp capabilities. Unfortunately there are no dogs allowed in summer on the beach, however I'm not sure how strictly they enforce this law as yesterday I saw a few dogs in the water with their owners. Toilet facilities and a public BBQ are also available, making this a great summer picnic spot if you want a weekend escape not too far from the bustle of Auckland.

Many people bypass Warkworth these days; but if you're heading north the Mahurangi River is a great…read moreplace to stop to break up your trip. Weaving around the back of Warkworth, the river is best accessed on Wharf road (turn left off the main road at Roberts Bakery). Funnily enough, here you'll find a wharf, and plenty of seating to sit and soak in the peace or eat your sammies. There is also a wooden walk way to stretch your legs and a kids playground further around. Warkworth is the town of ducks, and you'll find whole gangs of them down by the river. They'll expect to be feed, and do get pretty cocky, so watch your picnic basket.

One of my all time favourite places to go in the summertime. Located just outside of Warkworth, The…read moreCement Works is an old quarry that is now filled with fresh water and serves as a brilliant swimming spot. Relatively unknown by outsiders, The Cement Works is usually filled with locals. I only know about it because my dad used to be from up north, so has 'inside knowledge'. The water is insanely deep so is a little scary but really fun to find trees to jump out of, as you know you'll never hit the bottom. The fact that its fresh water is also a huge bonus - it doesn't matter if you accidentally swallow it because it won't burn your throat on its way down! It also means if you stop there for a swim after a day at Goat Island or a nearby beach, you leave feeling fresh and clean rather than salty and sticky. Take a picnic and a chilly-bin filled with cold beverages (trust me this place is magic when cold beer is involved), pile your friends into your car and head up north for a lovely day in the sun! Tip: With the new motorway bypassing Orewa, it may cost a tariff but is totally worth it - now it only takes 45 minutes to get to The Cement Works!

The Old Cement Works is one of my favourite places in Warkworth. As the name suggests, it was an…read moreoperational cement and lime works until 1928. Today it's a historcial site; all that's left is a creepy, yet somehow beautiful pile of chimney ruins. They make a lovely photo, but I wouldn't get too close, they really are ruins. Some even say it's haunted by workers from the past (only the nice ones of course). Once you've taken your snaps the flooded quarry makes a perfect swimming hole. Part of the Mahurangi river, the water is deep and fresh. No sand and no salt! It does get deep very quickly though, so watch the little uns'. It's very peaceful along the river with some beautiful old willow trees to picnic under. Pack a blanket, your ham and egg sammies and it's a lovely place to spend the afternoon.

Long Bay beach is a favourite of both North Shore locals and Aucklander's coming from further…read moreafield. In the summer theres always a heap of people here sunbaking, swimming and barbequing, but its one of those places that never seems to be overly packed regardless of this, carparking is an issue though as evidenced this summer when people were waiting over 2 hours for parks, so make sure to get in early! There seems to be enough room for everyone, unlike beaches like Takapuna and Mission Bay where it looks like people are almost lying on top of one another. Theres nothing better than going for a walk down the kilometre long beach, but if thats not your thing there is a kids playground, and a grassy reserve complete with BBQ and picnic areas, nice changing rooms and toilet facilities. Its also a safe beach for swimming, so a refreshing dip in the sunshine is a definate must. If your into the whole communing with nature thing, further north from Long Bay are two secluded Bays accessible only on foot. Pohutukawa Bay the furthest of these is one of Aucklands most popular nude beaches

Kauwau Island is such a special spot for me. There's just something different about it. And Ladies…read moreBay epitomises this for me. It's really secluded but you can also get off the boat and walk 500 metres to the café in Mansion House Bay. You get all the perks of having a secluded bay, but with the benefits of being able to pop over for a coffee when your blood needs a hit of caffeine. We love going snorkeling here as the water is so clear. You hardly need a snorkel and mask. There's always loads of kina and the odd fish if you're lucky. This bay is way quieter than its neighbours Mansion House Bay and Copper Mine Bay so I suggest you go here on long weekends and during the peak season to avoid feeling like you're still in Auckland. There's also a track that goes from the Bay and will take you all over the island. It's a great way to spend the day and get some exercise.

Algies Bay is a lot quieter than the more popular and touristy Tawharanui; it is mostly populated…read moreby locals and people with holiday homes in the surrounding area. It is a sand and shell beach, and it is much less tidal than other local beaches, such as Snells Beach, so there is more flexibility in when you can swim. There is a boat ramp, playground, toilets, a BBQ and a few picnic tables available, so if you are wanting to have a relaxing beach day trip without having to compete for space, where you can read your book and relax in the sun in peace, then this is the place to go.

Nice walking beach that's got a lot of fun events going regularly. The estuary arts centre is…read morealways a nice place to visit.

Orewa is a very long stretch of sand just past the Orewa bridge over the Orewa river. It's really…read moregreat at high tide though you have to walk very far into water before it gets deep- which is neither here nor there. The surf club has a prominent spot along the beach with it's large lifeguard swim between the flags markers and a lifeguard chair to guard. Thought the elevated wooden square flat stage in front of the surf building was great for a sit down/ picnic and view. It's definitely a family beach- with lots of kids during the school holidays with their buckets and sandcastles as well as a playground to entertain. Not only- it's great for both swimmers and surfers alike with good waves but also can be rather still to make it easier to swim in. Lots of sand for you to lay down a towel to get some sun tan or above grassy areas with some shade from trees. It's bookmarked with cliffs on either end and in one direction you can look out towards Hatfields and in the other- Stanmore Bay, Manly, Tindalls, Army Bay all the way to the large Shakespear park. SUP in an unmissably large tent and noticed a group of kayaks going out. Public toilets available behind the surf club and a huge car park to fill. A good beach- sure to find something to please every type of beach-go-er.