Until high-school I'd never really had much to do with Craigavon Park. Located on the outskirts of…read moreBlockhouse Bay it's a little further west than I'd ever had reason to venture, but throughout my high-school years cross country runs, fun-runs and various other fundraisers were held at this park. Home to a pretty decent playground, BBQs, a scenic walk and even a skate park - Craigavon Park has activities and events that cater to the whole family. Pack a picnic, the Frisbee, backyard cricket set and your dog - and enjoy the day at one of west Auckland's most popular parks. Bonus: Craigavon Park played host to the Hippie festival late last year. It was such a great day. Travelling painted vans, palm readings, eclectic knick-knacks, decorated lightbulbs, handcrafted wooden toys, and delicious food - the festival was absolutely brilliant and if it ever comes back to Craigavon Park, make sure you don't miss it!

You could easily miss the Devonport Skatepark if you didn't know where to look for it. Tucked away…read morefrom the main road into town opposite the Golf course and right in the middle of Ngataringa Park, this park has unlimited lines and transitions for all skill levels. It was designed by a bunch of local boys quite a few years ago and they included every hip gap and rail you can think of. The layout is huge and there's plenty of space. And even if it was complete crap, its still the coolest location! You can play music without bothering any neighbours and kick back in the grass when you need a break.

Great skate park. Can be a little bit of a mission to get there if you are not local to the area…read more Nice and spaced out, one of the better parks around for bikes in my opinion. I ate it bad when I was there a little while ago. I was on my friends downhill mountain bike, I came up to the table top with way too much speed, and for some reason, just at the last second I decided to try and pull a 180. Before I knew it the ground was coming towards my face in slow motion, oh man that was painful.

Marlborough Park in Glenfield has a little bit of everything for everyone. I love visiting for the…read moreplayground as it has a section of low tunnels and abacus balls for my preschooler to enjoy playing with; also swings and slides that suit the little and big kid. Not only are the children catered for, there is a basketball court, a skate bowl, a climbing frame, and even a flying fox. If your jogging in the area, why not pop in and work out on the free adult gym equipment? Fantastic park for a picnic on a warm sunny day, and with lots of trees is just really pretty to look at. Please don't miss the peace of Marlborough Park.

Tui Park is one of my new local parks, its a great park with the standard playing areas with swings…read moreand slides. It also has this cool big climbing net and even the fathers can get up there with their kids, I think its best for around 5 plus, its a bit big for the littler ones. It features a neat skateboard/scooter area which the kids love. It also has a big grass area to run around and play a bit of sport, cricket, softball etc. There is also access down to the beach from the park via a small bush walk. I have also been to a number of the Summer fun days in the park here which are really good. Also possibly in the future the Beach Haven Plunket may move to this park.

Howick Historical Village is in the park, it is pretty fun to walk about and go see it on a"live…read moreday" you can join a school class from the late 1800's. $15 Adult entry - $8 kids under 5's are free

Well, I have no clue who Lloyd Elsmore is, but he makes a pretty cool park. Covering a significant…read moreexpanse of East Auckland, it has a swimming pool, skate ramps, fields, sports clubs and the Howick Historical Village on site. Walking my dog here, I spied cyclists on the skate ramps, kids laughing on the playground, cars driving to and from sports matches and new games being set up for kids after school. They have plenty of sports days here - I know, because I can hear the announcer from my house a few kms away! It's also a good place to host an event, as I remember coming here a few years ago for a South African Festival. If you're looking for a day of fun, I reckon Lloyd Elsmore will fill your Saturday quite nicely.

I love this little park located in the heart of Remuera. It has to be one of the more fun…read moreplaygrounds in the area. With a swing set, a big climbing frame, slides, a flying fox and a skate board bowl, there is something here to entertain all the kids while you could be walking the dog (on leash only). Upland Road playground also has a lot of greenery for you to sit down on and set up a picnic for lunch or those summer evenings. Located incredibly close to Benson Road dairy, it's only a short hop and skip away to get an ice block, ending a perfect fun filled afternoon at the playground. I have grown up coming to this playground and have taken my siblings here a number of times. It's always a favourite; you just can't go past the awesome flying fox!

This is a super cool park for kids! There's a playground with actually nice and maintained play…read morethings and swings, slides, all that sort of thing - appeals to young babies up to older children. Plenty of seating for parents while the kids play. There is also a big flying fox, and a skate park for the bigger kids. To one side is a cliff that kids can climb up and have a little picnic at the top. We have had several birthday parties here. And heaps of grassy playing area! HEAPS! But note - if you are allergic to grass, this is the grass that will make you come out in a rash. Parking is on the road.

After a good carwash and two coats of wax, I took my nephew to the Albany Skate Park, as a reward…read morefor his help. Now, I promised him that my boarding days are over, and to tell the truth, never really started. But he is a master on a board, and can make Tony Hawke look like a beginner. Word of advice for parents; don't ever get your son a skateboard. It will either kill them, or you if you decide to watch. What these boys do on ramps with a flat piece of wood and four rubber wheels is nothing short of certifiable. My knees hurt just by looking at them. Next time I'm taking my car to the carwash, it is more expensive, but kinder to my heart.

Only recently finished, Albany skatepark sits just back from the main Oteha Valley Road thorough…read morefare opposite Mitre10 Mega and only minutes away from Westfield Albany and Albany Park and Ride. Its pretty polished-looking with a smooth concrete finish and its a decent size too. Theres plenty of rails, ledges, ramps, humps, and bowls to skate on. This park caters for all age and skill levels so its perfect to bring the kids for the day. Plenty of parking in front and a decent playground and toilets to keep everyone else happy, and if thats not enough then just pop up to the largest mall on the Shore!

I cannot believe that this skateboarding bowl in Pukekohe still exists. It's pretty ridiculous to…read morebe honest. The shape of it is like a big teardrop. You start out at the skinny part at the top, which is almost like half a tube, and this gets steeper and wider until you end up dropping down into the main round bowl part. And that's it. There's not much else you can do when you get to the end, just have to pick up your board and walk back up to the top again. It kind of reminds me of the luge in Rotorua. Of course you can do some tricks on the way down the track and in the main bowl itself, but on the whole it's a pretty poorly designed skate park. Maybe it's better for BMX.

I have driven past this park so many times in the past couple of years and never ever ventured in,…read morefor the reason that it's not in my hood. So I was really happy to have the opportunity to attend a Free Music in Parks concert sponsored by Auckland City Council. Nixon Park may be more famously known for its Skate park or the two half courts to shoot some baskets. My experience of the park was when it transformed into a community of music and a sea of people, young and old, to enjoy free music and a free space to relax upon. Fantastic trees on the west side of the park, which provide shelter from the sun when it is at its most powerful comes in handy when you don't have sunscreen, are with little kiddies, or just need some time out from the rays. In this little oasis of trees you will also find a really cool tree swing that glides out for some free play time. The kids playground is small, but really good for the fifteen month to six year old, they have a few slides, see saws, and swings, not as modernized as of yet, but I'm sure it won't be long till they revamp this kids play area. Always enjoy a good Auckland park, and this was a great find.

Most kids rate Nixon Park for its skate area or the little playground. Mine rate it because of a…read moredodgy old rope swing up the hill at the back, hidden in the trees. Injuries have been sustained and I doubt it is remotely OSH approved but, just like back in the day, the home-made rope swing kicks the arse of those PC playgrounds. I don't know who put it there but I am glad that no one has (yet) had it pulled down due to misplaced (and misappropriated - if you don't like it don't let your kids play on it) safety concerns. True they have to be a bit careful about hitting the ground when they swing back but that's all part of the fun. And yes, that loop could be dangerous and yes, my son has got his leg caught in it and scraped the bejesus out of his torso (if a mishap is at all remotely possible, it will happen to him). But they LOVE it and I can totally see why. Just keep an eye on them - I'm constantly surprised at how many parents feel supervision is unnecessary (in all kinds of situations!). Nixon Park is also pretty cool for family and music events with its big flat field and the Kingsland Karnivale that took place last weekend was a lot of fun for everyone - with some particularly good shopping. And I do always love to see the carefree Titirangi dancing come and visit the central suburbs.

You can walk for hours along the Harbourview Walkway and experience a variety of terrain. Parking…read moreis easy at Orangihina Park (465 Te Atatu Road). You can walk South or North from here. We went North. You immediately go through a tunnel of trees on a nice gravel and paved pathway, this walks by a number of storm catchment ponds with lush plant life. There are several beach areas including Harbor View Beach Reserve which has nice views toward Auckland City and some sea wall and boardwalks. Continuing north you go inland a bit from the sea with several nice grassy parks. At the northernmost part of the trail is the Whau West Walkway which traverses boardwalk areas over the marsh with yet more varieties of plant life. We did a 2.5 mile each way out and back and were glad we did this longer walk as the plant life and views changed quite a bit throughout the walk.

I stumbled across this great wee spot last time I was out West. Located off Te Atatu Road,…read moreHarborview is a park that boasts the most spectacular view of Auckland City. Despite growing up and living in Auckland, I'd never seen a view of the city like this. You could see everything from the North Shore and the Harbour Bridge, to the Skytower and high-rises and all the way out to Mt Albert, Point Chevalier and Blockhouse Bay. Unfortunately at the time I was there it was raining, but on a clear sunny day I can only imagine how much better the view would be. Despite the bad weather, when I was last there a wedding was taking place, and I couldn't help but appreciate how great the location was for such a special occasion. There is a little decked area that the ceremony was being held on, and while facing the bride and groom, the guests could also appreciate the brilliant view of the city. Definitely a good place to keep in mind if you're planning your big day and you're Auckland locals! Harbourview would also be a lovely place to park up and enjoy a picnic and run around with the kids.