Fantastic park and walkway that I got to introduce to friends who had never heard of it or been…read morebefore! So glad they know of it now, especially the one who has a dog whose allowed on this track. Just next to Castor Bay, Kennedy is home to gun emplacements as well as tunnels from the Second World War. The tunnels are only open second Sunday of every month between 11am and 2pm for guided walks by volunteers from the Kennedy Park WWII Trust. There is also ample green grass and shade from trees next to the wooden coastal walkway. There is a sturdy wooden staircase leading to Back Beach where several people were doing up and down stair-runs and other fit-stuff. Good on them. Unfortunately we came at high tide so couldn't make it full all the way around the cliffs but definitely coming back at low tide to do more walk exploring and go for a swim! Having said that though, we instead did the coastal walk, noticed the spiderweb-centred playground that looked like fun as well. A proper dedicated car park space you can turn into after the main sign. Such a great park space- must see.

JF Kennedy Park is one of those fantastic spots that has somehow managed to remain relatively…read moreunknown - well, unknown enough at least to ensure it's not overcrowded or anything. You get there a little turnoff into a carpark off Beach Road which reveals a wide expanse of park complete with a quality playground. At first you don't quite realise how high up you are, but then you notice the water of the Hauraki Gulf on the horizon out to the east, walk to the edge of the park, and see that you're actually on a high clifftop. You can follow a wooden staircase all the way down the cliff-face, revealing a beautiful beach mercifully free of direct car access which makes gives it a nice secluded feel. It is a favourite of the fitness/dog walking crowd, but most of the time this beach is pretty well empty so it's a great place to come for a swim, enjoy some Vitamin D, and marvel at the golden rock of the cliff. My favourite time to come is just before sunset - it's especially peaceful around this time, and in summer the water's still lovely and warm.

This really is a special little spot, nestled right in the heart of Devonport Township. It's very…read morepopular with the Devonport Yummy Mummies set and their pint size charges. Right on the waters edge, there's plenty of wooden benches around the perimeter of the park to have a seat and watch the boats come and go on the water, even feed the seagulls if you were so inclined. There's a decent playground, to keep the kids entertained and on hot summer days the little bay/inlet of water towards the back of the reserve is the perfect space to take the littlies for a swim as its noticeably calm and gentle out there.

Great park on the waterfront ideal for picnics or throwing a rugby ball. There's a playground for…read morethe kiddies and heaps of space to run around. On weekends its usually filled with couples and families eating fish and chips or strolling around by the water, pretty nice spot. This is where Devonport's annual Food and Wine Festival has always been held - when the quiet park transforms into tent city for foodies and wine-drinkers alike with a stage for live music. We used to come down every year even when we were kids as there was so much to do and look at. The festival has chilled out in recent years I think due to increased prices and possibly a larger police presence to keep an eye on any drunkards but anyway the point is Windsor Reserve is a great venue! They have Carols by Candlelight at Christmastime and all sorts of other family picnic concerts throughout the year. I also recently came across a 'Families in Parks' summer fun programme on Tuesdays mornings where they bring lots of little bikes and toys down for toddlers - perfect if you're looking for something fun and free to do with little kids.

Jellicoe Park is one of those War Memorial parks that we have all over our country and as well as…read morereminding us of the lives lost at war, the monuments of the 1920s and 30s somehow define our national character. To me this park is Kiwiana at its prettiest. It's been around for more than 100 years and is now home to several historic buildings alongside its gorgeous entrance arch, fountain and flowerbeds. The Norfolk pines are majestic and I love coming here for the lighting of the Christmas Lights every year. The largest of the trees is festooned, the switch flicked and the atmosphere makes it my favourite of all Auckland's community events. There is something about the history of Onehunga and its strong Pacific population that sees the most diverse people come together for a night of family festivities that perfectly reflect this suburb's individuality. The Fencible Cottage and Blockhouse are open and the people of the 'Hunga feel the love. (If you don't know about the Fencibles, look it up - it's a fascinating and fairly obscure piece of Auckland history.) The buildings are occasionally opened up at other times by The Onehunga Historical Society and are well worth a look if you get the chance. Otherwise, just come play in the playground, relax and enjoy, it's a beautiful place.

This park is the oldest park in Onehunga but I feel like not that many people know about it, or if…read morethey do it just doesn't come to their minds when thinking about a nice trip out. But in fact if you dedicate an hour to this park you will find that you will have a really great time. It's a memorial park that was renamed in 1921 for the Governor General so you can get an idea of what it is like. It's like stepping back in time to the Victorian era with it's 100 year old pine trees, big old fountain, historic buildings and beautiful archways. The flat grassy areas are perfect for a picnic or to play a game of rugby with friends and family. Opposite the park are some beautiful old houses too which can make your day at Jellicoe even better if you come on the first and third Sunday of each month between 1.30 and 4pm as they are open to the public on those days.

The park is well maintained, with a safe to swim at beach. Great walks along the cliffsread more

Auckland really is a beautiful city with so many outdoor beauties…read more Long Bay Regional Park is a sure winner, and a superb place to take the little ones on the weekend. On my recent second mother's day, my family and I travelled to Long Bay to take part in the Free Volunteer Tree Planting at Long Bay Regional Park. Parking close to the awesome kid's playground with flying fox, we had a 15 minute uphill walk to the park location that had been chosen for planting. This event had been organised by the wonderful Auckland City Council. The stunning weather really brought out the serenity of mother nature. Aucklander's and foreigners showed up from all around to plant kowhai's, flax, cabbage trees and more. This beautiful park has so much to offer; a slice of paradise where young and old can come, relax and enjoy nature in its purest form. I recommend taking one of the many walks through tracks labelled in the park, or even enjoying leisure time walking or running in your spare time. You have so much on offer, whether you want to do nothing or do lots. The ocean is at the parks edge, so be sure to stroll on the beautiful long beach and take a swim in the glorious ocean too.

Western Park is waaay bigger than you'd think. I mean, it's not huge but it's bigger than it looks…read morefrom P.Road. It's an off leash dog park as well so is a great spot to take the pups for a run and rummage. We went recently in the middle of winter and the shade from the leafy evergreens had kept the ground sodden from the previous rainfall. It didn't bother us because there's paths but the dogs went off-roading and by the end of it were covered in mud....thank goodness we took towels and had a large boot!

This is the place where I spent hours and hours pretending to study. My love for sculptures and all…read morethings artsy led me to this place after I realised studying indoors when the weather was amazing, was a complete waste of my time. I grabbed my study items, a novel that had nothing to do with my exams and a beverage of some sort. I sat on the bench looking at the fallen sculptures and thought about the mysteries of life, hours went by as I say there contemplating what was there before and what will be there in the future, All I can say is if you are looking for a place to just take a chill pill, enjoy some quiet time, "study" and be one with the grass then Western Park is for you. The location is perfect that if you get hungry you can just waddle on to Ponsonby road or K road for a bite.

Totara Park is a South Auckland staple. Its highly likely that growing up in the Manurewa/Manukau…read morearea meant you were here for swimming lessons, a day out with family or school, or a hangout with friends. Its ideal for family picnics, barbecues (they have facilities available) and get-togethers. The children's playground keeps the younger ones, and the young at heart, entertained. The free supervised swimming pools are open in February and March, and are perfect for that relaxing swim on a scorching day. As a teenager, my dad dragged my siblings and I here every morning of the school holidays for the 45 minute bush walk, and while I barely liked it back then, I'm grateful. These days, that bush walk, among the other trails you can take at Totara Park, are somewhat of a blessing (apart from the killer stairs!). The farm track from the Redoubt Rd entrance to the main picnic area on Wairere Road is a popular one, just be sure not to run past the cows as they can get pretty scary (for me at least). Another track, the Puhinui Stream Forest Trail, takes about two hours to complete and connects Totara Park with the nearby Botanic Gardens.

I probably like Milford park more than the average punter because I grew up down the road…read more Throughout my childhood, I spent many a day at Milford Park climbing the trees, playing BYC and go home stay home. Trip down memory lane aside, Milford Park is still a great spot to bring the kiddies. There is a freshly painted, bright blue playground, toilets, BBQ pits AND the Beach is right next door. Not to mention in Summer there is frequently concerts or outdoor movie screenings. Oh, and for all those runners out there every Wednesday night there is a fun run that leaves from the Milford Cruising Club in the park and goes to Takapuna and back for only $7 ($3 for kids), free drink included!

I shouldn't review the park as high as I would prefer to keep this to myself - but better to be…read morehonest. A good little suburban park - good parking, safe kids playground, beach volleyball courts and the beach a hop and a skip away. The Creek provides a bit of action if the tide is in as the yachts and fisher boats trailing and out over the 4 hours of tide. Good takeouts and coffee close by in Milford and it is not surprising the number of people who get fish and chips from PJs (another secret) and eat them on the picnic tables worth a visit

Rocket Park is awesome, even if you're not allowed to climb up the rocket. It has a huge range of…read moreplay equipment including an expensive Variety Liberty Swing which allows disabled children or those in wheelchairs to enjoy a thrill most kids take for granted. Very cool idea. I also really like the fairytale castle-themed play area which gets kids role playing and using their imaginations. I've spent countless hours here after pre-school Gym and Dancing classes at the neighbouring YMCA, and the beautiful setting amongst mature trees makes it a great place for a picnic. Be organised and bring your own or grab something from one of the surrounding cafes or delis (or a kebab!). One of Auckland's best playgrounds.

Rocket Park is an icon of Auckland. Though it is just a playground - and not a particularly special…read moreplayground anymore thanks to health and safety regulations - there is a giant rocket smack bang in the middle of the climbing equipment that is the reason for its name. As a child I spent countless afternoons climbing on and around this rocket, and even remember the days when you were allowed IN IT. Those were good times. Though this is no longer possible, every afternoon the park is still packed with young families and it's a really nice place to have a wee picnic and a run around. Tip: Now there is even some cardio gym equipment permanently set up in the park, like treadmills and cross-trainers, that available for anyone to use. So parents, you too can get some exercise while your kids tire themselves out on the playground!