Parks in Auckland

Tāmaki Drive

While not strictly a park, Tamaki Drive is most certainly a playground for Aucklanders and their visitors. Takaparawha (Bastion Point), Orakei, Mission Bay, Kohimarama, Vellenoweth Green and St Heliers are all attractions on either side of the road along the way.

The 1950s fountain on the Mission Bay beachfront is once again putting on a spectacular water and light show following its major restoration. The fountain is coated in Sicilian marble and is carefully fluted to catch the light and cast reflections in the pool.

The road hugs the coastline from the central business district, through bays and past beaches to St Heliers 10 kilometres away.

On its seaward side is the Waitemata Harbour. On the landward side steep cliffs give way at Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Heliers Bay to exclusive homes and popular café precincts.

A number of ancient headland Pa that jut out to the Waitemata Harbour are now covered with upmarket housing. The home fires of Ngati Whatua still burn at Okahu Bay and Takaparawha while Tumutumu Whenua - their sacred meeting house stands on the Orakei ridge.

The route is made more spectacular in early summer by the crimson blooms of New Zealand’s own Christmas tree, the pohutukawa.

From Downtown Auckland, follow Quay Street southward until it becomes Tamaki Drive. The distance from Downtown Auckland to St Heliers Bay at the far end is about 10 kilometres.

Click here for more information about Tamaki Drive.