The people of Auckland are lucky indeed to have 26 regional parks within easy reach of the city to explore and enjoy. Some of these are natural landscapes with wildlife, streams and waterfalls while others are public spaces that have histories going back to the mid 19th and early 20th centuries and even before that and still others are islands off the coast of Auckland that are nature reserves.
The most prominent and oldest public park is the 75 ha Auckland Domain. It is made up of the explosion crater and the tuff ring of the Pukekawa volcano. Among its attractions are memorials, leisure and sporting facilities, the winter garden complex with a tropical hot house and a glass house for temperate zone flowers. In addition plants, a fernery, a avenue of cherry trees, walking paths, a reservoir, sloping lawns and landscaped spaces planted with exotic species of trees are found here. It is also one of the best places for panoramic city views.
Among the other smaller parks in the city and the suburbs include Albert Park in central Auckland, Myers Park running parallel to upper Queens Street, Western Park in the suburb of Freemans Bay, Victoria Park also in Freemans Bay, Western Springs Park in a residential suburb and Auckland Botanic Garden spread over 64 ha in South Auckland hosting several important collections and displaying themed gardens. All these gardens are beautiful public spaces with collections of native trees, historic statues and buildings, artwork and beautifully laid out flower beds, lawns, ponds, fountains and walking paths.
Waitekare Range Regional Park is a range of hills with an elevation of 1555 feet that run for about 25 km from north to south in the Auckland metropolitan area. Native forests covering nearly 40,000 acres, steep cliffs, black sand beaches, popular surf beaches, five reservoirs, several bush trails and a 70 km hiking trail and New Zealand wildlife are some of its attractions. The Hunua Ranges South East of Auckland contains 178 sq km of parkland, rivers and streams and the Hunau Falls which is a popular tourist attraction.
Some parks and nature reserves are on islands close to Auckland. Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf a picturesque combination of vineyards, olive groves, farmland, forests and beaches is only 35 minutes away from Auckland by ferry. Rangitoto Island, also in the Hauraki Gulf is a small volcanic island with a perfect shield volcano at its centre clearly visible from the city. The island is considered special for its many species of native trees and plants and lava fields. Tiritiri Matangai is a bird sanctuary and the world’s most successful volunteer conservation programme. It is about 45 minutes away from the city by ferry.
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ enable visitors and New Zealand residents to stay and experience some of the most beautiful and exciting destinations that the country can offer. These New Zealand hotels provide a selection of well appointed modern accommodation to suit most budgets in locations that are among the most convenient. The group’s four and three star Auckland hotels are some of the best known and most popular with visitors to the city on account of their ideal location and up to date facilities and amenities.