Auckland parks and recreation
Visit Harataonga Bay on Great Barrier Island where Castaway was filmed. Wander the deserted beach now the Castaways have gone or walk the nearby loop track to take in great views of Harataonga Bay and coastline.
Visit North Head Historic Reserve where a self-guided walk leads you through tunnels and other features of the area's past military defences.
Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve is the youngest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. It is home to our largest pohutukawa forest, and some unique plantlife.
Kaitoke Hot Springs Track is a popular easy walk to sulphurous hot springs on Great Barrier Island. It's buggy and wheel chair friendly too.
Stroll to view the Pohuehue waterfall or walk the longer loop (also known as the Beverley Price Loop Track) through regenerating forest in the Pohuehue Scenic Reserve, just south of Warkworth.
Take a 3-hour return walk along the Okura Bush Walkway. The walkway winds its way through the Okura River Estuary and through coastal forest to Karepiro Bay and historic Dacre Cottage.
Starting from the Dome tearooms carpark, steps lead up along a narrow road reserve to the Dome Forest conservation area.
You can be one of the lucky few to visit Tiritiri Matangi each day. This scientific reserve near Auckland is home to many native species due to being predator-free.
Fort Takapuna offers an interesting insight into the coastal defences that were built to defend the Auckland harbour entrance from feared Russian invasions.
NZ weather
Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.
DOC visitor centres
