The Auckland Domain is a large park in central Auckland, New Zealand with 75 hectares to walk around.
It is the oldest park in the city, and one of the largest and home to Auckland’s botanic gardens. Located in Grafton, the park contains all of the explosion crater and most of the surrounding tuff ring of the Pukekawa volcano. Walk through native forest or follow a trail of outdoor sculptures in this awesome park. Take the “Lovers Walk” track that runs along side the outflow stream from the pond. Or walk through the native forest which leads through a gully, with the option to exit in the middle of Parnell shops and cafes. Auckland City Domain is home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum and Auckland Domain Wintergardens. The Wintegardens comprise 2 large glasshouses in an enclosed courtyard with a fish pond, fountains, and marble statues. It’s free to walk around and enjoy the exotic tropical plants. Concerts are also held in the domain. The museum is well worth a visit. Skip the queue and buy your entry ticket here for the Auckland Museum.
Explore the Local Area
Waiheke Island has got to be one of Auckland’s (not so) best-kept secrets. Nestled in the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is a must-see for visitors. Travel by ferry to get to Waiheke – avoid the queue and buy your ferry ticket here. Once on Waiheke Island, take the opportunity to sample some of the best food and wine produced on the island.
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: Auckland City, North Island
- Distance: 2 km
- Time needed: 1 Hour
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Wheelchair Access: No
- Route: Round Trip
- Elevation: Unknown
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: Yes
- Dogs: Leash only
- Mobile Coverage: Yes
- Last Updated: November 2020
We’ve partnered with Macpac outdoor walking & hiking gear to bring you the very best products designed exclusively for our New Zealand climate. They’ll ship for FREE within NZ on orders over $100 (if under $100 it’s only $5). Worldwide international shipping is available except to the USA. Bulky orders will be $20.
Summary points about this walk
Womens Hiking Gear
Guided Walking Tours
Points of interest along the walk
Point 1: Auckland City Domain
If you are in Queen Street, it is quicker to walk to the top of Queen Street to K’ Road. Then walk across Grafton bridge pasted the Auckland Hospital to the main Auckland city Domain gate. A total of 900m. From the main gate, you will get a good view of the Domain. The best views are from the museum.
Point 2: Hungry?
When you’re ready to head home but feel hungry, try a 30-minute walk down Parnell Road. Where you walked in by the hospital, walk to the opposite end of the park turn left onto Broadway Cres, the main road, then on to Parnell Road. You should be walking downhill and heading to the Auckland Harbour and Rangitoto Island.
What sort of walking and hiking gear will you need
We’ve partnered with Macpac outdoor walking & hiking gear to bring you the very best products designed exclusively for our New Zealand climate. They’ll ship for FREE within NZ on orders over $100 (if under $100 it’s only $5). Worldwide international shipping is available except to the USA. Bulky orders will be $20.