Regional ParksNew Zealand is home to a wide range of regional parks that offer visitors a chance to explore the country’s stunning natural landscapes. From rugged coastlines to lush forests, there is something for everyone to enjoy in these parks. Here are some of the most popular regional parks in New Zealand
Te Ārai Regional Park
Te Ārai Regional Park is a coastal park located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, near the town of Mangawhai. The park covers an area of approximately 50 hectares and is known for its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and native plant and animal species.
The park is popular for a range of outdoor activities, including swimming, surfing, fishing, and hiking. There are also picnic areas and camping facilities available for visitors to enjoy.
Glenfern Sanctuary Regional Park
Glenfern Sanctuary Regional Park is a protected area located on Great Barrier Island in New Zealand. The park covers 83 hectares of native forest and is home to a variety of native bird species, including the endangered North Island kaka and North Island robin.
The sanctuary was established in 2002 with the goal of restoring the native flora and fauna of the island and providing a safe habitat for endangered species. The park is managed by the Glenfern Sanctuary Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation and environmental education.
Pākiri Regional Park
Pākiri Regional Park is a coastal park located on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The park offers a range of recreational activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
Visitors to Pākiri Regional Park can also explore the native bush and wildlife in the area, including seabirds, penguins, and dolphins. The park is a popular spot for camping and has basic facilities such as toilets and picnic areas.
Ātiu Creek Regional Park
Ātiu Creek Regional Park is a regional park located in Auckland, New Zealand. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery and diverse wildlife. The park offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and birdwatching.
There are also several walking tracks and trails that wind through the park, providing opportunities to explore the area’s lush forests and streams. Ātiu Creek Regional Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tāwharanui Regional Park
Tāwharanui Regional Park is a coastal park located on the Tāwharanui Peninsula in the Auckland region of New Zealand. The park is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and diverse wildlife. It is a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and hiking.
Tāwharanui Regional Park is also a protected wildlife sanctuary, home to many native bird species, including the endangered New Zealand dotterel and the North Island brown kiwi. The park has been carefully managed to preserve its natural beauty and to protect its unique flora and fauna.
Scandrett Regional Park
Scandrett Regional Park is a beautiful coastal park located on the eastern shores of the Mahurangi Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand. The park covers an area of 87 hectares and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and islands.
Visitors to Scandrett Regional Park can enjoy a range of activities, including picnicking, swimming, fishing, and bird-watching. There are also several walking tracks that wind through the park, providing opportunities to explore the native bush and coastal landscapes.
Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park
Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park is a beautiful natural area located in the Northland region of New Zealand. The park covers over 500 hectares of native bush, wetlands, and coastal areas, making it a diverse and ecologically important area.
Visitors to Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park can enjoy a range of activities, including bushwalking, birdwatching, picnicking, and fishing. The park is home to a variety of native bird species, including tui, kereru, and fantails, making it a great spot for bird enthusiasts.
Mahurangi Regional Park
Mahurangi Regional Park is a large regional park located on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It covers an area of 285 hectares and offers a range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.
The park features several beautiful beaches, walking tracks, picnic areas, and campgrounds. It is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including seabirds, dolphins, and seals.
Te Muri Regional Park
Te Muri Regional Park is a stunning coastal park located on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. The park covers an area of over 200 hectares and offers a range of recreational activities including hiking, picnicking, swimming, and fishing.
One of the highlights of Te Muri Regional Park is its beautiful sandy beaches, which are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The park also features lush native bushland, rugged cliffs, and stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
Wenderholm Regional Park
Wenderholm Regional Park is a beautiful coastal park located in the Rodney District of Auckland, New Zealand. The park covers an area of 134 hectares and features a mix of native forest, coastal cliffs, and sandy beaches.
Visitors to Wenderholm Regional Park can enjoy a range of activities such as picnicking, swimming, fishing, and walking along the park’s scenic trails. There are also several historic sites within the park, including the Wenderholm Homestead, which dates back to the 1860s.
Shakespear Regional Park
Shakespear Regional Park is a beautiful coastal park located on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula in Auckland, New Zealand. The park offers stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding islands, as well as a variety of walking tracks and picnic areas.
Visitors to Shakespear Regional Park can enjoy exploring the native bush and wildlife, including the opportunity to see endangered species such as the North Island brown kiwi. The park also has a campground for those looking to stay overnight and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
Long Bay Regional Park
Long Bay Regional Park is a coastal park located in the North Shore region of Auckland, New Zealand. The park covers an area of 38 hectares and is known for its beautiful sandy beach, walking tracks, and picnic areas.
The park is popular with locals and tourists alike, who come to enjoy the stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and the surrounding islands. The beach at Long Bay is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, and there are also opportunities for fishing and boating in the area.
Whakanewha Regional Park
Whakanewha Regional Park is a beautiful park located on Waiheke Island in New Zealand. It is known for its stunning coastal scenery, native bush, and sandy beaches.
The park offers a variety of walking tracks, picnic areas, and a campground for visitors to enjoy. Whakanewha Regional Park is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and beachgoers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Muriwai Regional Park
Muriwai Regional Park is a popular coastal park located on the west coast of Auckland, New Zealand. It is known for its stunning black sand beach, rugged cliffs, and impressive gannet colony. The park offers a range of activities including surfing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching.
One of the main attractions of Muriwai Regional Park is the gannet colony, which is home to thousands of Australasian gannets. Visitors can watch these majestic seabirds soar through the air and dive into the ocean to catch fish. The colony is best viewed from the viewing platforms located on the cliffs above the beach.
Ōmana Regional Park
Ōmana Regional Park is a beautiful coastal park located in Maraetai, Auckland, New Zealand. The park covers an area of 154 hectares and offers stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding islands.
Visitors to Ōmana Regional Park can enjoy a range of activities, including picnicking, swimming, fishing, walking, and birdwatching. The park features a sandy beach, grassy picnic areas, walking tracks, and a historic homestead that dates back to the 1860s.
Ambury Regional Park
Ambury Regional Park is a popular park located in Mangere, Auckland, New Zealand. It covers an area of 850 acres and is home to a variety of farm animals, including cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens. The park offers walking and cycling tracks, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Manukau Harbour.
Visitors to Ambury Regional Park can enjoy interacting with the animals, exploring the wetlands and volcanic cones, and taking in the peaceful surroundings. The park is a great place for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tāpapakanga Regional Park
Tāpapakanga Regional Park is a coastal park located in Auckland, New Zealand. It is known for its stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and its diverse range of plant and animal species. The park offers a variety of walking tracks, picnic areas, and beaches for visitors to enjoy. It is a popular spot for birdwatching, fishing, and swimming.
Tāpapakanga Regional Park is also home to several cultural and historical sites, including a Māori pa site and a World War II gun emplacement. Overall, it is a beautiful and peaceful destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
Waitakere Ranges Regional Park is a large regional park located in the Waitakere Ranges of Auckland, New Zealand. The park covers an area of over 16,000 hectares and is known for its lush rainforest, rugged coastline, and stunning waterfalls.
The park offers a variety of walking tracks and trails for visitors to explore, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Popular attractions within the park include the Karekare and Piha beaches, the Kitekite Falls, and the Hillary Trail.
Waharau Regional Park
Waharau Regional Park is a beautiful coastal park located in New Zealand, near Auckland. It is known for its stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding countryside, as well as its diverse wildlife and walking tracks.
Visitors to Waharau Regional Park can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and camping. The park has several well-maintained walking tracks that lead through native bush and along the coast, providing opportunities to spot native birds and other wildlife.
Papamoa Hills Regional Park
Papamoa Hills Regional Park is a 1350 hectare park located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. The park offers a range of walking and mountain biking tracks, as well as stunning views of the surrounding area including Mount Maunganui and the Pacific Ocean.
The park is home to a variety of plant and bird species, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of the region. The park also has a picnic area and a visitor information centre where visitors can learn more about the history and ecology of the area.
Onekawa Te Mawhai Regional Park
Onekawa Te Mawhai Regional Park is a beautiful coastal park located in the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand. The park offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a popular spot for picnics, walks, and birdwatching.
Visitors can explore the park’s walking tracks, which lead through native bush and along the rugged coastline. There are also several lookout points where you can take in the panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
