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Auckland City has been built around and among a field of extinct volcanoes, including
14 volcanic cones - many of which are now parks, enjoyed by Aucklanders and
visitors as for their wide open spaces and superb views. Other notable Auckland
City parks developed on or around extinct volcanoes include Maungawhau (Mt
Eden) and Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill). These parks are treasured by Aucklanders
for their rural ambience and cultural importance. They feature terraced earthworks
and sunken food storage pits - reminders of hundreds of years of Maori occupation
in pre-European times.
Albert Park
Just a block from Queen Street, Albert Park reflects the city's
past in then charm of its statuary. Formal flowerbeds are kept bright year-round.
Stroll through the network of paths which wind through the parks six hectares.
Located off Princes Street central city.
Auckland Domain
Auckland Domain is the cityęs oldest park and one of its most popular.
The open green area is a pleasant contrast to the bustling city centre, just
minutes away. Land for the Domain was set aside in 1840 in the early years
of the areaęs European settlement, and development continued over the next
century. The park has the classic charm of formal gardens, a statuary and green
clearings edged by mature trees. Features for visitors include the Winter Garden,
Fernery and Museum.
The Domain is a place to relax, to stroll or jog the wide bush paths and picnic
on sweeping lawns. The 75 hectares park has been developed around the cone
of an extinct volcano. The –tuff rings” created by volcanic activity thousands
of years ago can be seen in the land contours.
The stately War Memorial Museum stands at the Domainęs highest point. It has
the countryęs finest Maori and Polynesian collection, exhibits of early European
settlement and special displays.
A carved Maori memorial palisade enclosed a large totara tree, planted on the
Pukekaroa knoll in 1940 in memory of Maori leader Potatu te WheroWhero who
made peace with neighbouring tribes on this site a hundred years earlier. Several
of the outstanding trees in the lawn arboretum were seedlings from a nursery
set up in the Domain in 1841 to grow and distribute European plants and trees
to the whole of the city. Today, the nursery supplies plants for displays in
the Winter Garden, and city parks.
The Domainęs statuary is impressive. Most pieces are in the formal gardens,
including one of the most striking - a large free-form reflecting pool with
three bronze sculptures. The central, male figure represents Auckland and the
two females offer wisdom and –fertility of the soil”. The volcanic tuff ring
forms a natural amphitheatre with about 10 hectares developed as first-class
sports fields. Outdoor concerts are also held here, and always attract huge
audiences.
How to Get to Auckland Domain: The main park gates are on Park
Road, Grafton, near Auckland Hospital, just a short walk across Grafton Bridge
from upper Symonds Street. Catch a Yellow Bus to the hospital;
the number 283 hospital bus leaves from the Downtown Terminal every 40 minutes.
Buzz-a-bus 366 6400 for details.
Other vehicle entrances are from Stanley Street, Titoki and George
Streets.
Victoria Park
A green inner-city space across the road from Victoria Park Market. Mature
trees give it the character of a village green. Popular for sports, jogging,
petanque or just to relax. A playground is provided for youngsters. Located
of Victoria Street West, Central City
Dove-Myer Robinson Park
The renowned rose gardens within this Parnell park include a comprehensive
collection of mainly modern roses, while the Nancy Steen garden beside the
main rose beds is devoted to old fashion varieties. This picturesque and peaceful
park extends to Judges Bay, and includes such historic landmarks as St Stephens
Church. Located off Gladstone Road, Parnell.
Michael Joseph Savage Memorial
Wide views of the harbour can be had from this park, a memorial to a former
prime minister, high above the sea at Bastion Point. Located off Tamaki
Drive, Orakei
Western Springs
A spacious lakeside reserve and wildlife sanctuary. The spring-fed lakes
are home for the many species of wildfowl that thrive in the regenerating forest
and wetlands. Paths that wind through the landscaped grounds make Western Springs
a popular choice for a relaxed stroll. Auckland City's zoological park adjoins
the park.
Located of Great North Road, Pt Chevalier - reach it from the
NW motorway.
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