Auckland Council is the governing body for Auckland, New Zealand. They provide a range of services, including waste management, parks and recreation, planning and development, civil defence, and community services. Their website offers information on c...
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Wintergarden hours:
1 April - 31 October (Winter): Monday to Sunday (9am - 4.30pm)
1 November - 31 March (Summer): Monday to Saturday (9am - 5.30pm), Sunday (9am - 7.30pm)
I always forget how nice the Auckland domain is. Sprawling fields, wizened old trees, lazy drivers taking it all in. I went to the Winter Gardens for the first time in years, and loved it. They're very well maintained with a huge variety of plants and flowers. Great place for some peace and quiet (if there's no school trip!)
The Auckland Domain is an absolute treasure right in the heart of our city. The best spots for a picnic are just below the Museum and beside the Wintergarden - plenty of shaded areas to set up camp for an afternoon of eating and snoozing. The flora and fauna of the Domain is stunning - from the warm glass houses of the Wintergarden to the huge palm trees by the rotunda and the beautiful beds of flowers planted around sculptures and water fountains - it's all a feast for the eyes. It's by far my favourite park-setting for a picnic in the summer.
The domain is huge. And it has free parking. Watch a cricket game played in an ancient volcanic crater. Picnic amongst huge trees on a 'dormant' pressure bulge. Climb a fig tree. Or a pohutakawa. Fly a kite. Go on a bush walk. Take in the statues and the odd sculpture. Get a great coffee and/or a fantastic gelato from the Wintergarden. Have a wander through the 2 huge greenhouses and marvel at the orchids, lilypads and chocolate tree. Feed the ducks (but not the goldfish). Stroll through the fernery. Stand in front of the water sculpture by the cenotaph and read about the koru. Turn around and take in the view. Enjoy the museum with it's 3 floors, 2 shops, cafe, library and plenty for kids. The Domain rocks.
When your sanity is challenged after consecutive weekends of rainfall, this is the place to go with your young kids. There is space for them to go mental and you don't need to worry about your own garden. If it rains then duck into the museum alternatively some of the short bush walks are a perfect compromise to the Waitakeres (if you never want to be more than 10 mins from a flat white).