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 city’s 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 area’s 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 Domain’s highest point. It has the country’s 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 Domain’s 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.