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Romance

5 Auckland and Hamilton public parks where romance is given a helping hand

  • 3 minutes

New Zealand

Five reasons to visit a public park as your personal relationship grows. A public park is a classic place for couples to hang out, or friends enjoy time outdoors.

  • Public parks have the ingredients for a romantic moment outdoors with green sweeps of lawn, ornamental plantings, bush and forest reserves
  • Public facilities from toilets and BBQ’s
  • Parks are usually well connected to public transport either buses or trains
  • Parks offer shelter from unseasonal showers with gazebos, cafes and restaurants. Parks are uncrowded spaces where a rug, snacks and water create a cosy space for two
  • Parks in Australia and New Zealand have free entry
  • Parks are the ultimate low cost sustainable visitor experience

 

AUCKLAND CORNWALL PARK

Cornwall Park garden wisteria in bloom, Auckland, New Zealand
Cornwall Park garden wisteria in bloom, Auckland, NZ

ROMANCE IN SPRING

  • Adorable lambs and calves staying close to Mum (Cornwall Park is a working farm)
  • Daffodils and other spring blooms among the majestic tree lined avenue
  • The sound of bird life in the forest reserves
  • Climb to Auckland’s highest peak for the popular city view for your selfie backdrop

Cornwall Park is a place beloved by locals for Cornwall’s diverse attractions.

If you want to make a day of time together there are two cafes as well as ice cream vendors located in the park. The park has Huia Lodge and the adjoining cottage to explore with visitor information about the park and surrounding district available from their visitor information desk. With the highest point in Auckland (One Tree Hill) within the park’s area it is a great place for instagram photo moments of Auckland views.

Opening hours:

Every day 7am–8pm. Opening hours are subject to change without notice. Please check it out on the official website.

For more information about gardens to visit in Auckland check out Gardens to visit in Auckland.

GETTING THERE

Cornwall Park is located on the METRO AT bus routes. There is plenty of parking via Greenlane West main gate. The one way road cuts through Cornwall Park, past the Huia Visitor Centre and onto Manukau Road. Cornwall Park is private land, so visitors are asked to respect all park rules. Unless signposted, any part of the park is free to be explored.

Cornwall Park bridal poses + bridedog, New Zealand
Cornwall Park bridal poses + bridedog, NZ

AUCKLAND REGIONAL PARKS

Wenderholm Regional Park, kayaking Puhoi River, New Zealand
Wenderholm Regional Park, kayaking Puhoi River, NZ
  • Sheer diversity from fascinating heritage sites from a former farm with its sea views, mansions and traditional foraging routes for pre-European Maori
  • Amazing walks from short strolls to waterfalls to half day hikes
  • A chance to collapse on a rug and enjoy a day at the beach
  • Kayak past mangroves and shorebirds as you wend your way on the Puhoi River
  • Al fresco dining, picnic among mature shady trees
  • Check out upcoming cultural events and enjoy sculpture & art displays

North is where Auckland locals go for the summer. There are several glorious regional parks as well as sheltered sandy beaches for a summer fix away from the crowds. From the donkeys of Algiers Bay to Snells Beach esplanade and mangrove boardwalks to walks through bush to quiet beaches where the crowds are few and far between… read more Amazing Auckland, Puhoi, Warkworth, Matakana – Best Bits.

TIP

Visit a weekend market 10 weekend markets a short drive from Auckland – Best Bits.

 

CAMBRIDGE, THE WAIKATO THE SETTING FOR A ROMANTIC DATE

Cambridge’s tree planting legacy and a Saturday market lends itself to a great way to hang out together, enjoy nibbles and foodie treats and not really do much hard work. Cambridge Farmers Market is situated in heritage Victoria Square with its enormous leafy trees. There is usually live entertainment with visitors scattered around the extensive lawns enjoying the spoils of their market goodies. Your quick trip from either Auckland or Hamilton just might become a weekly date.

Cambridge weekend farmers market, Waikato, New Zealand
Cambridge weekend farmers market, NZ
TIP

The weather packs up and outdoor picnics are a wet soggy mess. Main street Cambridge is a perfect alternative with cafes framed by mature oak trees creating cool shade in summer and spectacular autumn highlights.

 

HAMILTON GARDENS

Tudor knot garden complete with sculptural poles + selfie couple, Hamilton Gardens, Waikato, New Zealand
Tudor knot garden complete with sculptural poles + selfie couple, Hamilton Gardens, NZ

Hamilton public gardens are an ideal romantic destination with cafes and quiet spaces for couples. The gardens with their varied landscapes offer visitors a romantic English cottage garden to the structured Italian Renaissance garden as a backdrop. As Hamilton Gardens explain, ‘ Hamilton Gardens has the unique concept of showcasing the cultural meaning and context of gardens over the past 4,000 years. Choose your cultural inspiration and enjoy the magical spaces where imagination is encouraged … read more Hamilton gardens attractions, things to do.

TIP

Wet weather, the persistent rain or fog puts a damper on outdoor togetherness alternatives such as Hamilton Gardens cafe overlooking the ornamental lake as well Hamilton Gardens have sheltered open air seating roofed for weather protection. And romance under an umbrella works, just check it’s big enough for two.

NOTE

The Waikato River pathway adjacent to the Gardens has the changing autumn colours of the Swamp Cypress trees. The exotic trees together with native bush and river are a study in contrasts.

 

HAMILTON PARK

Hamilton Lake Domain

Rotoroa (​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Hamilton) Lake Domain is one of Hamilton’s premiere parks. It is a significant recreational facility and a focal point for a variety of water and land based activities. The park offers a natural place smack bang in the middle of Hamilton. The Domain has a cafe and is a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike.

​Hamilton Lake (Domain) Walkway. The walk around the edge of Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton) is 3.8 km. Finish your walk at the Verandah Cafe. Relax together watching the world go by. read more about Hamilton, what to see and do — travel guide & itinerary.

Hamilton hot air balloons, New Zealand
Hot Air Balloons flying above Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake Domain), in Hamilton, NZ
TIP

HAMILTON RIVER WAY, explore the mighty Waikato River described in Hamilton great short city walks in the Waikato – Best Bits. The walkway embraces native bush, planted parks and gardens and residential areas where communities could be part of our walk exploration. The walkway is a shared cycle / walk / jogging area.

Check out the small towns nearby for things to do …

If you are travelling on a tight budget check out Romance on a budget and get started your lifetime memories.

TIP

Find where the best selfie locations and quirky places for the two of you to visit are.

 

BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE

Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.

 

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