Western Springs Park Auckland
A tranquil urban oasis with a serene lake, abundant birdlife, and a top-notch playground, perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Western Springs Park Auckland
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil urban oasis with a serene lake, abundant birdlife, and a top-notch playground, perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls.
"A peaceful oasis in Auckland, perfect for nature lovers and families alike."
🚗 Event Parking Strategy
Park in Westmere/Grey Lynn or Malvern Rd to avoid stadium chaos. Public transport is a great alternative :bus: :train:
🦆 Feed the Birds
Bring some birdseed for the ducks and swans – a hit with kids! :duck:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Serene Lake and Wildlife
Around the central lake
Wander the pram-friendly paths, spot diverse birdlife like ducks and pukekos, and enjoy the calm waters.

Exceptional Playground
Near the zoo entrance
A vibrant, well-equipped playground with shade and seating, perfect for kids of all ages.

Parkrun Adventure
Starts near the zoo
Join the weekly Parkrun for a scenic 5k loop around the lake, a popular community event .
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Parking for Events
Best Time for a Peaceful Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Event Parking Strategy
Park in Westmere/Grey Lynn or Malvern Rd to avoid stadium chaos. Public transport is a great alternative
:bus: :train:🦆 Feed the Birds
Bring some birdseed for the ducks and swans – a hit with kids! :duck:
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of tables and benches for a relaxing picnic by the lake. :sandwich:
👟 Parkrun Fun
Join the free Saturday morning Parkrun for a scenic run or walk
:runner:Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Event Parking Strategy
Park in Westmere/Grey Lynn or Malvern Rd to avoid stadium chaos. Public transport is a great alternative
:bus: :train:🦆 Feed the Birds
Bring some birdseed for the ducks and swans – a hit with kids! :duck:
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of tables and benches for a relaxing picnic by the lake. :sandwich:
👟 Parkrun Fun
Join the free Saturday morning Parkrun for a scenic run or walk
:runner:☔ Be Prepared for Rain
The Outer Fields can get muddy when wet; wear appropriate footwear
:rain_cloud:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Western Springs Park as a beautiful, peaceful oasis in Auckland, ideal for nature lovers and families. Highlights include abundant birdlife, a fantastic playground, and well-maintained walking paths. While generally loved, some wish for more water fountains.
"Western Springs Park is a peaceful oasis in Auckland, perfect for nature lovers and families alike. The park is beautifully maintained, with lush greenery, serene lakes, and plenty of open spaces to relax or have a picnic. The walking trails are easy to navigate and offer picturesque views of the water and surrounding wildlife.
One of the highlights is the abundance of birdlife—ducks, swans, and even pukekos roam freely, adding a unique charm to the park. It’s also a great spot for kids, who love feeding the ducks and running around in the wide-open areas."
Hansika Ratnayake
"What a stunning scenery and lookout. The park has plenty of playground area and biking trails. The zoo is just next to the lake. The elephant enclosure is not covered so today I took sneak peek at them while getting them trained. ....I highly recommend it and will go back again..."
Maryam Absh
"This morning we went for a lovely round trip of the perimeter of the park which was very pram friendly with lots of wonderful variety of birds, native trees, clean lake water, and informative signage. The open green spaces perfect for future picnics and lots of chairs and tables dotted along the path as well as under the trees. The eels with the up and down bridge were a favourite! The playground is unmatched with lots of variety, colours, shade, seating, bins, all within nice proximity of the zoo cafe (accessible from the park, next to the playground)."
Ariel Thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
For concerts, public transport is highly recommended. You can catch a bus (like the 18 route) or train to a nearby station and then take a bus or walk. Some Redditors suggest parking further out in Westmere or Grey Lynn and walking, or even using the park and ride at a train station.
Avoid driving directly to the stadium if possible due to traffic and limited parking.Yes, there is parking available, but it can be very limited and chaotic, especially during events. The zoo carpark often has a fee ($4-$6). For events, it's generally advised to seek parking in surrounding suburbs like Westmere or Grey Lynn, or opt for public transport.
Besides the zoo carpark, you can find parking on streets in nearby suburbs like Westmere, Grey Lynn, and Malvern Road. Some streets closer to the stadium might have people selling parking spots for a premium.
Be prepared for a walk.Yes, several bus routes service the area around Western Springs. Route 18 is often mentioned as a good option. Check Auckland Transport for the most up-to-date routes and schedules from your location.
The closest train station is Baldwin Avenue, but it's still a bit of a walk or scooter ride to the park. Many people opt to take a train to Britomart and then connect to a bus or the Inner Link bus service to get closer to Western Springs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Western Springs Park itself is free to enter and enjoy. Tickets are only required for specific events held at the venue, such as concerts or speedway races.
Western Springs Park is generally open from dawn till dusk. However, specific event venues within the park, like the stadium or speedway, will have their own operating hours for ticketed events.
Parking within the zoo carpark typically incurs a fee, usually around $4-$6. Street parking in surrounding areas may be free but can be competitive, especially during events. Some private parking might be available for a higher cost.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks for picnics in the park. For ticketed events, check the specific venue's policy on bringing in outside food and beverages, as restrictions may apply.
The main walking paths around the lake are generally pram and wheelchair friendly, offering a smooth surface for easy navigation.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy leisurely walks around the lake, feed the abundant birdlife, have a picnic, visit the excellent playground, or even participate in the weekly Parkrun.
The Auckland Zoo is also adjacent to the park.Absolutely! Families love the fantastic playground, the opportunity to feed ducks and swans, and the open green spaces for running around. It's a great free day out.
Yes, you can often hear concerts clearly from various spots in the park, especially from areas like Bullock Track. While you won't have a view of the stage, it's a way to enjoy the music in a more relaxed setting.
The park is home to a variety of birdlife, including ducks, swans, and pukekos. You might also spot eels in the lake, particularly near the bridge.
Yes, the paved paths around the lake are ideal for running, jogging, and cycling. The Parkrun is a popular organized event for runners.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake with its birdlife, the vibrant playground, and the autumn foliage (in season)
offer great photographic opportunities. The reflections on the water can also be stunning.While not on the west coast, the park can offer pleasant evening light. For dramatic sunsets, Muriwai Beach is a more renowned spot in Auckland.
Yes, you can take photos of the birds and other wildlife. Please be respectful and avoid disturbing them. The Auckland Zoo, adjacent to the park, also offers many animal photography opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Active Visitors & Runners
🎶 Concert-Goers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Event Logistics: Getting In and Out
For those attending events at the Outer Fields, be aware that it's a large grass field. If it's been raining, it can get quite muddy and swampy, so appropriate footwear is essential. While the audio quality might not be as pristine as an indoor venue, it's generally considered decent enough to enjoy the performance.
A Nature Lover's Paradise
Beyond the birds, the park features lush greenery, native trees, and open lawns perfect for picnics. Informative signage dotted along the paths adds an educational element to your visit. The park also boasts a fantastic playground, which is a major draw for families, offering a variety of colorful equipment and ample seating for parents.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit