There’s plenty to do in and around Ōwairaka, with its relaxed urban boutique lifestyle. Ōwairaka’s laid-back village atmosphere means it’s easy to walk or ride your bike to the local shops or a broad range of recreational activities, stunning walks and outdoor pursuits, all right here in your leafy local neighbourhood. There are loads of green spaces to relax or play, and plenty of parks, including Murray Halberg Park, and Ōwairaka Domain with its stunning panoramic views. Mt Albert Aquatic Centre is just around the corner, or Chamberlain Golf Course if you fancy a round of golf. Head to Ōwairaka Park and check out the sports field, skatepark, playground, and basketball courts. With its strong sporting history, Ōwairaka is home to the iconic Ōwairaka Athletics Club and legendary coach Arthur Lydiard producing gold medal-winning Olympians, New Zealand Athlete of the twentieth century Peter Snell and Murray Halberg. When it comes to other recreational activities, there’s plenty to do in Ōwairaka, from heritage walks or a visit to Alberton, Heritage New Zealand’s stunning nineteenth-century colonial mansion, to St Lukes Shopping Centre and many other shopping options nearby.
Ōwairaka / Mt Albert Domain
For a great walk with a breathtaking view, you can’t beat the volcanic slopes of Ōwairaka / Mt Albert Domain, also known as Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura. The striking peak dominates the landscape of Ōwairaka and surrounding suburbs. Both the mountain and the wider area are steeped in history. On a clear day take 20 minutes to scale the summit, for expansive views of the city. Vehicles are restricted on the loop road to recognise the cultural significance of the mountain. The mountaintop walk and stunning vistas across Auckland are enjoyed by locals, whether you’re walking the dog, taking the kids for a climb, or a relaxing way to unwind on the weekend or after work. Take a stroll on the recently upgraded pathways to circumnavigate the mountain, with a stunning sunrise or sunset panorama from the top. Bring a picnic and kick back under the shady mature trees as you take in Auckland spread below. Ōwairaka / Mt Albert is one of Auckland region’s 14 Tūpuna Maunga, or ancestral mountains; a volcanic hill that erupted an estimated 120,000 years ago. The mountain, like many across Auckland, was an important Māori pā or fortified village in the region, although much of this history was destroyed by quarrying during the nineteenth century. There are also plenty of heritage walks to do in and around Ōwairaka, taking in some of the history of days gone by.
Ōwairaka playground and skate park
Originally a railway quarry reserve, Ōwairaka playground and skate park is located nearby on Ōwairaka Avenue. Enjoy the established native trees and shady Pohutukawa at the park, with plenty of open flat green space for ball games, and a good network of wide paths for walking and jogging. The playground with swings, flying fox, sports equipment including soccer and rugby goals, a basketball half-court, skate park, and sports field provides something for everyone. A learn-to-ride track presents a mini circuit for bikes, featuring speed humps and road markings. A public toilet and drinking fountains are by the car park and skate park. Pedestrians can also access the park from Hallam Street, Hendon Avenue, and Underwood Park. Buses stop nearby on Ōwairaka Avenue. To extend your exercise, a wander over the bridge at the southern end of the path leads to Te Auaunga – Wesley Path.
Ōwairaka Athletics Club
The iconic Ōwairaka Athletics Club is based at the historic Lovelock Track in Ōwairaka, where five world records have been set, and a proud history in athletics dates back more than 75 years. The club was founded at Anderson Park, Mt Albert in 1943 and moved to its present site in 1961 when the Lovelock Track was constructed. Many international and national champions have been produced by the club including Murray Halberg, and New Zealand Athlete of the twentieth century Peter Snell. The club famously led the world in middle and long-distance running during the 1960s under the guidance of the legendary coach Arthur Lydiard. Renowned running training group “Arthur’s Boys” epitomises the history of this era, which included Murray Halberg, Peter Snell, Barry Magee, Bill Baillie, Jeff Julian, and Ray Puckett. They were all Olympians by the end of the 1960s, training in and around Ōwairaka.
A local story tells how Sir William Stevenson of construction company Stevenson’s was working on a local subdivision when he saw some of Arthur’s Boys training on the dark streets of Ōwairaka. He pledged the first 1,000 pounds for a new running track, which would become the Lovelock Track (named after New Zealand’s first gold-winning track Olympian Jack Lovelock). In a streak of Kiwi ingenuity, shredded truck tyres donated by Stevenson were mixed with bitumen and steamrolled to form a springy, black running surface for the oval track. Today, the club champions both competitive excellence and the enjoyment of participation. Both junior and senior athletics programmes are on offer, catering for children from three years of age up to competitive and social adults programmes.
Rocket Park and Playground
Rocket Park is an Auckland playground institution, with families travelling from all over the city so their kids can scale the bright blue-and-red rocket tower that’s the centrepiece of the playground, and a landmark of New North Road. Much-loved by parents and children alike for generations, the Rocket Park playground was constructed in 1967 by the Mt Albert Lions Club at the height of the Space Age. Recently the playground has been upgraded, so children of all ages can enjoy a junior castle with slide, climbing unit, and swings, including an accessible swing. There’s a range of exercise stations surrounding the play area, from cycling to tricep dips for teens and adults too. The playground is set within Mount Albert War Memorial reserve and there’s plenty of space to explore under the mature shade trees, or have a picnic. Close by are the Mount Albert War Memorial Hall and Senior Citizens Hall, plus the YMCA’s Community and Leisure Centre and The Mount Albert Bridge Club. You’ll find netball and tennis courts, a basketball half-court, and a flying fox behind the leisure centre building. The park includes picnic tables, seating areas, and bathroom facilities.
Mt Albert Aquatic Centre
Take the kids for a swim at Mt Albert Aquatic Centre in Alberton Avenue, the premier indoor aquatic centre in New Zealand, which is hugely popular with locals. Dive in and enjoy the heated 25m competition swimming pool, a wave pool, waterslide, pools for the littlies, sauna, spa, steam room, lazy river, swim lessons, and much more on offer. This modern facility is staffed by a team of aquatic professionals who are committed to providing visitors with great health and leisure services. Come in for a visit by yourself or with the family to relax, play, or increase health and overall well-being. When it comes to the little ones in life, the hydroslide, water play feature, and the splash and wave pool will delight. Take advantage of the toddler pool, or swimming lessons for infants from six months of age, school-age children, stroke development, adult learn to swim lessons, and adult squads and programmes. Lessons are designed to give confidence and inspire students to explore pathways into competitive and recreational swimming. Swimming lessons are conducted by fully trained, licensed teachers of swimming and water safety. Aqua aerobics classes are also on offer, for another popular way to exercise.
Chamberlain Park Golf Course
After a round of golf at home? With a course for all seasons, and greens and tees set among well-established native New Zealand trees, everything a golfer needs is at Chamberlain Park Golf Course. Billed as New Zealand’s most popular golf course, Chamberlain Park is closer to central Auckland than any other golf course, and local to Ōwairaka. Open daily and within easy walking distance of MOTAT and the Zoo, the Park’s 18-hole, all-weather course offers a challenge to both new and experienced golfers. With smooth, rolling open fairways and finely manicured greens, Chamberlain Park is an all-weather course that offers a true test of golf. One of just two public courses in Auckland, it is open to all. Bring your own gear, hire or purchase from the pro shop, and practise on the putting green by the clubhouse before teeing off. For those who want to improve their game, take advantage of booking lessons with an on-site professional golf coach. Competitive green fees are on offer, and snacks and cold drinks are available. Changing rooms and shower facilities add to the convenience of a quick round of golf just minutes from the city. A golf cart can be booked ahead of your visit. The golf course is dog friendly, with dogs to be kept on a lead at all times.
Alberton
Alberton is Heritage New Zealand’s stunning nineteenth-century colonial mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens, all open to the public to explore. Built in 1863 as the centrepiece of Allan and Patty Kerr Taylor’s 203-hectare (500 acre) country estate, it was named for the suburb it stands in. Alberton began life as a two-storey timber farmhouse. Its conversion by architect Matthew Henderson into an elaborate and fashionable country manor influenced by Anglo-Indian architecture probably occurred in the 1870s, after the family’s income had shifted from farming to land sales and company investments. Additions included an eastern wing with a ballroom and a set of ornate corner towers with curved roofs. The house was heavily used for many forms of social entertainment including afternoons of archery on the lawn, evenings in the ballroom, and the first riding ball held in New Zealand in 1877. The building remained in the family until 1972, when it was bequeathed to the New Zealand Historic Places Trust / Pouhere Taonga and opened to the public in 1973 as a house museum. Alberton is one of the best-preserved houses of the colonial elite in the region, providing glimpses of grandeur gone by, and insights into the past. Visit to enjoy a picnic in the gardens, a special weekend event, or educational insights into the region’s history. For all things antique, vintage and retro, the Alberton Vintage Market Day is a treasure trove of antique treasures and vintage gems including fine china, clothing, textiles, tableware, decor, jewellery, accessories, retro knick-knacks, and more.
Auckland Zoo
Situated next to Western Springs Park, Auckland Zoo is a not-for-profit conservation organisation dedicated to building a strong future for wildlife. Since its opening just over a century ago in 1922, Auckland Zoo has evolved to become an active conservation player in the Pacific, and has welcomed over 28 million visitors. Grab a coffee or an ice cream from the selection of cafes and restaurants, then follow the tracks and pathways through the different regional areas to learn about 130 species and see over 2,800 animals. Head to the African Safari Track and see species such as giraffes, zebras, ostrich, meerkats, rhinoceros, lions, flamingos, baboons, and cheetahs. Explore the Australian Bush Track and spot wallabies, emus, lace monitors, or a Tasmanian devil. Traverse the newest adventure area, the South East Asia Jungle Track, and spot tigers, otters, orangutans and siamangs, crocodiles, and fish. Enjoy many different events, keeper talks, and behind-the-scenes experiences on offer. Auckland Zoo is a science-driven modern zoo with a conservation, research, and education mission to bring people together to build a future for wildlife. The Zoo is a winner of many awards and is at the leading edge of wildlife research, conservation work, and innovative zoo design.
MOTAT
Situated right next to Auckland Zoo, MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) is New Zealand’s largest transport, technology and social history museum. Spread across 40 acres and two sites, with a cafe and a shop, MOTAT provides an interactive day out to explore and discover the achievements that have shaped New Zealand. It tells this story of Kiwi innovation and ingenuity through over 300,000 fascinating items in its collection. The MOTAT Taiwhanga Rererangi – Aviation Hall is a multi-award-winning large-scale space which hosts a sizable collection of recreational, military, topdressing, and commercial aircraft, illustrating New Zealand aviation history through the 20th century. Don’t miss the MOTAT village which brings colonial Pākehā history alive while you explore original 19th-century cottages, a schoolhouse, chapel, washhouse, and forge. With changing exhibitions, school holiday experiences, unique events such as the annual Christmas light display, and live activities, MOTAT is a great destination to explore, learn, and discover. A ride on the vintage tram through Western Springs Park is an absolute MOTAT must, and is free.
Next to MOTAT is Auckland’s largest outdoor concert venue Western Springs Stadium which hosts festivals, concerts and speedway events in its natural amphitheatre. On the other side is a vibrant performing arts hub, TAPAC (The Auckland Performing Arts Centre) offering creative arts education and performing arts facilities.
Western Springs
Centrally located, Te Wai Ōrea Western Springs lakeside park provides 64 acres of reserve to enjoy, from lakeside strolls to shady spots for a picnic. Situated in a historical part of Auckland adjacent to Auckland Zoo and MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology), beside Great North Road, visitors can enjoy wandering the network of paths around the lake. Created in 1977, this wildlife sanctuary boasts plenty of established trees and a large playground at the northern end of the park. Spot the elephant at the zoo next door, through the fence by the ecology-themed playground. Western Springs Lake is a natural spring-fed lake and was one of Auckland’s earliest water supplies. There are plenty of opportunities to view birds up close, including ducks, pūkeko, and swans and cygnets swimming on the lake. The lake’s Māori name is Te Wai Ōrea, or “The water of the eels”. You can spot both shortfin and longfin New Zealand native eels, which are part of the cultural and ecological heritage of the lake. The wide, well-sealed paths are perfect for pram walks, runners, or kids learning to cycle. Don’t miss Fukuoka Garden, named in honour of Auckland’s sister city in Japan, with its tea pavilion, waterfall, and pond. The garden features over 1800 native Japanese and New Zealand species and bonsai trees, paving stones, lanterns and a water basin.
