I walked most of the park in a loop, there is so much to see

It is the oldest park in the city, and one of the largest and home to Auckland’s botanic gardens.

Located in Grafton, the park contains all of the explosion crater and most of the surrounding tuff ring of the Pukekawa volcano.

I walked through a variety of landscapes from open fields, to formal gardens and statues, to native bush walkways and waterfalls (you could almost imagine that you are in the Waitakere Ranges).

Auckland City Domain is home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum and Auckland Domain Wintergardens.

The Wintergarden comprise 2 large glasshouses in an enclosed courtyard with a fish pond, fountains, and marble statues. It’s free to walk around and enjoy the exotic tropical plants.

Concerts are also held in the domain. The museum is well worth a visit. Skip the queue and buy your entry ticket here:

Full day Auckland City Tour includes the Auckland Domain

This awesome tour, shows you the highlights of Auckland including a visit to the Auckland Domain, and exquisite Wintergardens (20 min stopover).

From the diverse eateries to the many volcanoes, to a working farm, and beautiful gardens that we have. You’ll be guided to Auckland’s best shopping, cuisine, and sights. Along the way, you will learn about the Maori culture and settler history and take a walk on Piha Beach.

Book here now:

Quick Facts about this walk

Walk time: 2 hours
Distance: 4 km
Track Quality: Excellent, walking on grass and concrete paths
Difficulty: Mostly level or gently sloping ground, with good pathways to follow most of the way
Buggies/Wheelchairs: Not suitable
Dog Friendly: Yes – on leash only. Dog off leash exercise area: Gum Tree Hill
Facilities: Toilets, Picnic tables, Parking
Start & Finish: North Entrance - Auckland War Memorial Museum
Main Gate of Auckland Domain
Auckland City Domain Main Gate

Summary points about this walk

Points of interest along the walk​

Start: Auckland City Domain

If you are in Queen Street, it is quicker to walk to the top of Queen Street to K’ Road. Then walk across Grafton bridge past the Auckland Hospital to the main Auckland Domain gate. A total of 900m.

From the main gate, you will get a good view of the Domain. The best views are from the museum.

You’ll need to walk through the park directly to the start point at the North Entrance.

Hungry?

We dropped into the Wintergarden Pavilion Cafe for coffee and we plan to go back to try the food. It was lovely sitting in the sun overlooking the duck pond.

After a quick look at the Wintergardens, we headed for the Tuitui Museum Bistro & Cafe inside the Museum. However, it’s more like a proper restaurant than a cafe so we left.

It was an enjoyable amble on a beautiful day.

Auckland Domain Sculpture Walk: Map available here

Listen to the podcast of the walk

Developed by walk leaders Jill McCarthy and Shelagh Coop. The podcast is 38 minutes long. Follow the directions and pause the recording as you walk between points of interest.

See more of my 150+ walks in Auckland