Tahaki Reserve

Tahaki Reserve, surrounding Maungawhau / Mount Eden, is one of Auckland’s most breathtaking and peaceful natural landmarks. Rising above the city, it offers an incredible panoramic view that stretches across Auckland’s skyline, sparkling harbours, and surrounding volcanic cones. On a clear day, you can see far into the distance, making the summit a favourite spot for photography, quiet reflection, and simply taking in the beauty of the region. One of the most striking features is the perfectly formed volcanic crater at the top. Standing at the rim and looking into the lush green bowl creates a sense of awe and connection with nature. The walking paths leading up to the summit are well maintained and surrounded by open grassy slopes, making the climb gentle and enjoyable for people of all ages. Beyond the views, the environment itself is what makes this place truly special. The fresh breeze, open space, and natural surroundings create a calm and refreshing atmosphere. Whether you visit early in the morning for a peaceful sunrise or in the evening for a golden sunset, the experience feels soothing and rejuvenating. It’s a place where the noise of the city fades away, replaced by birdsong, open skies, and a sense of stillness. A visit here leaves you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and reconnected with nature — a perfect escape without leaving Auckland

Tahaki Reserve is a lovely spot that offers a unique outdoor experience. The drive to get there is quite adventurous, with winding roads that add to the excitement. However, I recommend allocating plenty of time for your visit, especially if you're planning to go in the evening, as the limited daylight can make it challenging to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. One of the highlights is its proximity to the beach, only about 15 minutes away, which makes it a great option for those looking to combine a nature walk with some seaside relaxation. Overall, Tahaki Reserve is a fantastic place to explore, just be sure to plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time there!

What a fab little space and bottom of mt eden.. Great stage area and open space for games etc. Can be booked for events

The park is a large dormant volcano that has five different parking lots, three toilets. A small parking lot next to Clive Road is a toilet and a large Playground for children. Another entrance to the parking lot on Mt Eden road is right next to the picnic area and you can let your dog play on the large green lawn with bench seats around, a covered sitting area and plenty of trash cans. The park has wide pathways, you can walk or ride bicycle up to the 360-degree view of Auckland city.

Great getaway if you want to chill after some activities in the city centre and have a quite lunch in the nature. Many seating opportunities and clean. Many busy birds flying around. Quite a few unleashed dogs.

Great spot to see the sunrise

Beautiful place. Windy and cold at the top. Probably not suitable for prams or young kids. Clean place and has the most beautiful view of Much

Morning is the best time to enjoy the reserve. Easy access from parking or main entrance down the hill, find a Beautiful view to replenish your lungs with fresh air and stroll in the nearby bush while listening tuis, parrots and other birds warbling around.

Tahaki Reserve is a park I have spent countless hours playing in over the years. Located on the side of Mt Eden, this park boasts a pretty good playground, flying fox, mini amphitheatre where movies and gigs are often held and nice grounds for a picnic. I admit the flying fox used to be my favourite aspect of Tahaki Reserve - it was an old wooden one that you held on to, not like the ones you sit on now - and we used to where our rollerblades at the same time. You can imagine the fun we had! Zooming off on the flying fox, only to put your feet down at the end and keep going on your rollerblades! Needless to say I grazed many a knee at Tahaki Reserve when I was younger, and even had the privilege of kicking the top off my toe there - but the fact that it remains one of my favourite parks is testament to how nice it is there. Though I no longer run amuck around the playground, I still enjoy picnic dinners in Tahaki Reserve. Taking hot Chinese takeaways and sitting on the wee stage in the top corner of the park is a pretty nice way to spend an evening with your partner, or group of friends, not to mention it's perfect for midday picnics with the family and a friendly game of Frisbee! Tip: Tahaki Reserve also hosts full moon parties on occasion - a whole lot of free-spirited people gather in the park and party the night away - it's pretty cool!

Since moving to Newmarket I've been at a loss for where I can exercise outside comfortably - that was, until my partner introduced me to Tahaki Reserve. It's an expansive, nicely sheltered park on the side of Mount Eden that's also easy to get to & from. A quick walk here ensures I've got plenty of fun, physical things to do; from braving the Flying Fox, hill sprints up a refreshingly even paved path, cartwheels along the lush grass fields, hopping onto the adult-friendly swings, testing my metal on the small merry-go round, hanging on the monkey bars and even playing a quick game of tic tac toe! My partner and I spent hours here enjoying the sun and revelling in the opportunity to have fun whilst getting fit. I got to embrace my inner child in a perfectly lovely environment that I'll be sure to visit regularly from now on. Afterwards, due to the great location, it was all to easy for us to stroll past a dairy for a sneaky ice cream in celebration of our favourite new park. I recommend Tahaki Reserve to both adults and children, there's something's for everyone to enjoy.

Tahaki reserve is one of the better Auckland suburban parks, especially for music events or the councils Movies in the Parks. Sitting in a large grassy bowl (that produces great acoustics) at the base of a volcano? Why would you not want to stomp the summer grass yellow while enjoying a BYO pint to some local music. The playground is separated by a belt of trees that may, in times of intense partying, be used as a male bathroom. (There are public restrooms on site). This park has a small car-park with easy access to the playground and a drop-off point closer to the "main stage". Tahaki is a pleasant park for all ages, with activities ranging from sea-saws and swings to short hikes up the mountain. Free events held here, particularly during summer, tend to be a big hit.

Alert! There is a flying fox! Tahaki Reserve is sort of off the side of Mount Eden, there's this nice grassy area where they sometimes have events. There are lots of trees and although it's right on Mount Eden Road, it's sort of secluded at the same time. The best part for me, is the playground. There are lots of playgrounds in Mount Eden but I think the one at Tahaki Reserve is the best, based on the fact that there's that big flying fox, and also based on the fact that the playground is kind of spread out. There's adult swings and kiddy swings, and a toddler playground and a bigger kids playground. There's monkey bars and tic tac toe. They've also got that thing four of you can sit at and spin around on - terrible description I know, but it's worth checking out to see what I mean. The other night I was there late and there were two people getting high and spinning around which looked kind of fun. Good all round park for all ages.

This is actually a really nice patch of grass in the city. Just outside of Mt Eden village this area has both a playground and grassy land that you could even picnic one. This is a popular place for tourists and the playground area is popular for parents and their kids. If you feel like embracing your inner child and having a go on the swings, why not. There is a slide too and the playground is located off from the main road so you won't be highly visible. You could wear sunglasses but that could look suspicious but don't act too weird it is a child's playground.

It seems like every summer there is at least one outdoor event which truly makes use of the possibilities which Tahaki Reserve embodies. Set in a kind of grass auditorium, with natural acoustics emanating from the stage set up in the centre of the park, Tahaki is the perfect place for a free concert. Over the rest of the year, Tahaki Reserve serves as a great place for pick-up games of soccer, touch or ultimate frisbee, as well as for dog walkers on their way to the Mt Eden dog park. If you are in the mood, there are walkways which lead up to the summit of Mt Eden, then you can walk back down and relax in the sunshine of Tahaki. There are a few little secret spots littered around the edge of the bowl as well, but those are for you to find yourself.

I love Tahaki reserve, one of the best parks near the CBD. The park is great, and there's a trail that is quite an adventure. Highly recommended