Exciting Spring/Summer 2023 activities

Spring has arrived, the weather is changing, and the days are getting longer! It’s a great time to explore the local community and wider neighbourhood.

Kirks Bush is a local forest park only 5 minutes’ drive from Park Green. It’s a stunning spot for a walk under the Kauri canopy. If you are feeling more energetic enjoy an easy weekend trip to the Hunua Ranges. This natural playground includes bush clad ranges with streams, waterfalls, and magnificent vistas. You can enjoy this large native forest with your family picnicking by the Hunua Falls or on one of many walks.

The Hunua Ranges

On the way you can check out The Farmhouse or the Red Shed Palazzo. The Farmhouse is a little white villa overlooking the Clevedon countryside, where you can enjoy fresh, seasonal food, organic Kokako coffee, homemade ice cream, and a space to breathe easy and relax. Take your dog for a walk through the farm, say hello to the Water Buffalo, Llamas, and farm animals and make yourself at home.

The Red Shed Palazzo is tucked off the motorway down Jesmond Rd and nestled amongst the tranquil surrounds of the beautiful gardens and children’s playground area. Both options are relaxed, and dogs are always welcome.

You could also visit the friendly atmosphere of the Clevedon Village Farmers Market on Sundays 8AM to 1PM or arrange a gathering at the Hallertau Biergarten.

The Farmhouse

Kids will love the newly opened playground at Hayman Park in Manukau.  The park has the tallest Play Tower in New Zealand checking in at 12.8 metres tall, the tower is four stories tall!

Families can all go together on the 1-metre-wide Family Slide, there are rope bridges, a double flying fox, a rock wall, a tall spiral slide and even a rooftop seesaw on the tower. Older kids will like the basketball half-courts and the skate park.

Hayman Park Playground

Park Green is close to several popular golf clubs including Windross Farm, Whitford Park, Clarks Beach, Pukekohe and Waiuku. Have a round this weekend, you may just be one game away from joining your new course!

Pukekohe Golf Club

Or head out to the coastal towns of Maraetai or Clarks Beach. Both are popular destinations for a stroll along the beach, swimming, and picnicking.

If you are into nature, scenic drives, walks and cycling, fish, and chips and a famous flat white, while seating next to the ocean, you need to check out beautiful and friendly Maraetai beach & Wharf. Clarks Beach also happens to be a great fishing and scallop-gathering spot.

Maraetai Wharf

There is so much more to do this spring and summer. These are only a few of the family friendly options that are a skip and a jump from Park Green. Grab the family and explore; you never know where you will end up!

Photo Credits: Auckland Council, Best Bits, The Farmhouse, Playground People, MyGuideAuckland.