Victoria Park, Auckland

Victoria Park is one of Auckland’s largest open spaces and sporting grounds. The parklands were set aside on reclaimed bay land around the turn of the 20th century in Freeman’s Bay, which lies to the west of the city’s CBD. Sir John Logan Campbell, known as the “father of Auckland” was one of the main benefactors providing funds for the park’s development. One of the distinctive features of the park is the profusion of the London Plane Trees, which line the area and which were planted for the park’s opening in 1905. Victoria Park has long had a sporting tradition with a grandstand added to the park’s landscape a year after it opened and bowls, croquet and a playground added in the subsequent years.

Victoria Park was also the site of the very first New Zealand rugby league international, which was played against England. During World War II the park was used as a makeshift quarter for stationed US troops. Close by the park is the Victoria Park Market, which is a quaint handicraft and souvenir market housed in a historic building. On weekends there is also a lot of live entertainment on offer and visiting the market is ideally combined with a picnic in Victoria Park.

Tip:
If you want to have a picnic, check out New World Victoria Park's gourmet specialty items across the road.