We commence this walk at the Entrance on the corner of Gladstone Rd and Judges Bay Rd. Very quickly you are enjoying a short bush walk, followed by the historic Nancy Steen Garden, named after the famous Rose collector and historian. There is a fountain and seats to enjoy.
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This walk is a stunning outing including the beauty of the roses, the magnificence of huge Pohutukawa Trees, history of St. Stephens Church and the opportunity for views and swimming.
Journey on via Judges Bay to St, Stephens Anglican Church, a beautiful and historic old building, commenced in 1859. The graveyard contains interesting history of early Auckland. Pass through the churchyard archway and towards the expensive St Stephens Avenue, famous as the street of Sir John Key, former Prime Minister of NZ.
Enjoy wonderful views across the Waitemata Harbour as you descend the stairs to the Parnell Baths and Judges Bay. Here you can connect to Tamaki Drive and Auckland’s Waterfront if you desire. Walk to the end of the pedestrian Bridge for great views, it literally hangs over the water!
The Parnell Baths and Judges Bay offer both beauty and a chance for swimming in the warmer months. Enjoy the jetty and you will also find a toilet block and BBQ.
Head up the hill once again back towards Dove Meyer Robinson Park, enjoying the bush and sprawling Pohutukawa Trees. Notice the Wedge monument on the grass hill on your left, reminding us to not allow wedges to be driven between us.
Once back in the rose gardens, enjoy exploring the monuments and soses of this picturesque park. Of particular interest is the Korean War monument near Gladstone Rd.
Once the walk is completed, consider lunch or coffee at the famous Rosies Cafe. They have a restaurant, which is quite expensive, but really nice, quite small plates. But right next door is their yummy cafe with excellent pastries.
This is a very enjoyable walk with a lot of variety and activity. The complete loop requires an average level of fitness as steep sections and stairs exist. Wheelchairs and buggies are suitable through the rose gardens part of the walk.
The track section around the rose gardens is very good for wheelchairs and buggies. The walkway is paved and generally not too steep.
However, getting to Judges Bay has quite steep tracks and will require care if pushing a wheelchair or buggie, particularly in the wet. There are plenty of stairs at the eastern end of the Parnell Baths also that should be avoided!
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