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:

Main Gate of Auckland Domain
Auckland City Domain Main Gate

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.

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

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.

Listen to walk podcast

See more of my 150+ walks in Auckland