One moment you can be in the solitude of a reserve and the next looking at large cranes moving shipping containers with a helicopter nearby warming up to take off, and a train swiftly moving along the tracks.

The weather did not look the best today with low grey clouds in the sky after a day of rain yesterday. So we took our raincoats and didn’t need them…

Judges Bay Parnell

Quick facts about this walk

The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - Ex Auckland

The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - From Auckland

However, we chose a walk that would not get our feet too wet. But if you do want to get wet when it’s a lovely sunny day, then this walk takes you along Judges Bay and around the Parnell Baths via the Parnell Rose Gardens in Dove Myer Robinson Park (named after Auckland’s longest serving (18 years) Mayor – Dove Myer Robinson).

The walk takes us out along the end of Solent Street. The Council planted a row of native pohutukawa trees along the path and a few years later they have grown significantly. We wondered how much they will grow in another few years and if they will hinder walkers…

The roses today were looking bedraggled because of all the rain. However, the fernery was stunning and a great place for children to wander around safely.

This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash exercise area.

To make this a full day outing, you may wish to stay and explore Parnell, one of Auckland’s most interesting and historic suburbs.

Photos from my walk along the Parnell Roses, Trains and Cranes walk

See more of my 150+ walks in Auckland