Referred to locally as The Domain, this 75-hectare space has been a public garden since 1860. Before this time, it had functioned as a Maori pa – a fortified settlement given over to the cultivation of crops and food storage – and, well before that, had been the site of an active volcano. Even in its current incarnation, the park is still benefitting from its volcanic past, with the rich, fertile soil encouraging the growth of exotic plantlife, and the natural amphitheatre creating a perfect space for sports.As you wander through the park, you may stumble across the designated sculpture walk. This consists of eight permanent sculptures by New Zealand artists. The Wintergarden section of the park is home to a collection of marble sculptures donated by a local businessman in the 20s, plus a newer work by Chinese-New Zealand artist Guy Ngan.Step indoors for a while with a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. This Greco-Roman style building houses numerous military exhibits, as the name suggests, but also deals with the area's natural history, the history of the Maori inhabitants, settlers and local crafts.Follow this with a stroll over to the garden's beautiful glasshouse, which dates right back to the 1920s, for a look at the tropical and temperate plant displays, before settling down in the café by the pond for a leisurely lunch. This lake was originally formed by natural springs and used to provide water for the city. Nowadays, it provides a home for a large population of local ducks.Autumn is a good time of year to visit the park, as this sees Auckland Domain host its annual arts festival, with performances in the areas of art, theatre, dance and music. Easily accessible by LINK and Explorer bus services, there is plenty of parking available near The Domain too.
Auckland Domain Tours and Activities
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Marsden Viaduct Hotel
Reviewed on 24 Apr. 2024
Tours & day trips
See all 231 activitiesOpens in new tabFrom Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch
Private & custom tours
See all 97 activitiesOpens in new tabAuckland to Rotorua Private Tour
Water activities
See all 17 activitiesOpens in new tabAuckland: Waiheke Island Fast Ferry Pass
Attractions
See all 7 activitiesOpens in new tabSEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium Tickets
Spa & wellness
See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tabAuckland: Hobbiton, Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu Day Tour
Reviews of Auckland Domain
2/5 - Disappointing
Road works we’re making things difficult
5/5 - Excellent
Great walking
Popular places to visit
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Despite what you might think, there's more to this museum than guns and warplanes (though those are pretty impressive too).
Auckland Museum
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Auckland Museum in Auckland. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.
Wintergarden
Explore the great outdoors at Wintergarden, a lovely green space in Auckland. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this walkable area.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Spend some time in quiet contemplation, appreciating the way light pours in through the massive stained-glass façade of this spacious and modern cathedral.
Grafton Bridge
Learn about the local history of Auckland when you take a trip to Grafton Bridge. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.
University of Auckland
Enjoy the student vibe at University of Auckland during your visit to Auckland. Visit the area's shops or amble around its beautiful beaches.
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