The Auckland Domain is the oldest park in Auckland, covering 75 hectares, making it one of the largest in the city. It's situated in the central suburb of Grafton and includes the entire explosion crater as well as most of the surrounding tuff ring of the Pukekawa volcano.

This park is famous for housing one of Auckland's primary tourist attractions, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which is prominently located on the rim of the crater (tuff ring). The crater's floor is occupied by several sports fields, encircling the southern part of the cone. On the opposite side of the Museum, you'll find the cricket pavilion and Auckland City Hospital. Moving to the north side of the central scoria cone, you'll discover the Domain Wintergardens, featuring two beautiful glass houses. The fernery has been built within an old quarry within the cone. Additionally, there are duck ponds in the northern area of the explosion crater, which has a small overflow stream to the north.

Among the notable annual events held here are "Christmas in the Park," which has attracted over 200,000 spectators in the past, as well as other popular recurring events like "Symphony under the Stars," the "Lantern Festival," and the "Teddybears Picnic."

Why You Should Visit:
Great place to picnic, walk around, watch cricket, sit in the shade, listen to music in the park or visit the Auckland Museum and the Wintergardens.

Tip:
If you like walking, make a whole day of it by starting in Mount Eden, then going to Newmarket and the Auckland Domain.
During the summer there are loads of events that take place here, so always worth checking if there's anything happening.

Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of New Zealand's most important museums and war memorials. Its collections concentrate on New Zealand history (and especially the history of the Auckland Region), natural history, and military history.

The museum building is also one of the most iconic Auckland buildings, constructed in the neo-classicist style, and sitting on a grassed plinth (the remains of a dormant volcano) in the Auckland Domain. The copper and glass dome, as well as the viewing platform–event center underneath it, quickly won the admiration of critics and public, being noted for its undulating lines, which echo the volcanic landscape and hills around Auckland.

The natural history section of the museum is an innovative and vibrant place to visit with a fascinating calendar of events throughout the year. The museum stores a photographic collection of 1.2 million images, and stores and exhibits 1.5 million natural history specimens from the fields of botany, entomology, geology, land vertebrates and marine biology.

There is also an extensive permanent exhibition covering wars, including wars within New Zealand and New Zealand's participation in overseas conflicts. This exhibition is linked to the War Memorial, and shows, for example, models of Maori pā (fortified settlements) and original Spitfire and Mitsubishi Zero airplanes. The Museum holds the largest collection of applied and decorative arts in New Zealand and selections are currently displayed in the Landmarks and Encounters Galleries.

Why You Should Visit:
Great place to sample the history of NZ through the ages. The vista of the port and city skyline from the front door is also one to savor especially during sunset.

Tip:
Try to time your visit to get tickets for the 30-40min Maori Cultural Performance (daily, 11am, 12pm, and 1:30pm (2:30pm avail Nov-Mar)). Pick up the 'What's On' brochure and select the galleries and themed special exhibitions of most interest. Be sure to also pick up a map at the entrance as the layout is a bit confusing.

The Kinder House, located on historic Ayr Street, is one of Auckland’s oldest and most important buildings. The two-storey residence was built as the home of Reverend John Kinder, who is today recognized as one of the city’s most important colonial figures. Kinder immigrated to Auckland in 1855 to take up the post of master at the Church of England Grammar School. As well as for his role as a master, Kinder is also noted as one of New Zealand’s most talented and prolific 19th-century artists. The house was built for Kinder and his family (his mother and sister) in 1857 under commission by the Anglican Church.

When Kinder married in 1859, his wife, Celia, came to live in this stone home as well. The historic residence where he spent many happy years was also the subject of much of Kinder’s art and photography attempts. Some of his photos have survived 150 years and are important historical documents today. You can also see much of his artwork on display on the ground floor of the historic home.

Ewelme Cottage, one of Auckland’s oldest remaining buildings, dates from 1863 when it was built for the Rev Vicesimus Lush and his family upon their arrival in the colony. The cottage, which is run by the Historic Places Trust, is a true historical gem since it remained in the Lush family until the 1960s and retains many of the family’s belongings and furnishings dating back to Victorian times. The architecture of the home is distinctive, given that it is laid out in a manner that was common in medieval Britain – it is thought that this may have been done to reflect the sombre and pious sensibilities of the time.

One of the highlights of the family’s possessions is the antique book collection with more than 2000 tomes. The cottage offers a snapshot into life in New Zealand during the first days of the colony – you will see much of the home preserved as it was in the 19th century, and many cooking, craft, and even beauty items and pharmaceuticals. Rooms of the home were used during the filming of the Oscar-winning film The Piano.

The Anglican Cathedral of Saint Mary’s in Auckland is thought to be the world’s largest wooden Gothic construction. The foundation stone was laid in 1886 and although the cathedral was originally designed to be built in stone, during the economic downturn of the late 19th century, this was considered to be too expensive. The Gothic Revival building draws upon the finest elements of medieval design and was the final large project for the eminent local architect Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort. The cathedral was consecrated on August 25, 1898 by Bishop Cowie.

The lengthy building has many striking gables and impressive lancet shaped windows, the lack of trusses due to the nature of the building also makes the interior seem open and very spacious. In 1982 an engineering feat was undertaken when the cathedral in its entirety was transported from its original site on a system of rollers across to the new Holy Trinity Cathedral Complex. Today the Anglican Cathedral of Saint Mary’s is located together with the Holy Trinity and the Bishop Monteith Visitor’s Centre. You are free to visit the cathedral from Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm or by prior arrangement, there are also many services held throughout the week.

Parnell is a highly affluent suburb of Auckland. It consistently ranks among the top three wealthiest suburbs in the country and is often touted as Auckland's "oldest suburb" due to its establishment during the early days of European settlement in Auckland, dating back to 1841. Parnell boasts a diverse landscape with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and scenic hills offering views of the port, Waitematā Harbour, Rangitoto Island, and Auckland Domain. It's bordered by Auckland Domain to the west, Newmarket to the south, and Ports of Auckland to the north.

The primary thoroughfares in Parnell are Parnell Rise and Parnell Road. Parnell Rise connects to the central business district in the west, while Parnell Road ascends from Parnell Rise to the highest point in the suburb and then sharply bends, continuing towards Newmarket in the southeast. Parnell Road concludes at the intersection of George and Sarawia Streets, where it transforms into Broadway. In the early days of European settlement, Parnell Road was known as "Manukau Road" until the establishment of Khyber Pass Road in 1845.

Parnell is renowned for its upscale boutiques, art galleries, and dining establishments. Parnell Road boasts an array of options, including French bistros and elegant chocolate cafes. The suburb also features well-maintained footpaths and bike trails that traverse the parklands of the Auckland Domain. Within the Domain, visitors can explore the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which focuses on topics like volcanoes and Maori history, as well as the Domain Wintergardens, where exotic plant species are on display. For those seeking relaxation, Parnell Baths offers a bayside complex with a spacious saltwater pool.

Parnell Road and Parnell Rise constitute the main thoroughfare in Parnell, which happens to be one of Auckland's most prosperous suburbs. Parnell Rise extends towards the west, leading to the central business district, while Parnell Road starts at Parnell Rise, ascending through the suburb, taking a nearly 90-degree turn, and continuing towards Newmarket in the southeast. Parnell Road concludes at the intersection of George and Sarawia Streets, where it transforms into Broadway. In the early days of European settlement, Parnell Road was referred to as "Manukau Road," a name that persisted even after the establishment of Khyber Pass Road in 1845.

Parnell offers a diverse array of attractions, from charming shops to emerging bars and restaurants. You can find jewelers, boutique fashion stores, and an impressive selection of galleries all on a single street in Auckland. As the city's original suburb, Parnell boasts a vibrant blend of historical richness and contemporary sophistication. Parnell stands out as a unique destination, where the focus isn't on rushing in and out, but rather on the joy of exploration, the journey itself, and the delightful surprises waiting at every turn.

Dove-Myer Robinson Park, more commonly known as the Parnell Rose Garden, can be found in Parnell, Auckland. This park is dedicated to Dove-Myer Robinson, who held the position of Auckland's mayor for an impressive 18 years. Within the garden, there are over 5,000 rose plants, some of which have been created by renowned international rose breeders.

One of the standout features of this park is the 'white garden,' a highly sought-after location for wedding ceremonies. In 2010, the park was home to both the oldest manuka tree and the largest pohutukawa tree in Auckland.

Every November, the park comes alive with the Parnell Festival of Roses, an event that celebrates New Zealand's culture and creativity. The festival features craft stalls, art exhibitions, live music, street performers, and, of course, the stunning backdrop of thousands of blooming roses.