Exploring Dove-Myer Robinson Park in Parnell
Nestled in Parnell, Auckland, Dove-Myer Robinson Park offers breathtaking views over Mechanics Bay and Judges Bay. Known to Māori as Taurarua, this area was part of the land gifted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei for Auckland's establishment in 1840.
Named after Dove-Myer Robinson, Auckland's mayor for 18 years, the park includes the Parnell Rose Gardens, has numerous large trees, including a giant pōhutukawa, is of historical significance and provides great city views.
Park Highlights and Attractions
The park features the scenic 2.7 km Te Ara o Taurarua / Judges Bay Path, beginning at the entrances on Gladstone Road. This path winds through the Parnell Rose Gardens, past various trees including pōhutukawa, and descends a steep slope to the small beach at Judges Bay. A standout attraction is the giant pōhutukawa tree, possibly the second largest in New Zealand, with a canopy extending over 50 metres.
Start walking at the Parnell Rose Gardens, located at the southwest end of the park on Gladstone Road. The gardens have approximately 5,000 rose bushes, and the smaller Nancy Steen Garden, dating back to the late 1890s, honours the roses brought by European settlers. December is an ideal time to visit, as the pōhutukawas lining the garden paths are in bloom, along with the roses.
Historical and Cultural Features
After exploring the Rose Gardens, walk north towards Kohanga, an Arts and Crafts house built in 1905. Originally constructed for Emily Gillies, the widow of Robert Gillies, it now operates as a café. The house, believed to be designed by Charles Le Neve Arnold, became part of the park around 1915.
Continuing north past the café and across the car park leads to a grassy area with pōhutukawa trees. The giant pōhutukawa tree, initially hidden by foliage, can be found here. Visitors are encouraged to explore this magnificent tree. Additionally, the oldest mānuka tree in Auckland, though less conspicuous, is located at the north end of the café car park.
Beyond the giant tree, the park offers stunning views of Downtown Auckland and the Port of Auckland. The path to Judges Bay runs along the north side of the tree. Other notable features of the park include the Netherlands War Memorial, the Signals sculpture, and the Dove-Myer Robinson Lookout Shelter.
Getting to Dove-Myer Robinson Park
Dove-Myer Robinson Park is accessible from Gladstone Road, just a 5-minute drive from Downtown Auckland. It is also a short walk or bike ride from the start of Tāmaki Drive, making it a convenient addition to a tour of Auckland City’s eastern bays.
From the park, visitors can walk through Judges Bay Reserve to Stephens Chapel, Point Resolution Park, and across the bridge back to Tāmaki Drive. Parking is available on the road or via the stone entrance at Judges Bay Road and Gladstone Road.
