Heron Park
1625-1627 Great North Road, Waterview
About Heron Park
Heron Park is a 9.36ha park in Waterview. It sits between Great North Road, and slopes down to the west to the upper reaches of the Waitemata Harbour.
The manawa (mangrove) environment along the shore edge provides habitat for a variety of coastal birds. The coastal edge is part of the Motu Manawa Marine Reserve.
Well-connected paths around the park are suitable for walking, jogging, and children learning to ride bikes and scooters. There is even a boardwalk through the mangroves connecting to the Holly Street Esplanade Reserve.
A stand of old pine and other trees planted along the north and west boundaries provide plenty of shade. Keep an eye out for the matuku moana (white-faced heron) which the park is named after. You may also see shining cuckoo and banded dotterel.
A large accessible playground provides a range of experiences for varying ages. There is a flying fox for the older kids. The large open green space is perfect for the kids to kick a ball around or fly a kite.
Accessible toilets, picnic table and a drinking fountain are near the playground. You will find seating along the paths throughout the park, and another drinking fountain by the car park. Be sure to check out the large information board at the park entrance to read about the heritage of the park.
Access the 22-space car park from the end of Cadman Avenue. It is open from 7am to 7pm from 1 April to 30 October, and 7am to 9pm from 1 November to 31 March. Pedestrians can also access the park from Great North Road and Saltaire Street.
Follow the 1km Heron Park Path around the park. If you are feeling energetic, try the 4.5km Oakley Creek Path which will take you to Auckland’s biggest urban stream and waterfall. The path also passes through Phyllis Reserve.
Accessible features at this park
Flat paths and boardwalks connect the entrances with the playground and accessible toilets.
History of the park
The site has had many uses over its history including a farm, horse grazing, an automotive garage, bus depot, and car wrecker's yard. Auckland City Council bought the land in 1988 for public open space.
Many midden (refuse heaps) in the area indicate the importance of the site to mana whenua as a site for collecting kai moana (seafood).
You need to know
Animals
Dogs must be on leash at all times in our parks unless otherwise stated in the dog walking section.
Alcohol
Alcohol is banned from some public places in Auckland. Visit Alcohol bans to find out the rules for each park and view ban maps.
Smokefree parks
Our parks are all smokefree.
Waste
Use bins where provided to dispose of your rubbish. If there are no bins take all rubbish and recycling with you when you leave.
Outdoor fires
It is illegal to light open fires in public areas in the Auckland region.
How to access Heron Park
- Parking ‑ There are 22 car parking spaces at the Cadman Avenue entrance to the park. Gates open 6am to 9pm in summer and 6am to 8pm in winter.
- Pedestrian access ‑ 24 hours
What to see and do at Heron Park
- Sculpture ‑ There are sculpture elements in concrete steps below the flying fox.
- Drinking fountains ‑ Located next to the children's playground and the carpark at the Cadman Avenue entrance.
- Picnic sites ‑ Picnic table is next to the children's playground.
Heron Park accessible park
Map of Heron Park accessible park
Contact us to report a problem at this park