About the path
Discover some of Grafton and Auckland Domain’s heritage and notable trees on this hour-long walk.
The path starts at Outhwaite Park, a three-minute walk from Grafton Station. There is only limited car parking at the park so leave the car at home.
Outhwaite Park is part of a small pocket volcano which erupted over 50,000 years ago.
In 1841, Thomas Outhwaite purchased the land gifting it back to the Newmarket Borough Council in 1927.
After exploring the park, head up Carlton Gore Road and turn right onto Park Avenue. You'll see a pōhutukawa tree on the corner. From mid-November leading up to Christmas, pōhutukawa are easy to spot with their bright red flowers.
Turn right at the end of Park Avenue and head towards Pukekawa / Auckland Domain. Enter the domain through the Elliot Memorial Gates, which has a sculpture of Olympic medallist Alan Elliot by Richard Gross (1935).
The path is mostly paved but does cross through the grass on the sports field.
As you walk into the middle of the sports field, you’ll pass a tōtara tree planted in 1940 by Princess Te Puea Herangi. The tree was planted in memory of the first Māori king, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero. It represents the peace agreement between Ngāti Whātua and Ngāpuhi tribes.
Continue following the path map and look out for a Norfolk pine. Due to their height, Norfolk pine were historically used as a wayfinding tool for settlers in New Zealand.
Public toilets are available next to Football Lane, across from the sports field.
Check out eight notable and heritage trees along the path:
1. English Oak, Quercus robur
These large English oak trees are common in this area. They are estimated to be over 100 years old.
Due to the New Zealand climate, these trees have a shorter lifespan than in other areas.
2. Nettle Tree, Celtis australis
This nettle tree is thought to have been planted by Mrs Outhwaite in the 1920s. Its association with the Outhwaite family means it’s considered both a notable tree and a historical botanic site.
3. Cedar, Cedrus deodara
This cedar tree is a rare species in the local area. Translated, the botanical name means the 'timber of gods'.
4. Pōhutukawa, Metrosideros excelsa
This pōhutukawa is believed to be about 100 years old. This is relatively young for this species, which can live to around 1000 years old.
Pōhutukawa are significant in Māori mythology. The crimson flowers which bloom in summer are believed to represent the blood of Tāwhaki, who fell to earth after seeking help in heaven to avenge his father’s death.
5. Gingo, Ginko biloba
Gingko biloba can be identified by its fan-like leaves, which turn golden in autumn.
It plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. Globally, it is one of the oldest tree species (at over 350 million years).
6. Tōtara, Podocarpus tōtara
This male tōtara was planted in 1940 by Princess Te Puea Herangi. The tree was planted in memory of the first Māori king, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero.
It represents the peace agreement between Ngāti Whātua and Ngāpuhi tribes.
7. Norfolk Pine, Araucaria heterophylla
Due to their height, Norfolk pine were historically used as a wayfinding tool for settlers in New Zealand.
8. California Big Tree, Sequoiadendron giganteum
This California big tree is a rare find in the area.
The botanical name, Sequoiadendron giganteum, acknowledges the size of the tree, which is one of the largest in the world – look at its trunk!
