About the path
Just a stone's throw from the heart of Ponsonby is the large green oasis of Western Park.
Start on Ponsonby Road, by the distinctive sculptural artworks by John Radford. If you're driving, it's easier to find a car park on one of the surrounding side streets and join the path from there.
Stroll through Western Park on the wide, sealed path. Parts of the route are fairly hilly.
Western Park was opened in 1879 and is one of the oldest parks in Auckland. Expect to see beautiful established pūriri, tanekaha, karaka, rimu, pōhutukawa and Morton Bay fig trees in the park.
The colourful playground will appeal to kids of all ages. There are two slides for racing, treehouses, swings, a seesaw, balancing features, small trampolines and a flying fox. The 25m slide is one of the highest and longest in Auckland. The lower level play area features a wheelchair-friendly basket swing and spinning apparatus.
If you are feeling sporty, pack your tennis racquets or a soccer ball for a friendly game in the park after your walk.
The upper part of the park is an off-leash area for dogs. Observe on-site signage, as dogs are not permitted on the sports field or playground area (west of the sports field).
Public toilets, a drinking fountain, picnic tables and seating are available in Western Park.
