Auckland Domain

Covering about 80 hectares, the green swathe of the Auckland Domain contains sports fields, interesting sculpture, formal gardens, wild corners and the Wintergarden, with its fernery, tropical house, cool house, cute cat statue and neighbouring cafe. The mound in the centre of the park is all that remains of Pukekaroa, one of Auckland’s volcanoes. At its humble peak, a totara surrounded by a palisade honours the first Maori king. Admirers of the male form should check out the Domain’s grafton Gate, a wonderful art-deco sandstone construction topped with a larger-than-life bronze nude. Walking here from the city will take about 30 minutes, or you can catch the Link Bus to the neighbouring hospital.