Pack a picnic and enjoy a great day
Queen Elizabeth Park is the perfect spot to explore
Picnics are the best. It doesn’t get much better than lounging on a rug, having a bite to eat and sipping on a cold beverage straight from the chilly bin. Add sunshine, an open field and nearby bush to explore, and you have the makings of a brilliant day out. You can find all this — and more — at the southern picnic areas of Queen Elizabeth Park. Adjacent to the Paeka¯ ka¯ riki Holiday Park, there are loads of picnic areas, each surrounded by a natural beauty all its own. Although close to one another, they never feel on top of each other, as most are separated by established bush and walking trails — tamariki will love getting lost in the hideaway spots these provide. Even with fellow picnickners nearby, a feeling of privacy is maintained. To the west, the dunes offer a hilly escape — often with picture-perfect views of the sea. If the coastal breeze becomes too much, there’s always the sheltered areas to the east, with sizeable, flat fields ideal for large gatherings and backyard cricket. After throwing a frisbee or finishing that leftover cake, there’s plenty to do in the park beyond. Head to the beach
for an uplifting walk or to cast a line, or take a dip in the waves past the surf lifeguard building (patrolled November-March). Other options include a hike or bike ride along a trio of north-south trails, including the undulating coastal track to the west; the smooth, sealed Te Ara o Whareroa trail to the east; and the inland track that runs between them.
Keep in mind that though Te Ara o Whareroa is mostly flat, both the coastal track and inland track are hilly, with short, steep sections. Of course, no visit to the southern picnic areas of Queen Elizabeth Park is complete without a meander alongside the Wainui Stream. This gorgeous waterway, often full of eels, runs behind the holiday park next to the southern end of the Yankee Trail. Blessed with an ability to slow the pace of the day, the stream is a magical stretch that all will enjoy.
Fast facts:
Access to the Queen Elizabeth Park southern picnic areas lies at the end of Wellington Rd, Paeka¯ ka¯ riki.
There are plenty of places to park along the road that loops through the area. Follow it for quick, easy access to picnic spots by the sea, but keep in mind the loop is one-way, narrow, and shared by pedestrians and cyclists.
Public toilets available. Large groups (over 25 people) can pre-book a picnic site for a small fee through the park ranger.