6 Picturesque Picnic Pozzies
There’s nothing quite like alfresco dining when Hawke's Bay's sunshine is in full swing. If you’re looking to pack your own picnic, but don’t quite know where to enjoy it, look no further – we’re here to help.
We’ve rounded up six locations that will serve as fantastic snacking spots over the warmer months.
Waipatiki Beach, Hastings District
Why not pack up a picnic and head to one of Hawke’s Bay’s hidden gems? Jump in the car for a quick trip north of Napier and discover this stunning spot for yourself. There’s plenty of grass area to lay down a smorgasbord, or take it onto the golden sand to enjoy. The best part? Once you’ve had your fill, dive into Waipatiki’s clear water to cool off. You won’t want to leave! Top tip: Waipatiki Beach is relatively exposed, so make sure you take shade cover and plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin.
Waipatiki Beach
A'Deane's Bush, Central Hawke's Bay
Park up at the covered picnic area near the carpark before or after taking in the easy loop track. The focal point is the famous 34m high tōtara tree, which makes for great photos as everyone counts how many arms it takes to wrap around it's mighty trunk. If you're in a position to hang around for dusk, you might even catch a glimpse of the local colony of long-tailed bats emerging to feed.
A'Deanes Bush
Sunken Gardens, Napier
A popular area for locals on their lunch break, Napier’s Sunken Gardens provides an idyllic area to picnic in peace in the city surrounds. Formed in the 1960s, the Sunken Gardens has been described as the Parade’s ‘hidden treasure’ as it sits below the street level, separate from the urban hustle and bustle. Although relatively small, you’ll find plenty of grass areas and bench seats among the beautiful gardens to eat alfresco. You can find the gardens just along from the iSite Information Centre – you can’t miss it.
Sunken Gardens
Puketapu Park, Hastings District
Parents, this one is for you! With a distinctly rural feel, Puketapu Park may be slightly off the beaten path, but trust us, it’s worth the trip. An 18-minute drive from Napier, Puketapu Park offers everything you could need for a family day out. Sprawl out on the grass with your spread while you watch the children entertain themselves on the modern playground. The park has a range of play equipment including a large tandem flying fox, a four person see-saw and a spinning Roktopus tyre swing. You can also fire up the free-to-use BBQ for your picnic, make use of tables, and swing a bat on the cricket pitch to finish it all off.
Puketapu Park
Clive Square, Napier
Picnic in the lush gardens of Clive Square in the heart of Napier’s CBD. Located at the lower end of Emerson Street, this park is a popular local hang-out, where many step off the CBD’s streets and into a space offering a peaceful escape. Roll out your picnic blanket onto the immaculately-kept grass areas, and take in the fascinating flora and fauna surrounding you. You’ll want to take a stroll and see it all up-close – the park boasts some interesting and unusual trees and plants. Soak in the summer sun, and graze until your heart is content – what could be better?
Clive Square, Napier
Anderson Park, Napier
A park where kids dreams come true, Anderson Park features an abundance of spots to picnic, and one of New Zealand’s most modern and exciting playgrounds. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy lunch and occupy your kids, this is one is for you. Anderson Park includes accessible and imaginative structures for climbing and sliding, flying foxes, swings, water play, and functional artwork with messages in braille and interactive elements, including a xylophone, musical bridge and drums, plus so much more. Playing and picnicking makes for a perfect afternoon!
Anderson Park, Napier
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