Western Springs Lakeside Park

The park is surrounded by a cluster of major nearby attractions including the Auckland Zoo, Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), the Chamberlain Park Golf Course and the Western Springs stadium.

You can explore the park by means of a well-developed network of footpaths that includes boardwalks through the wetlands and a walking track.

The lake is a refuge for the native orea (eel), who can be seen trailing the swans and ducks. Along with the birds, the orea are tame and can be coaxed to take food. The eels are an original part of the cultural and ecological heritage of Western Springs Lake - a fact that is reflected in the lake's Māori name 'Te Wai Orea', which means 'waters of the eel'.

Around the shores and wetlands, wild fowl including native Pukeko, Teal, Australian Coot and Shovelers can be freely viewed amongst regenerating native plants, wide-open lawns, gardens, water gardens and water lilies.

This traditional Japanese garden with a waterfall, pond and tea pavilion was opened in July 2017. It is located near the entrance to the park from the Auckland Zoo car park off Motions Road. The garden is free to the public and is open from 10am to 5.30pm in winter and 10am to 6.30pm in summer (during daylight saving).