


Windsor Reserve
About
Windsor Reserve is a gorgeous waterfront park in the charming seaside village of Devonport, offering playgrounds, expansive grassy areas, and stunning views across Auckland Harbour to the city skyline. This free, 24-hour park provides the perfect spot for families to picnic, play, and enjoy New Zealand's beautiful outdoors while watching ferries glide by and sailboats dot the water.
Highlights
- ✓Well-equipped playground with modern equipment suitable for various ages
- ✓Panoramic views of Auckland Harbour, city skyline, and Rangitoto Island
- ✓Spacious flat lawns perfect for running, picnics, and ball games
- ✓Safe, flat walking and cycling paths along the waterfront
- ✓Close proximity to Devonport's charming village with shops and eateries
Pro Tips
- 1.Take the scenic 12-minute ferry from downtown Auckland to Devonport instead of driving. Kids love the boat ride and you'll avoid parking hassles while enjoying spectacular harbour views.
- 2.Pack a picnic and grab fish and chips from nearby shops to enjoy on the grass with your harbour view. There are plenty of shaded spots under mature trees.
- 3.Visit at sunset for incredible golden hour photos with the Auckland skyline as your backdrop, then grab ice cream from Devonport village just a short walk away.
- 4.Combine your visit with a walk up nearby North Head (Maungauika) for easy historic fortifications exploration and even better views, adding educational value to your outing.
- 5.Bring sun protection year-round as New Zealand's UV levels are high. The playground can get very sunny, so hats, sunscreen, and water bottles are essential.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or late afternoons are quietest, though weekends have a lovely community vibe. Summer (December to February) offers the warmest weather for extended outdoor play, but spring and autumn provide milder temperatures perfect for active kids. Avoid midday summer heat.
What to Know
The park is completely free and open 24/7 with clean public toilets available. Street parking nearby can fill up on sunny weekends. Devonport village, a 5-minute walk away, offers cafes, bakeries, and restaurants for meals or snacks.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with no seasonal closures. Summer (December to February) is busiest and warmest but can get crowded on weekends. Autumn and spring offer pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds. Winter (June to August) can be cooler and windier but still enjoyable on clear days with proper layering.
Nearby Eats
Devonport village is just a short walk away with excellent family options including Corelli's Cafe for relaxed all-day dining with kids' menus, or grab traditional fish and chips from Monsoon Poon or The Patriot to enjoy at the park.
More Activities Near Devonport
Devonport Domain
Devonport Domain offers families a tranquil escape with expansive green lawns perfect for running free, shaded walking trails for nature exploration, and plenty of space for outdoor games and picnics. This beautiful reserve lets kids connect with New Zealand's native bush while parents enjoy the peaceful harbourside setting of historic Devonport village.
Devonport Domain
Devonport Domain offers families a peaceful escape with sprawling green lawns perfect for running, playing, and picnicking under native New Zealand trees. This scenic park in charming Devonport provides an ideal spot for kids to explore nature, enjoy easy walking trails, and burn off energy while parents soak in the tranquil surroundings and beautiful views.
Devonport Library
Devonport Library is a welcoming community hub in the charming seaside village of Devonport, offering a fantastic children's section with extensive book collections, regular story times, and engaging programs. With its high rating and free admission, it's an ideal rainy-day activity or quiet respite during your Auckland adventures, plus you'll experience local Kiwi library culture in this historic North Shore neighborhood.
Takarunga / Mount Victoria
Takarunga / Mount Victoria is a gentle volcanic peak offering one of Auckland's most rewarding short walks with spectacular 360-degree harbor views. The easy 15-minute summit trail winds through historic gun emplacements and heritage sites, making it both an educational and scenic adventure perfect for families. Kids love exploring the old military tunnels and bunkers while parents appreciate the stunning panoramas of the Auckland skyline and Waitemata Harbour.