Michael Joseph Savage Memorial — Attraction in Ōrākei

This was once the site of two massive pa systems (fortified villages), Kohimaramara and Tokapurewha. These pa were the first to be overrun during the conquest of Tamaki by the Ngãti Whãtua sub-tribes of Kaipara at around 1745. In 1859, the government acquired 9 acres at Takaparawhau for military purposes under the Public Works Act. In 1886, a further 13 acres were taken to build Fort Bastion during the 'Russian Scare of the 1880s. Gun emplacements here once guarded the entrance to the Waitemata Harbour, as did other fortifications on Takuranga / Mt Victoria and Maungauika / North Head at Devonport on the North Shore. Bastion Point is named after Bastion Rock / Tokapurewha (the rock of the black mussel), a distinctive fort-like outcrop which stood offshore here until the 1920s, when it was demolished during the formation of Tämaki Drive. This is now the site of the memorial to Michael Joseph Savage (1872 - 1940), this country's first Labour prime minister, remembered by a tall obelisk, sunken pool and garden. Very beautiful place. Good for tourists. Bring your own water and food. Public toilets there. Good for...

This lovely memorial to New Zealand's first Labour prime minister, 1935–1940, overlooks the Waitemata Harbour. It was opened in 1943 and is located in terraced area surrounded by almost level lawns. There are wonderful plants with blooms all over the site. Dogs must be on leash at all times in our parks unless otherwise stated. Alcohol is banned from some public places in Auckland. This park, like others are smoke free. It is free entry. You can use public transport to get here. We drove here and found it easy to park at the car park. Very popular place, lots of tourists and locals. Toilets available near the car park. Most of the area is exposed to the elements. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Advisable to go early to avoid the heat as well. Lovely place for picnic on the vast grounds with scenic harbour views. Beautiful place. Lots to see. Great place for...

Amazing views and one of my favourite places in Auckland. My only criticism is that when they demolished the old toilet block and built new facilities, they didn't replace the drinking fountain and tap nor the sheltered seats. I can understand the seats, maybe, but a drinking fountain really is needed.

I've got another criticism... they've made it commercial, with a cafe. No! Can't we have any beautiful open spaces without stores selling things? A few hundred meters down the hill are all the cafes, restaurants, dairies and ice cream places you could want. I expect to see more litter. I also overheard a guy leading a group around tell them that the cafe was just the beginning... that there were going to be more commercial developments in these beautiful...