Victoria Park — Attraction in Waitematā

Victoria Park is a park and sports ground in Auckland City, New Zealand. It was opened in 1905 and named after the queen who had died four years earlier. It lies on reclaimed bay land in Freemans Bay, a suburb directly west of the Auckland CBD. However, it does not have direct connection to the foreshore anymore, as the Western Reclamation and the Viaduct Basin quarter lie between it and the Waitematā Harbour. The bay started to be filled in as early as the 1870s although the bulk of the reclamation appears to have happened after 1901. The Park was 'finished' around 1912, the area to the north (called the Western Reclamation) dates from after that.

The artificial creation of the land is why it is very flat and level - it was intended from the start to be primarily a facility for active events augmenting the other public parks; Western Park 1876 and Albert Park 1884 which were for more genteel passive enjoyment. For this reason the park was not laid out in a picturesque manner, neither has it ever had decorative flower beds.

As a sports facility for the adjacent working class areas and industrial zones it was provided with a sports pavilion and edged with trees to give shade for spectators. These are London plane trees (planted in 1905 for the opening of the park),[1] which provide an oval frame for the sports fields in the middle. Asphalt sealed tennis courts were created in 1909.

On the north side of the park was constructed a caretakers residence designed as an Arts & Crafts cottage (also recently restored as a cafe), a cricket pavilion (rebuilt in the 1990s) and a band rotunda (demolished before the Second War). As well as being home to cricket and rugby clubs, newer activities have found a place in the park; jogging for example. In the 1990s a skateboard park was created along with a petanque court.

On the south side space was also found a line of small commercial buildings facing towards the Municipal Incinerator (opened 1905). Next to these was built a Free Kindergarten - paid for by Sir John Logan Campbell, a former Mayor of Auckland; this building is the only survivor of the line of buildings which stood on the southern edge of the park and has been recently restored. Not far from the Kindergarten was created a playground for smaller children in 1912. The original equipment was imported from America and paid for by John Court the proprietor of a well known Queen Street department store. This facility has been recently renovated with up-todate...

Victoria Park, located in Auckland’s city centre, is a prominent green space offering a blend of recreational facilities and historical significance. Established in 1905 and named after Queen Victoria, the park spans reclaimed land in Freemans Bay, just west of the central business district. 

Recreational Facilities: • Sports Grounds: The park serves as a hub for various sports, hosting clubs such as the Grafton United Cricket Club and the Ponsonby Ponies rugby league club. It features cricket pitches, rugby fields, and tennis courts, catering to both organized sports and casual activities.  • Skate Park and Playground: A skate park and a children’s playground provide spaces for skateboarding and family-friendly activities.  • Walking Paths: The Victoria Park Path is a popular 0.6-mile (approximately 1 km) loop trail, ideal for walking and jogging, offering views of the Sky Tower and the surrounding cityscape. 

Historical Features: • Caretaker’s Residence: An Arts & Crafts-style cottage, originally built for the park’s caretaker, has been restored and now operates as a café, adding a historical charm to the park’s amenities.  • Victoria Park Market: Adjacent to the park, the Victoria Park Market is housed in historic buildings that once served as the city’s rubbish incinerator, known as the “Destructor.” Today, it accommodates over 40 shops, cafés, and restaurants, making it a vibrant spot for shopping and dining. 

Location and Accessibility:

Situated near major attractions like the Sky Tower and Wynyard Quarter, Victoria Park is easily accessible and serves as a green retreat amidst the urban environment. Its proximity to various eateries and boutiques enhances its appeal as a leisure destination. 

Whether you’re interested in sports, leisurely walks, or exploring local markets, Victoria Park offers a diverse range of activities catering to both residents and visitors...

My first ever park visited since i landed in Auckland, being next to office and specially view from desk gives energy as you see green everywhere. It’s such a massive park in city.

It has hosted Auckland marathon and other events apart from being jogging track, family park, cricket, rugby, soccer, skating area. On top of everything lively views of CBD, especially Sky-Tower, Ponsonby makes it happening place always. During winters have enjoyed roaming in the park under the sun. Seen kids using it in evening to do skates or play in the playground with lots of rings, slides and swings installed in the park. It has access to lots of cafe’s around and well-known eating joints.

Victoria Park is located strategically on the end of Auckland CBD and touches first suburb Ponsonby. Motorway also passes from top of it. As an office goer, I pass by on daily basis getting positive energy rest of the day. When I used to stay in CBD, used this park daily for morning walks, it was a pleasant start of the day.

Close proximity to Viaduct makes it reachable for all the offices located in vicinity and makes it a choice to host many events. Overall a pleasant experience whenever in this park...