Western Springs Lakeside Park — Attraction in Waitematā

Weaving together its history, natural beauty, and cultural significance: Western Springs: A Poetic Tapestry In Auckland's heart, where waters softly glide, A verdant haven, where nature doth reside, Lies Western Springs, a jewel, green and bright, Reflecting skies, a shimmering delight. The Waitākere Ranges, a majestic sight, Stand guard above, a guardian of light, Their slopes descend, embracing the lake's gleam, A tranquil scene, a peaceful, verdant dream. The Niho Taniwha, the dragon's tooth, they say, A sacred site, where legends softly sway, Of Māori lore, and spirits of the land, A mystic touch, a guiding, gentle hand. The Waitākere River, a ribbon of blue, Meanders through, a pathway ever new, From distant hills, it finds its watery way, To nourish life, and gently kiss the day. The lake itself, a mirror calm and deep, Where clouds drift by, and secrets softly sleep, A haven for birds, a sanctuary serene, A symphony of nature's vibrant green. The black swans glide, a graceful, regal sight, Their feathers gleam, a canvas pure and white, While ducks and geese, in playful flocks abound, A lively chorus, a joyful, sweet sound. The Pukekiwiriki, the hill that stands so tall, A vantage point, where nature does enthrall, A panoramic view, a breathtaking sight, Of cityscapes, and waters bathed in light. The rose gardens, a fragrant, sweet delight, A tapestry of blooms, a vibrant, colorful sight, Where butterflies dance, and bees softly hum, A haven of peace, where worries all succumb. The Wintergardens, a greenhouse, warm and bright, A verdant oasis, a captivating sight, With orchids rare, and ferns of emerald green, A symphony of life, a wondrous, vibrant scene. The zoo nearby, a kingdom of its own, Where creatures roam, and stories softly groan, Of tigers fierce, and elephants so grand, A glimpse of wildlife, across the vast land. The people gather, families and friends, To share the joy, the beauty that transcends, The city's bustle, the everyday routine, A moment's peace, a tranquil, peaceful scene. The children laugh, as they explore the ground, Their spirits soar, with freedom all around, The lake their playground, the trees their leafy shade, A childhood memory, forever to be made. The runners glide, along the paths so green, Their footsteps light, a rhythmic, vibrant scene, The air is fresh, the mind begins to clear, As worries fade, and spirits feel sincere. The rowers glide, with oars that softly sweep, Across the lake, their rhythm strong and deep, A symphony of motion, a graceful, flowing art, A moment's peace, a joy that fills the heart. The anglers wait, with patience and with care, For fish to bite, a challenge they will share, The gentle breeze, the ripples on the lake, A moment's peace, for nature's sweet sake. The picnics spread, beneath the willow's shade, Laughter rings out, as stories are conveyed, Of shared experiences, and memories made, A simple pleasure, a moment to be swayed. The sunset paints, the sky with hues of gold, A masterpiece, a story to be told, The lake reflects, the colors bright and bold, A breathtaking scene, a sight to behold. As twilight falls, and stars begin to gleam, The park transforms, into a tranquil dream, The sounds subside, the city fades away, And nature reigns, supreme at close of day. The moon ascends, a silver, watchful eye, Casting its glow, across the peaceful sky, The lake reflects, its shimmering, mystic light, A beacon of hope, in the fading night. Western Springs, a gift, a treasure to behold, A sanctuary, a story to be told, Of nature's beauty, and the human heart, A place to heal, where spirits can depart. From city's clamor, to find a peaceful space, To reconnect, with nature's gentle grace, To breathe the air, and feel the sun's warm ray, And simply be, at the close of day. So let us cherish, this precious, verdant land, A legacy of beauty, forever to withstand, For generations yet to come, to share its grace, And find solace, in this tranquil, peaceful place. History's...

Western Springs Park is a sanctuary for both people and wildlife. It surrounds a natural spring-fed lake, one of Auckland's early water supplies. 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 Maori name 'Te Wai Orea', which means 'waters of the eel'. Around the shores and wetlands, wild fowl including native Pūkeko, Teal, Australian Coot and Shovelers can be freely viewed amongst regenerating native plants, wide-open lawns, gardens, water gardens and water lilies. The park offers a tranquil resting place for visitors to a cluster of major nearby attractions including the Auckland Zoo, Museum of Transport and Technology, 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. There are also picnic tables and a children's playground. Facilities include: Barbecue, tables, playground, viewing platform, artworks/monument, boardwalk, drinking...

The mecca of swans, geese, ducks, birds annnnd.. wait for it.. eels! What!?!? Yes!! There are eels in the lake and they battle swans for bread pieces thrown by little humans (children).. it's like a Japanese anime come to life!

OK, so there's no blood being shed in the lake. It's a public park that's fun for all ages. I saw people jogging, families picnicking, children chasing swans, people napping in the shade, etc.. The lake is a decent size but it would only take 15-20 mins at a steady pace to walk all the way around. There's a playground at one end of the park which links up to the zoo. I think there was a school trip to the park today because there were heaps of kids everywhere in the playground. Oh! And there's an old school tram that operates in conjunction with MOTAT (Museum of Transportation and Technology) that spans part of the park perimeter. $1 for Adults, 50 cents for children over 5yrs.

You need to be mindful where you walk around the park, especially the eastside of the lake, there's fresh and old swan/geese/duck/bird poop everywhere haha. Make a game out of it. Everytime a friend steps in poop, they have to take a...