Archibald Park — Attraction in Whau

The mangrove lungs of Kelston, the whenua of the Whau River Whanau.

This is a reno of your average old landfill tip and I wonder about the toxin levels in the earth as my dog trots through the newly planted native grasses. Council tells me the levels of heavy metals are acceptable. The stormwater system above the park seems to be constantly worked on and this is probably due to the fact there is no public stormwater system further up the hill that is Archibald road.

The park is a work in progress which involves rugby fields with concrete strips for your cricket or kilikiti, hunking great picnic tables dotted about near the edge of the estuary and a public loo. There's a boat ramp and parking lot with two rubbish bins which are over filled on almost a daily basis by locals who probably resent having to pay $2-50 for a rubbish bag, unlike the rest of Auckland which gets it's rubbish collection costs included in their rates. (Seems unfair to load another tax onto this low rent part of Auckland and not the inner city leafy suburbs).

However, it is heartwarming to see various cultural groups using this shared space.

The new pathways are excellent and well used. In the northwest of the park a huge black angry tied up dog shouts at all the other dogs trespassing on his realm ruining the circuit somewhat. What he sees is his and he sees the park. People are fine, but other canines can rack off now.

The park is well tended and improves as time passes. Shame about the dope dealing, littering etc that occurs at Archibald Road's termination at the park and in the carpark over the rugby fields. A few rubbish tins and doggie bag dispensers wouldn't go astray.

When the tide is in and paddle boarders, kayakers and boaters are about it...

The fields are nicely kept and maintained every week. The council has put in a couple of basketball courts for the youth and the community to enjoy. It is such a nice place for a walk in the mornings or evenings along the riverbank of Whau River. Top it up, there's a playground for the kids to play while you take that stroll around its few walking trails. It's a place of serenity after a long day of chaos or just simply wana gather your thoughts before starting your days. There's picnic tables and a nice view of the water at the end...

Archibald Park path is part of the Te Whau Pathway and offers a safe off-road shared path. This is great place to ride a bike with paths in great condition. Fantastic fields for kicking a ball around or a game of scrag with the mates

There are some great picnic tables with views over the Whau River and lots to see in and around the water. Mullet, sprats, eels, bird life and even the occasional seal on the jetty.

Easy parking and public toilets also are available off...