Myers Park is a compact public park at 72 Greys Avenue, Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand, occupying a sheltered valley between the city centre and Karangahape Road. Opened in 1915 following a gift from businessman and former mayor Arthur Myers, it transformed an overcrowded urban gully into green space for local residents. Travelers come for its palm-lined paths, imaginative playground, historic kindergarten and public artworks, including the contemporary Waimahara installation beneath Mayoral Drive.
What to Expect at Myers Park
The park’s long, sloping layout makes it feel different from Auckland’s more open civic squares. Tall palms frame the central paths, lawns provide room for a short picnic, and surrounding apartment buildings remain visible above the trees. The colourful playground uses oversized botanical forms and sculptural play equipment rather than a conventional row of swings. Nearby stands the Myers Kindergarten, opened in 1916: its Arts and Crafts design and domestic scale reflect the park’s original emphasis on children’s health and welfare. Appreciate the building from outside rather than treating it as a visitor attraction.
Art provides a second reason to explore. A replica of Michelangelo’s David introduces an unexpected classical figure to the lawns, while Waimahara gives the northern Mayoral Drive underpass a distinctly Auckland identity. Created by mana whenua artist Graham Tipene with collaborators, this installation combines water, light and sound, drawing attention to the waterway beneath the urban landscape. Its interactive elements make the passage more than a pedestrian shortcut. Walk the park’s length to experience both the older ornamental landscape and this contemporary treatment of the city’s infrastructure.
- Botanical-themed playground: Oversized plant-inspired forms create a distinctive setting for climbing and imaginative play.
- Myers Kindergarten: The 1916 Arts and Crafts building preserves the park’s early child-focused purpose.
- Waimahara: Water, lighting and sound transform the underpass beneath Mayoral Drive.
- David sculpture: A replica of Michelangelo’s figure adds a classical counterpoint to the contemporary artworks.
- Palm-lined valley: Short paved paths, grass and established trees offer a green break between central-city streets.
Myers Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 72 Greys Avenue, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand |
| Neighborhood / Area | Central Auckland, between Mayoral Drive and Karangahape Road |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours daily; daylight is best for a first visit. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Free public admission; no tickets or reservations required. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 30–60 minutes; longer with playground time. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Queen Street bus stops near Auckland Town Hall; Karangahape Road stops near Pitt Street. Civic car park has entrances on Greys Avenue and Mayoral Drive. |
| Official Website / Phone | Auckland Council park information; +64 9 301 0101 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive in the morning for a relaxed playground stop, or use the park as an afternoon break between central-city sights. No booking is necessary, and the lawns and artworks are free to enjoy. Bring water and a snack rather than expecting a café inside the grounds. For public transport, approach from Queen Street near Auckland Town Hall or from Karangahape Road near Pitt Street; check Auckland Transport for current services. Drivers can use the paid Civic car park rather than relying on limited surrounding street parking.
The valley floor has paved paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, but the park is not uniformly level: approaches from higher surrounding streets involve slopes, and some entrances have steps. Plan a step-free approach rather than assuming every entrance is equivalent, and allow extra effort for the uphill return toward Karangahape Road. Wet weather can make sloping surfaces slippery. Pair the northern end with Auckland Town Hall and Aotea Square, roughly five minutes away, or continue uphill to Karangahape Road’s cafés and restaurants, around five to ten minutes from the southern end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Myers Park’s hours, and when should I visit?
The park is open 24 hours daily. Daylight offers the easiest conditions for finding entrances, examining the sculptures and supervising children; morning is a good choice for a playground-focused visit.
Is Myers Park free, and do I need a reservation?
Admission is free, with no reservation or timed ticket needed for an ordinary visit. Parking nearby is separate and generally paid. Check the council website for any temporary works affecting access.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 30–60 minutes to walk through, see the artworks and pause on the lawns. Families using the playground or bringing a picnic can comfortably extend their stop beyond an hour.
Is Myers Park suitable for families and wheelchair users?
The playground makes it a useful family stop, and paved paths support wheelchair and stroller access within the park. Slopes and stepped entrances require route planning; not every play element is wheelchair-accessible.
When planning your Auckland travel guide or comparing verified parks and playground in Auckland, pair this stop with standout local spots including Vivace Restaurant, SO/ Auckland, Polish Heritage Trust Museum in New Zealand, and Le Garde-Manger (0.1 km away).
