Nosh Food Market’s Top 5 Picnic Spots in Auckland

It’s commonly accepted that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. But the fairer sex can be just as enamoured by great food too. So why hustle into a stuffy restaurant with your valentine when you can enjoy a leisurely, passion-filled picnic basking in the February sun?

Nosh Food Market Matakana chef James Patterson has put together his top five picnic spots in the City of Sails so sweethearts across the city can enjoy their very own picnic feast in the name of Saint Valentine.

And further to this, James Patterson has put together a few tips so you can make the most of your Valentine’s Day – without worrying about the cooking:

• Champagne is a must. Charpentier French champagne is perfect for such a special occasion. (Nosh customers raved about it during the festive season James says.)
• Don’t forget something to sit on – a rug and even a few cushions to keep things comfortable. Bring an extra blanket to avoid any mid-February chill.
• The deli section is replete with delicious products such as olives, dips and deli meats. Rustique French Camembert is also a fantastic addition to a platter with a few crackers or fresh bread.
• Remember to pack cutlery and glasses – you don’t want to be eating with your hands and drinking straight from the bottle.
• Make the most of summer fruit for dessert. With stone fruit such as peaches and apricots currently in their prime, they are the perfect accompaniment to the wonderful selection of hand-crafted chocolates available at Nosh.
• For an alternative to chocolate, try some middle-eastern Turkish Delight with dates or assorted dried fruit.

Please find below five top picnic spots to enjoy a romantic moment this summer with your loved (or to be loved) one. Good luck.

1. Chelsea Heritage Estate

Colonial Rd, Birkenhead

The best kept secret of Auckland parks, Chelsea Heritage Estate is the largest coastal parkland in Auckland featuring spectacular gardens, wetlands, bush walks and is home to a wide range of native bird life. Explore the park to find the perfect picnic spot – I recommend somewhere overlooking the fantastic views of the Waitemata Harbour.

Getting there: From the central city take SH1 and cross the Harbour Bridge to the North Shore. Take the Onewa Rd exit (SH27) and follow signs to Birkenhead. Continue on to the Highbury bypass and turn left into Mokoia Rd, then look for signs for Colonial Rd. Drive to the end of Colonial Road into the park.

2. Whakanewha Regional Park

Gordons Road, Waiheke Island

Catch the ferry to Waiheke for a real escape from the city. Venture through the Nikau track and you’ll find the Cascades Waterfalls where you can take a dip and set up your picnic in the view of the breathtaking falls. Or walk to the southern end of the beach where you’ll find a historical Pa complete with a secluded picnic table, looking out to Rocky Bay.

Getting there: From the Waiheke ferry terminal catch a shuttle bus to the park or catch the Rocky Bay bus and get off at Gordons Rd. From the Gordons Rd bus stop, walk up Omiha Rd to Upland Rd track and into the park.

3. The Pah Homestead, Monte Cecilia Park

72 Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough

Stroll through the James Wallace Arts Trust’s collection of contemporary art then take to the park to enjoy your picnic. The art collection features a changing programme of contemporary art exhibitions, all housed within the beautiful Pah Homestead, a historical home dating back to 1877. Find your picnic spot amongst the huge collection of large and rare exotic trees with views of Manukau Harbour, the Waitakere Ranges and One Tree Hill. Note: Open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm, and Saturday, Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Closed Mondays.

Getting there: From the central city take Mt Eden Road to Three Kings. Turn left onto Mt Albert Road then right onto Hillsborough Road. The Pah Homestead driveway is to the left.

4. Tawharanui Regional Park

Crystal clear waters and 2km of white sandy beach make Tawharanui an idyllic spot for a picnic. Enjoy a dip in one of the many rock pools then walk the ecology trail from the far end of the beach to find a quiet picnic spot. Or enjoy the stunning panorama from one of the grassed areas high above the beach, dotted with shady Pohutukawa trees.

Getting there: From the central city take SH 1 to Warkworth, follow the signs to Matakana. Just past Matakana turn right at the Omaha turn-off and drive along Takatu Road to Tawharanui Regional Park.

5. St Heliers Bay

Tamaki Drive, St Heliers

At the far end of the Eastern Bays you’ll find St Heliers Bay. The quieter version of Mission Bay offers beautiful views of the harbour. Walk along the cliffs at low tide to find the quiet and secluded Ladies Bay, where you’ll often see paragliders floating over the headland.  Enjoy your picnic as the water glistens in the sunset over Rangitoto Island.

Getting there: From the central city travel along Quay Street east to where Tamaki Drive and Quay Street join. Continue along the spectacular waterfront road and St Heliers Bay is the located at the end of Tamaki Drive.