Featured Hotels Near Highland Park

The Lodge at Highland Park is the top choice for visitors seeking tranquility and nature immersion. Located just a short walk from the park, it offers private forest views, eco-friendly accommodations, and guided nature walks. Guests enjoy locally sourced breakfasts and access to scenic walking trails. Easily reachable by bus or car from central Auckland (approx. 20 minutes), this lodge combines comfort with sustainable tourism, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Highland Park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and well-marked nature trails perfect for families. Regular events include community gardening workshops and guided nature discovery walks that engage children with local ecology. Nearby, the Waiheke Island ferry terminal offers easy access to island excursions featuring vineyard tours, coastal dining, and scenic views—ideal for a relaxed half-day adventure. Convenient public transport links make it easy to plan a stress-free outing.

Travelers can take Bus Routes 173 or 184 from central Auckland, which reach Highland Park in about 25 minutes. Alternatively, drive via State Highway 16 southbound, then turn onto Clevedon Road and follow signs to Highland Park Drive—approximately 20 minutes. The park offers free parking, and nearby residential streets are pedestrian-friendly. For real-time updates on schedules and traffic, use Google Maps to ensure a smooth journey.

Clevedon Village Café is a local favorite near Highland Park, offering artisan coffee, freshly baked pastries, and seasonal farm-to-table dishes. Its outdoor seating overlooks lush greenery, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Another standout is The Grove Restaurant, known for its organic vegetables and slow-roasted meats, serving hearty meals in a cozy countryside setting. Both are within walking distance, making them ideal stops after exploring the park.

Yes, Highland Park features a 2-kilometer loop trail open 24/7, with well-lit paths and even surfaces—perfect for morning jogs or evening strolls. Morning runs offer fresh air and bird sounds, while nighttime walks provide a peaceful urban fringe experience. Benches and vending machines are strategically placed along the route for convenience and safety. Wear comfortable running shoes and bring a light jacket to fully enjoy the serene connection with nature.

The tree-lined viewing platform and gentle grassy slopes within Highland Park offer stunning backdrops for photographers. Golden hour creates dappled sunlight through foliage—ideal for artistic shots. The small stream and stone bridge add natural charm. Nearby Clevedon Hill provides panoramic views of eastern Auckland, perfect for wide-angle landscape photography. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens to capture the best moments in this hidden gem.

Highland Park is committed to native species restoration and sustainable management. It features indigenous plant restoration zones and butterfly habitats, with regular tree-planting events and biodiversity education workshops. In partnership with local schools, the park runs the Green Citizen Initiative, encouraging public participation in ecological monitoring. Interpretive signage throughout the park highlights native wildlife such as pigeons, red wattlebirds, and silver pines—transforming the space into a living classroom for environmental awareness.