Cornwall Park is a nice place to go - theres a playground on one side of the park, nice walks through the paths, cattle, sheep and roosters to look at. The other place and one I used to love to go to is Maraetai - which is out East. Theres a lovely reserve with plenty of shady space for picnics and the beach is right there. Its not a sand beach, more stones, no life guards but no need for them. You can park right up by the waters edge or go back into the reserve. Long Bay on the North shore is another popular beach and picnic area. Theres also Western Springs, the Zoo and Motat are right there although the park and playground are also nice. Plenty of beaches everywhere, if its windy you can choose where to go out of the wind. North Head (on the north shore) have tunnels that you can go through - were used in the war. Theres some nice areas in the Waitakeres where you can picnic, with bush walks. Go check out Piha (not sure if you watch Piha Rescue on tele), be careful though as the sea can be dangerous, stay at ankles depth if you have children with you. Piha's very close to the gannets although I think October is the best time to see the birds. Theres Waiwera (north of Auckland) about 45 minutes on the toll road with the hot pools or there is Parikei (sp?) out from west auckland with hydroslides etc.