Shakespear Regional Park

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Framed Scenery, Memories of Shellfish Gathering

To the northeast of Auckland, a little over an hour's drive will bring you to Shakespeare Park, a picturesque landscape unlike any other in the world. The entire Gulf area protruding towards the sea is designated as a park, creating beautiful scenery with a harmonious blend of meadows, forests, seas, and beaches. There are coastlines with fine sand, mudflats filled with shellfish tripping underfoot, endlessly sprawling meadows, and suddenly, a leisurely flock of sheep passing over the hills. Taking a photo from behind the ‘frame structure’ is akin to a rite of passage in Shakespeare Park.

Come the weekend, you can always see locals enjoying a barbecue in the park and Chinese immigrants busy gathering shellfish. It might be nice to relax like a local for a day, but if you get absorbed in shellfish gathering, you'll soon find yourself with over 100 pieces. Since the collection is allowed up to 100 pieces per person, care must be taken.

Having a car is not the only way to this wonderful place. From Auckland City, take AT buses 982, 983, and they will drop you off at the entrance of the park. As you get closer to the park, the large mansions and beautiful landscapes filled with the sea become even more magnified. However, since it takes over two hours one way, it is better to completely free up a day for the visit.