Tucked away near Massey University, this slice of native bush is the perfect oasis of calm for a hot day, with sheltered trails through lush green bush and several swimming holes and spots to cool off along the way. Ideal for a picnic, and a favourite place for dog walkers, this is one of the city’s best bush walks.

Native birds are abundant here, and no matter the time of year these tracks provide an easy stroll through mainly flat paths. The trail largely follows the Turitea Stream, where babbling water, stoney beaches and little swimming holes abound. You can loop through into the Massey Arboretum for a secret garden of native and exotic trees of all shapes and sizes, or if you’re keen to get your heart rate up, check out the nearby trail links via the stairs along the way which will take you to the Old West Road link, or into the Turitea or Adderstone Walkways.

In the autumn, Bledisloe Park is alive with colour as the trees turn various shads of reds, crimson and golds and the trails make for an easy, sheltered walk in the outdoors away from the wind. No matter what time of year, this park and it’s walking tracks are worth checking out.