Our top five spots to enjoy a packed lunch outdoors

Who doesn’t love to eat lunch outside on a sunny day?

We’re spoilt for choice in the Western Bay, so we’ve put together our fave five spots to enjoy some kai in the outdoors.

We celebrated each of them for Get Outdoors week 2022 – and here’s a wrap.

These are all close to car parks, have flat terrain, and provide easy access to nature. We all know getting outdoors is good for our wellbeing, but you don’t need all the gear to get the good stuff.

Check out our top five:

1. Bowentown Domain, upper carpark

This spot is ideal place to stop at if you’re in the neighbourhood. Beautiful old Pōhutukawa, flat terrain, stunning ocean view of the Tauranga Harbour. Can’t beat it on a good day.

Vanessa here, is a Landscape Architect at Council. She’s helps us renovate and install playgrounds and redesign reserves.

Here’s some more info on Bowentown Domain.

2. MacMillan Reserve Katikati

Lunch spot number two is MacMillan Reserve at the end of Beach Road Katikati. This is a great spot to sit down, relax and enjoy an ocean view, or enjoy a 4km walk around the peninsula.

Bird life is plentiful here, and there are lovely views across to Matakana Island and to Tutaetaka Island.

And in the picture is Emma, one of our Reserves and Facilities Officers. Emma looks after some of our reserves are makes sure they’re in tip top condition.

Here's some more info about the MacMillan Reserve area, at the end of Beach Road.

3. Puketoki Reserve, Whakamarama

This little slice of heaven is one of the oldest reserves in the Western Bay.

The native forest and Te Puna Stream, which you can see here, make it an absolute treat to visit. You can swim in the stream, or go on one of the walks. An added extra – this reserve is dog friendly.

Pictured here is Anna from our procurement team and her canine whānau. Anna helps us find goods and services to do our Council mahi.

More info on Puketoki Reserve and it’s history.

4. Jubilee Park, Te Puke

Jubilee Park has it all! It’s central, has a great playground, toilets, barbeque, skate park, and a lovely courtyard. There’s a reason this awesome spot is often used for community events and market days – it’s special.

It also links onto the 4km long, Te Ara Kahikatea Path which you can walk or cycle, to check out the rural scenery on the outskirts of Te Puke.

In our photo here is Tony from our Kerbside team. He’s the one making sure your bins get emptied each week.

More information on Te Ara Kahikatea, Te Puke.

5. Midway Park, Pukehina

Another coastal gem. We definitely recommend a picnic at Midway Park.

There’s a Pirate Ship themed playground, picnic bench seating and a two-minute walk to the beach.

On the other side of the road, the reserve extends with hard courts, a pump track, toilets and playing fields.

Our model here is Sue, from our Reserves Team. She looks after reserves in this neck of the woods, ensuring they're maintained for everyone to enjoy.

These are our favourites – but there are so many more. If you’re looking for a good place, check out our Walking Track and Trails webpage. You’ll be sure to find something you didn’t know about before.

After all, we manage 222 reserves, 30 playgrounds, 44 hard courts, six skate parks, 19 boat ramps and many kilometres of walking and cycling trails.

Check out what else is on offer in the Western Bay.

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