Picture a working farm nestled on the shores of the Manukau Harbour. That’s Ambury Regional Park. This isn’t your average park. It’s 85 hectares of history biodiversity and fun. Ambury Regional Park began its life much like Auckland itself from volcanic eruptions. Māngere Mountain’s fiery past shaped the land about 50000 years ago. Basalt lava flows from 18000 years ago are still visible today a testament to Auckland’s unique geological history. Ambury Park sits proudly on this ancient land.
Long before the park was established the area held deep significance for Māori. Ninety-five archaeological sites whisper tales of ancient settlements. Then in the mid-19th century the land transformed into farmland. A creamery was established in 1882 marking another chapter in Ambury’s story.
The park we see today wouldn’t exist without a massive environmental project. In the late 1960s a sewage treatment plant was decommissioned. Over 500 hectares of oxidation ponds were restored. Thirteen kilometres of shoreline were revitalized. Twenty-seven thousand trees were planted. This was New Zealand’s largest coastal restoration project. This incredible feat of environmental engineering laid the groundwork for Ambury Regional Park.
Ambury Regional Park officially opened in 1987. It’s not just a pretty face though. This park is a vibrant hub of life. A vast array of birds call it home. Migratory shorebirds including thousands of tōrea and wrybills find refuge here. Kuaka and huahou spend their summers in the park’s wetlands and salt marshes. Even the nationally vulnerable Geranium retrorsum thrives in the park’s unique volcanic soil.
Today Ambury Regional Park buzzes with activity. The annual Ambury Farm Day draws thousands. Families enjoy free access to the working farm. They can meet the sheep cows pigs goats chickens and even peacocks. The park hosts the Ambury Park Centre for Riding Therapy offering therapeutic horse riding. It’s a place where people connect with nature and animals. It’s a place where history and conservation intertwine. Ambury Regional Park is truly a hidden gem in Auckland. A place where you can stroll along the coastlines marvel at the birdlife and discover the layers of history beneath your feet.