Big King Reserve

"A fantastic set of easy to walk tracks complete with off track experiences. Dog friendly walks. Many many dogs!!"

"One of the best 'off-leash' dog parks in the Auckland Central area. If you haven't visited, you should. You can view both the Manukau and the Waitemata harbours from the top of Te Tatua-a-Riukiuta (the mountain). The only real disappointing experience would be, and it really annoys me, every time I visit, the car park lights are on (during the day). I've messaged council and got no where with that. Otherwise a great space to walk, exercise etc. Just be warned, this is an off leash dog park so don't be annoyed if a dog comes up to you (I love dogs BTW). Special point to note; watch out for dog poo. There are lots of people who do not clean up after their dogs as they should..."

"Summer nights walk up the Big King was a very calm and gentle climb to the top where you get panoramic views of Auckland City and harbours. Enjoyed the safe and well constructed walkway. There are options of the route you take, either follow the tarmac or veer to the right which we find more interesting for our furby. Just be aware of the karaka berries which are tempting to dogs but is fatal and toxic for them. We did see Kereru feeding that day too. There are lots of birds flitting in the trees here. A very unique feature here is ‘Dog’ from footrot flats that is painted on the reservoir at the top. We returned the same way we went up but there are a few other walking tracks here. It’s popular for joggers, walkers and family friendly but a popular spot for dog walkers too. It’s a hidden gem in the heart of suburbia indeed."

"One of the lesser known of the tūpuna maunga (ancestor mountains) of Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland but well worth the short but quite steep ascent with good views to Maungawhau/ Mt Eden and the city centre to the north and Ōwairaka/ Mt Albert to the west. Big King is the last remaining of the Three Kings as the other two were quarried away and now being redeveloped for housing. Look out for the mural of Dog from Footrot Flats on the reservoir at the summit. Access is straight off Mt Eden Road at Duke Street with a small parking area and very convenient to the 27 frequent bus service on Mt Eden Road. Orvieto and Cheese on Toast are great eating options at the bottom, either before or after the ascent."

"Lovely views, easy trek up concreted path as well as grass walk ways. Dogs allowed to run wild. Clean park and fun water works section. Ancient areas are under construction and conservation."