Dove Myer Robinson Park, better known as the Parnell Rose Garden, is a public park on Gladstone Road in Auckland’s Parnell neighbourhood. Its rose beds hold more than 5,000 bushes, with the main flowering season running from November to March. Paths lead past the gardens and open lawns towards Judges Bay, with views across the water and harbour. Come for a rose-focused stroll, a picnic beneath the trees or a walk down to the bay. The grounds also include the Nancy Steen Garden, with heritage and species roses.
The rose gardens
The park is named for Dove-Myer Robinson, Auckland’s longest-serving mayor, and is widely known as the Parnell Rose Garden. More than 5,000 rose bushes grow across the garden, including varieties from internationally known breeders. The main display is in season from November to March, with the flowers often at their strongest around mid-November. Roses can still be in bloom at other times, but the number of open flowers changes through the year.
The beds are arranged in rows, with seating around the grounds. A fountain and a water garden feature add places to pause as you walk. Some rose labels can be hard to find, so visitors hoping to identify particular varieties may need to look closely.
Nancy Steen Garden and notable trees
The Nancy Steen Garden is part of the park’s rose collection. It honours Nancy Steen, who worked to preserve and grow heritage and species roses, and contains more than 200 varieties she collected. It is a useful stop if you are interested in older rose varieties as well as the larger seasonal display.
The park also has substantial native trees, including pōhutukawa and mānuka. The oldest mānuka and largest pōhutukawa in Auckland are identified among the park’s notable trees. Their broad trunks and spreading roots give the lawns a different character from the carefully planted rose beds.
Walk to Judges Bay
A walk through the park can continue downhill to Taurarua Judges Bay, which meets the bottom of the gardens. The route includes steep slopes, so wear shoes suited to walking and take care on the descent. At the water, you can look across the bay towards the harbour; Rangitoto is visible in the distance.
The park has room for a picnic, with lawns, seating and barbecue facilities. Families can use the playground, and public toilets are on site. The grounds also have walking paths and a basketball court, tennis court, volleyball court and skateboarding area. If you want a quieter visit focused on the roses, avoid the Rose Festival on November 9, when activities draw larger crowds.
FAQ
When do the roses bloom at Parnell Rose Garden?
The main flowering season is November to March, with peak bloom often around mid-November. Some roses may still be flowering at other times.
Is there an entry fee?
No entry fee is listed in the available information.
How long should I spend at Dove Myer Robinson Park?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes for a stroll through the rose gardens. Add time if you plan to picnic or walk down to Judges Bay.
Can you picnic at the park?
Yes. The park has open lawns and picnic areas, as well as barbecue facilities.
