Have you been looking to up your date-night game, or are you just wanting to have more quality time with your bestie? Read on to discover our staffs' top picks for picnic dates and hangouts in the park...

1. The Grotto... best all year round! Find it as no. 12 on our park map. 

Our secret garden provides some of the most beautiful and secluded scenery in the entire park! Tucked away in a grove of native trees, you can impress your date or friends with your appreciation of native flora under the dappled light that this canopy provides. Nearby to the bottom of this grove, there are also a variety of rotundas and shady, grassy picnic spots that are ideal for keeping a little more out of the elements.

2. Our Ginkgo Grove... best in Autumn, but summer's great too! 

Find it just north of no. 2 on the park map - follow the paths. This magical area boasts yet another fantastic canopy, but this time it's composed of one of the world's most unique and ancient tree species - Ginkgo biloba! In Autumn, these trees turn a fantastic bright yellow colour and as they fall before the winter, they form a carpet of golden litter - perfect for a cute selfie or couples photo with bae! In winter, these trees are completely bare, but once spring comes around the scenery turns a spectacular bright green again and cool shade is provided by the leaves. The cafe is also a short walk away if you need a drink, snack or meal!

3. Memorial Steps... best all year round! Find them as no. 9 on our park map. 

Our Memorial Steps were constructed in memorium of our park's founder, Sir John Logan Campbell, who donated the park to the people of New Zealand. They boast an incredible view of our Native Arboretum, and are a great spot for a scenic picnic. Nearby are also Acacia Cottage, Huia Lodge and our Bistro, each holding their own in the park's significant history. Visit these spots while you're there to impress your friends or partner with your knowledge of the park's history! 4. Belvedere's Wisteria Archway... best in Spring. Find it as no. 5 on our park map. Our Belvedere area boasts a beautiful water feature, stunning gardens, and the incredible Wisteria Archway! In spring, the archway's vines come to life in stunning purple blooms, giving some of the best photo opportunities in the park. With close proximity to our Band Rotunda, cafe, Flagstaff Carpark, a grove of magnolias and other flowering trees, you'll impress your date no end with your impeccable choice in location.

4. Belvedere's Wisteria Archway... best in Spring. Find it as no. 5 on our park map. 

Our Belvedere area boasts a beautiful water feature, stunning gardens, and the incredible Wisteria Archway! In spring, the archway's vines come to life in stunning purple blooms, giving some of the best photo opportunities in the park. With close proximity to our Band Rotunda, cafe, Flagstaff Carpark, a grove of magnolias and other flowering trees, you'll impress your date no end with your impeccable choice in location.

5. Kauri Steps... best all year round! Find them as no. 10 on our park map. 

This secluded and peaceful area contains some of the park's prime shaded picnic spots, with a grove of Eucalyptus trees and Kauri trees framing an open, grassy space. The beautiful green hues and dappled light from the mixed canopies gives the space a stunning ambience, and the sounds of many native birds filter through the trees. Please ensure you respect the restrictions around entering the kauri grove and stick to the grass or the paths to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.