Ambury Regional Park is a working farm on the shores of the Manukau Harbour in Māngere Bridge, about 15 kilometres south of Auckland’s CBD. It is one of the few regional parks in Auckland where visitors can interact with farm animals — sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, goats and peacocks all live here — which makes it consistently popular with families. The foreshore walk, the lamb feeding sessions in spring and the harbour views give Ambury a character entirely different from the bush-and-beach parks of the north and west.
Practical Information
| Location | Māngere Bridge, approximately 15 km south of Auckland CBD via SH20 and Coronation Road |
| Entry | Free |
| Farm Animals | Sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, goats, peacocks |
| Lamb Feeding | August to September — 8am and 4pm Mon–Fri; 8am, noon and 4pm weekends (orphan lambs only, seasonal) |
| Facilities | Toilets, shelter, 2 car parks, BBQs (2 electric, 2 wood-burning — bring your own wood), picnic areas. One large bookable picnic site for groups |
| Walks | Family Farm Walk (1 km, 45 min, pram-friendly); Foreshore Walk (loop, 45 min); Lost Gardens Walk (1 km, 30 min) |
| Dogs | On-leash in designated areas only — not in farm animal areas |
About Ambury Regional Park
Ambury is an unusual entry in Auckland’s regional park network: it functions simultaneously as a public park and an operational farm. The farm has been here since the early days of European settlement in the area, and Auckland Council has maintained the working character deliberately — the animals are part of the experience, not a side attraction.
The park occupies a peninsula on the Manukau Harbour foreshore, giving it a long coastal edge with views across the harbour to the Waitākere Ranges. Shorebirds are common along the tidal flats, particularly during low tide when godwits, oystercatchers and stilts feed on the exposed mud. The combination of farmland habitat and intertidal foreshore makes Ambury a good birdwatching location in addition to its family appeal.
Walking Tracks
Three short walks cover most of the park. The Family Farm Walk is the most accessible — a 1-kilometre sealed loop around the farm area suitable for prams and wheelchairs, passing the main animal enclosures. The Foreshore Walk is a 45-minute loop that crosses open pasture and reaches the Manukau Harbour coast, with views across the water. The Lost Gardens Walk (30 minutes, 1 km) follows a rougher track through a more overgrown section of the park; suitable for mountain buggies but not prams or wheelchairs.
Lamb Feeding
The seasonal lamb feeding sessions in August and September are a genuine highlight for young children. Orphan lambs that need bottle-feeding are available for visitors to feed at set times — 8am and 4pm on weekdays, with an additional noon session on weekends. The sessions run while there are orphan lambs available, which varies year to year. Arrive slightly early as it tends to draw a crowd in school holidays.
What Visitors Say
“Brilliant for kids. The peacocks wander freely and the goats come right up to the fence. We went in August for The lamb feeding — the kids were absolutely delighted. Free and easy to get to.” — Google reviewer
“A proper working farm you can walk around — not a zoo, not a petting farm, just real animals in real paddocks. The foreshore walk has great harbour views and there are plenty of shorebirds. Underrated park.” — TripAdvisor reviewer
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Ambury Regional Park — official page with facilities, maps, BBQ bookings and seasonal farm information.
Wikipedia — Ambury Regional Park — overview of the park’s history and setting.
Auckland NZ — Ambury Regional Park — visitor guide with activity highlights and practical information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ambury Regional Park free?
Yes. Entry to the park is free and no booking is required for a general visit. BBQ sites and the large group picnic area can be booked through Auckland Council.
When is the lamb feeding at Ambury?
August to September, while orphan lambs are available. Feeding times are 8am and 4pm Mon–Fri, and 8am, noon and 4pm on weekends. Sessions are not guaranteed — check Auckland Council for current status.
Are dogs allowed at Ambury Regional Park?
Dogs are permitted on-leash in designated areas. They are not allowed in the farm animal enclosures or near the animals.
How do I get to Ambury Regional Park?
Via Coronation Road off SH20 at Māngere Bridge — about 15 kilometres and 20–25 minutes from central Auckland. Two car parks are available inside the park.
Can I see the Manukau Harbour from Ambury?
Yes. The Foreshore Walk takes you to the harbour edge, with views across the water to the Waitākere Ranges. Shorebirds are often visible on the tidal flats at low tide.
More Auckland Parks and Reserves
Ambury is one of several parks around the Manukau Harbour and south Auckland coast. For the full picture of parks across the region, browse Auckland parks and reserves.