Four of the best: Picnic spots

After a frantic Christmas, relaxation should be on the cards for Boxing Day by spending it in the park. Photo / Babiche Martens

1. Mission Bay
Avoid the motorway and instead lie under the trees, have a dip in the sea (high tide is at noon), wander across the road to pick up a gelato: it doesn't get much lazier than this. But, if you would like to work off the gelato, then a walk, ride or rollerblade around to St Heliers and back would do nicely as well.

2. Omana Regional Park
If Maraetai Beach feels too crowded, head to Omana Reserve (1km before Maraetai on the Whitford Maraetai Rd). The beach is tidal, but it's great fun to explore the rock pools or pet the farm animals. There are picnic and barbecue sites, and even a campground if you want to stay the night (bookings essential, ph (09) 366 2000, option 2).

3. Coyle Park, Pt Chev
A charming relic of old-fashioned Auckland, Pt Chev beach adjoins Coyle Park. Lie under the trees, let the kids loose in the playground and finish with a walk along the sea shore.

4. Takapuna Beach
With high tide at noon the beach will be at its slimmest, but there are shady lawns around the yacht club, and a barbecue spot by the boat ramp.