Parnell Rose Gardens is a beautiful oasis situated on Gladstone Road in Parnell. The gardens include over 5,000 roses with a number planted by internationally renowned rose breeders. The adjacent Nancy Steen Garden contains a collection of heritage roses while the white garden is a popular venue for weddings.
Every November the Parnell Festival of Roses takes place in the gardens and is a chance to browse arts and craft stalls, displays of art, live music and performers. However, the real star is the thousands of roses on show.
The park’s official name is the Dove-Myer Robinson Park, named after Auckland’s longest serving mayor of 18 years.
A short walk down the gardens brings you to Judges Bay and the famous Parnell Baths with wonderful views of the bay below and the Rangitoto Island in the distance.