Picnic on Byers Track, beside the Glen Esk Stream

Green grass cool spots for picnics can be found at a few places at Piha. They are good for a daytime lunch, but also a picnic dinner at dusk. Take salads, bacon and egg pie, use a portable gas BBQ for sausages. Spread some blankets on the grass or set a picnic table – a discreet wine or beer is allowed – and you’ve got a memorable event – at little cost, enjoying what is special about being a Kiwi living in the most beautiful place in the world.

This is a good thing to do with our precious elders – a time for all generations to relax together.

Here are the places to go:

• Far end of North Piha, there is a beautiful sheltered grassy area with trees – ideal for picnics and BBQs. Take the road to the north end of North Piha and bag your spot.
• Piha Domain, by the Piha Lagoon, a bit exposed, but good for the kids to play in Lagoon and playground.
• End of Glen Esk Road, there are no less than five picnic tables in different places. All picturesque and relaxed. There are four around the end of the road, and there is another a short distance along the Byers Track. This is a particularly gentle and pleasant spot. There is also an electric BBQ beside the metalled parking area just off the end of the road, turn right.
• By the Lily Pond in Garden Road – picnic tables and seats. Take some crumbs for the ducks and the greedy pukekos.
• Sir Algernon Thomas Green – half way up Glen Esk Road on the left –  a BIG picnic table, plenty of grassy space for kids to run around and a clean stream for kids to splash around in.A great place for a family or friends group or a small event.