YOU ARE IN: Leisure > Places to go > Parks search

Parks search

New search

Avondale South Domain

Park address

572 to 578 Blockhouse Bay Road, Blockhouse Bay

Also known as

Sandy Bay Reserve

About the park

Grasp the opportunity for a relaxing day walk through native coastal forest. Avondale South Domain showcases an admirable pohutukawa coastline, with glimpses of kohekohe and puriri at stream mouths. The walking tracks offer scenic harbour views, with seats for well-earned rests along the way.

This large park of regenerating native coastal forest offers great opportunities. First gazetted in 1889, much of the land was cleared for grazing and some, near Sandy Bay was used as a camping ground.

For more information about the walking tracks see Manukau coastal walks.

A new name?

A suggestion has been made by the Blockhouse Bay Historical Society to rename the Avondale South Domain to Gittos Domain, after Francis Gittos, one of the Bay's outstanding pioneers.

Francis Gittos, who lived in Blockhouse Bay in the late 1880's was a landowner and farmer. In 1890, he leased what is now the Avondale South Domain. He and his family helped to raise funds for the building of the Chapel of the Good Shepherd (today located at MOTAT), the St Andrews Church hall and the Green Bay Mission Hall. The tall, old pines that are a well-known and easily sighted landmark in Blockhouse Bay town are also associated with Francis Gittos.

All suggested names are being considered by the Avondale Community Board. A final decision is expected by November 2009.

Facilities

Boardwalk, drinking fountain

Dog exercise area

No

How to get there