Aucklanders love to spend time in their backyards and Western Springs is one of the biggest and best. The lake was the city’s original water source for early European settlers, and immigrants old and new discover their inner Kiwi in the park close to the city’s centre. Throughout the year they jog, rollerblade or play touch rugby here. In summer they fire up barbecues for sunset picnics and a few cold ones. At the Pasifika festival in March, thousands of Auckland families with Pacific and New Zealand roots crowd the lakeside to celebrate their diversity. Western Springs’ Museum of Transport and Technology (www.motat.org.nz) is an underrated attraction that displays Auckland’s growth from Pacific outpost to burgeoning international city. Lots of interactive displays will keep the kids busy. At the nearby Auckland Zoo (www.aucklandzoo.co.nz) you can meet New Zealand’s national icon, the shy and retiring kiwi, in the native fauna Encounter.