A public barbecue area at 8 Waikowhai Road in Auckland's Waikowhai neighbourhood, holding a strong 4.8 Google rating.
Auckland's public barbecue areas are a familiar fixture in its parks: usually free electric hotplates, first-come first-served, so arriving early on a fine weekend or public holiday makes all the difference. Bring your own oil, tongs and a scraper, since these are rarely provided, and give the plate a quick clean before and after cooking — the unwritten rule that keeps shared grills in order. No booking is needed at most council barbecue spots, though open fires beyond the provided grills are generally off limits. Many cooks pair the grill with a nearby picnic table, so sending someone ahead to claim a seat is a time-honoured move.
Tucked into the quiet streets of Waikowhai, this spot makes an easy choice for a relaxed cook-up close to home.