Cadness Reserve is a small neighbourhood park at 6 Cadness Street in Northcote, on Auckland's North Shore, holding a 4.6 rating from its seven reviewers, who single out the basketball and the children's playground. One visitor also notes there's little shade, so a hat and umbrella are worth packing.
Parks like this earn their keep by being handy rather than grand: a playground for the under-tens, a hoop to shoot at, and open grass for a kickabout or a picnic rug. Around Auckland, shade is the first thing to check before you go, as many reserves sit fully in the open, so sun hats and sunscreen matter, especially through the middle of the day. Basketball usually means bringing your own ball. Locals tend to treat neighbourhood reserves as short, dependable outings rather than all-afternoon destinations.
For Northcote families after an easy outdoor hour close to home, this little Cadness Street reserve does the job.