Kennedy Park is a clifftop reserve on Beach Road in Castor Bay, on Auckland's North Shore, rated 4.6 from 688 Google reviews. Reviewers highlight the sea views, big playground and petanque terrain, plus the long stairs down to the beach. Auckland's clifftop reserves are as much about history as open space: North Shore headlands still carry Second World War gun emplacements and observation posts, and walking between them is often the most interesting part of a visit. Beach access is usually down long stairs, worth remembering with a buggy, and the exposed tops give little shade, so bring a hat. Dogs are welcome in many of these parks, but rules differ between reserve and foreshore, so check the signage. Parking at small coastal parks fills early on fine weekends. With picnic tables, toilets and a clifftop track to Castor Bay beach, Kennedy Park is an easy North Shore stop for walkers and families.