Beaches, swimming pools and parks have been at capacity in Auckland as the mercury hit 30˚C over the weekend.
Tens of thousands of people were enjoying the outdoors at the Tawharanui, Long Bay and Wenderholm Regional Parks at any one time, to name just a few of the hot spots.
At Long Bay there were also reports of families arriving at 6am to make sure they had a spot on the reserve and the fine weather led to many park-goers staying well into the evening at all locations.
Demand was so high there had to be a one-in / one-out gate policy to prevent overcrowding.
Pools across the region experienced their biggest weekend of the year. At the Point Erin, Toia Otahuhu, West Wave, Lloyd Elsmore aquatic centres and the Parnell Baths numbers reached capacity and entry had to be restricted for safety and enjoyment.
Auckland’s pools and beaches could still be popular this week with kids on school holidays and continuing high temperatures forecast.
"Auckland has a huge number of places to enjoy the water," says Mace Ward, General Manager Parks, Sports & Recreation. "So if your first choice isn’t available check out the council’s website for nearby pools, beaches or parks where you can have fun in the outdoors."
But the water wasn’t the only place where numbers gathered; the Auckland Botanic Gardens hosted around 7500 visitors over the weekend. It's hosting the Sculpture in the Gardens exhibition.