Vic Lucas Park

Bordered by shadowy mangroves on one side and boxy modern houses the other, this is a charming little spot.

A cross city vista of the grand old houses of Hamilton clinging to the hillside, (including the landmark gothic stone mansion that was built as a Bishopsbourne in the late 19th century) and glimpses of the city’s oldest house, Newstead House form the back drop here for a picnic or barbecue.

For accompanying youngsters there’s a sweet little playground although if it's low tide they may be more attracted to the eerie sludge beach under the mangroves.

There’s also a path for scooters or strolling which follows the mangrove hedge for a short way until it is swallowed up by a suburban street.