Waiatarua Reserve

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Just a friendly reminder if you are going to use this park, PLEASE share space considerately. The interior is a protected wetland, home to a wide array of water bird species, so your dog must not enter the wetland area or go swimming in the water. I think it is remarkable that we are allowed to use this area for off-leash exercise at all, given the conservation value of wetlands, so I half expected it to have on leash status by the time I visited it a second time.

This park is quite a drive from our place, but is one of my absolute favourites. The wetland loop walk takes 60 minutes according to park signage but I think this might be a bit of an overestimation - unless, again, you have a Dachshund or something. You will meet some friendly dogs and considerate dog owners here (and some not so considerate ones and their obviously-just-been-swimming Labradors).

The view of the wetland area is very agreeable and the walk is an easy, relaxed one. Take in the biodiversity and general ambiance while your dog lopes around madly and probably eats a few rabbit poos. The path is suitable for cycling and jogging. There are a number of other walking areas besides the main wetlands loop, and lovely spots for viewing the wetlands up close, and tables for picnicking. You really could spend a whole afternoon here, justifying the crosstown drive you might just have to make.

Five stars *****