Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve

Located at the far end of West Tamaki Road, Tahuna Torea is another of Glendowie’s reserves ideal for walking and running.
The reserve borders the Tamaki Estuary, looking out across to Bucklands Beach. The reserve links across to Glendowie Reserve which is also accessible of Riddell Road.
The sandspit, which at low tide appears to make Bucklands Beach a short swim away (probably wouldn’t recommend due to the strong tidal currents), is easily accessible on the other side of Tahuna Torea from West Tamaki Road.
There is a large duck pond, swamp and mangrove area, home to many ducks providing kids the perfect opportunity to dish out a meal.
Just be aware with valuables in the car, the area is known to attract some undesirables.

Tahuna Torea is a stunning reserve that I am lucky enough to live very close to. It is very well looked after by a group of park rangers, and the pathways are all very safe and easy to walk or run on. I wouldn’t recommend biking through here, as there are a few sharp corners here and there and also quite a few steps, however it makes for a great shaded running loop which takes about 5 – 10 minutes to get around (depending which paths you take). There is also an option to head out to the spit when the tide is out, which allows you to get quite close to all the boats moored at Half Moon Bay. No dogs are allowed in this park, which allows the wildlife to flourish, such as the native New Zealand dotterel bird. The park is also right next to the Tamaki Estuary, which is a great beach for family picnics and swimming in the summer.