Judges Bay Reserve is a small beach pavilion and swimming spot at 3 Judges Bay Rd in Parnell, Auckland, rated 4.5 by nine reviewers who single out the pontoon, the clean public toilets and easy parking in winter. City beaches live and die by timing. A sheltered harbour bay stays calm enough for proper swimming, with water at its friendliest near high tide, while sand and parking can disappear on a hot summer weekend. Regulars swim early, or save their dips for winter afternoons, when the water is still mild and the crowds are elsewhere. Benches, shade and clean toilets are the quiet signs of a reserve that is really looked after. For a calm swim, a bomb off the pontoon or a winter walk with the dog, this sheltered corner of Parnell is hard to beat.