Armour Bay Reserve is a coastal park at 5 Armour Rd in Parau, Waitakere City, Auckland, rated 4.2 from 14 Google reviews. Visitors describe plenty of room for children to run around, a BBQ, toilets, changing rooms and an outdoor shower, and swimming that comes into its own as the tide fills in.
Parks on a tidal shoreline live by the tide table. Around high water the swimming is easy; at low tide the bay drains to mudflats, less inviting for a dip but often the highlight for children, who spend happy hours crabbing among the puddles. Locals check tide times before setting out, timing a visit so the flats give way to a swim as the water returns. Showers and changing rooms earn their keep, too, once a salty, muddy crew needs hosing off before the drive home.
Set on the shores of the Manukau Harbour, this reserve rewards anyone who plans the day around the tide.