Harbor View Reserve is a neighbourhood park on Harbour View Road in Point Chevalier, Auckland, and its 4.6 Google rating suggests the name is no exaggeration. Auckland's smaller reserves are the quiet counterpoint to the big destination parks, and the good ones share a simple formula: mown grass, a seat or two in the right spot, and room to let an afternoon go. On the harbour side of town, tide and light do much of the work — low water draws wading birds onto the mudflats, and a high evening tide with the sun behind the Waitākeres is what locals time their walks around. Facilities at reserves like these are often minimal, so it pays to check the Auckland Council page before planning a picnic, and to expect residential street parking. For an easy stop above the Waitematā at the Point Chevalier end of things, this one fits the bill.