A 500-hectare marine reserve in the inner Waitematā Harbour, established in 1995, where intertidal mudflats, tidal channels, mangrove swamp, saltmarsh and shellbanks shelter sea birds and waders. The reserve is bounded by the industrial Rosebank Peninsula to the south and residential Waterview to the east. The best way to explore it is by kayak or other small boat, launched from the boat ramp at the end of Walker Road in Point Chevalier. The reserve is very tidal, and the mud can catch out a boat or walker.
Access to the inner parts around Traherne Island is from the southern side of the motorway, and it can be explored at mid to high tide or from shoreline points reached by side roads off Great North Road. Dinghy access is at Walker Road. There are good views from the Northwestern Motorway at the Te Atatu exit, but stopping on the motorway is not permitted. Dogs are not allowed, because they endanger rare birds, and boats, including jet skis, must not exceed five knots within 200 metres of land. Taking marine life, shells, seaweed or rocks is not allowed, and littering is an offence. The reserve is at SH 16, Avondale, Auckland 1026.