Matakana Wharf Reserve is a waterside park at Matakana, in Rodney north of Auckland, and holds a 4.3 rating on Google.
Parks beside the water live by the tide: the water that invites a swim or a kayak at high tide can be broad mudflats a few hours later, so regulars check tide times before setting out. The best reserves pair that access with flat grass, decent shade for a picnic and a seat facing the view, and many welcome dogs, though rules vary from one reserve to the next. Parking is the other thing worth knowing in advance — on sunny weekend mornings the closest spaces go quickly, so arriving early makes for a calmer visit.
Sitting where it does, close to Matakana village, this reserve is an easy spot to unfold a picnic and watch the water for an hour or two.