Akatar Forest is a park at 1 Roiri Way, Titahi Bay, Porirua, with a Google rating of 5.0.
A forest or bush reserve is best approached as time among the trees rather than a casual stroll, so it pays to know the track you plan to take and roughly how long it will take. Bush can be cool, damp and shaded even on a fine day, and paths stay muddy or slippery for a day or two after rain, so sturdy shoes, water and a spare layer are sensible. Regulars know that early mornings are best for birdsong, that it is easy to lose track of time under the canopy, and that it is wise to finish before dark. Stay on marked tracks to protect the plants, keep dogs under control where they are allowed, and take your rubbish home.
For people in Titahi Bay and around Porirua, Akatar Forest on Roiri Way is a top-rated patch of bush close to home.