Willowbank Reserve and Play Area

“Love this place, we visit often with our toddler. The reserve features a stream with the most eels we've ever seen in one spot, there are trains regularly passing by which my toddler loves to point and wave at, a big playground for kids of all ages, beautiful trees, a big grassy clearing, sometimes there are a few ducks, shade sails with picnic tables underneath, two bridges to cross the stream and a short nature track to enjoy. It is disappointing to see people feeding the eels and allowing their dogs off lead on the tracks though. Some of those eels could be up to 60 years old or even older and I've seen multiple people feed them bread which is terrible for them and the overall health of the stream. Please also do be careful with your children there as people like to let their untrained, out of control dogs roam free despite the obvious signs stating that the dogs should be on lead in the reserve.”

“Willowbank Reserve is a nice place to hang out and enjoy the sunshine, their is a park for kids to play on, their is a bridge that leads you on a small walk, plus a river with eels (their is a sign that says do not feed them) I would recommend coming here for a lunch and having a walking around, the sounds of the river and the leafs rusling are very peaceful.”

“A very peaceful and nature park with many old giant trees and Porirua stream run through. A part of area is dog off leash, you can unleash your dog and run on the grass. There are a lot of eels in the stream, they are protected by law and not allow to feed. Heaps carpark at entrance and on the side road, 3 bathroom beside carpark.”

“I really like this reserve. Public toilets onsite, off street parking, nice calm shallow river/creek. Large open space, playground. To achieve 5 start it would be great to have the playground updated a bit and also the grass cut. The grass was long and soaked our shoes in no time however everything else was great. My sons favourite was chucking pebbles into the water.”