Last updated November 2026
A finger of old lava pushes out into the Waitematā Harbour off Meola Road, and the land around its base is Meola Reef Reserve, also known as Te Tokaroa. Auckland Council describes it as a very large nature reserve of geological interest, covering nearly 15 hectares at 171 Meola Road, Western Springs.
Te Ara, the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, calls the reef the longest lava flow in the Auckland volcanic field. Mangroves and salt marsh fill the landward end, with bush, open grass and mostly gravel paths behind them, and the council says the reserve is a popular dog walking spot with the locals. The car parks at the main entrance and Seddon Fields are open 24 hours.
Practical Information
- Location
- 171 Meola Road, Western Springs, with access from several points along Meola Road
- Size
- Nearly 15 hectares (Auckland Council)
- Managed by
- Auckland Council (Waitematā Local Board area)
- Opening hours
- Main entrance and Seddon Fields car parks open 24 hours; Seddon Fields overflow car park 9am to 6pm from Meola Road
- Dogs
- A large fenced off-leash area (Auckland Council’s OurAuckland); elsewhere, dogs on a leash unless the council’s dog walking rules say otherwise
- Facilities
- Mostly gravel paths, seating along the paths, picnic tables and a drinking fountain about halfway to the water’s edge
- Status
- Auckland Council: Meola Reef Reserve page
About Meola Reef Reserve
The reef is the reason for the reserve’s geological interest. Te Ara describes Meola Reef as a lava flow, the longest in the Auckland volcanic field, reaching out into the harbour.
A 2019 council article describes the lava reef reaching more than two kilometres into the harbour, and notes that a landfill operated on the reef from 1930 to 1976, after which it was capped. The council’s park page describes the reef as a unique habitat for intertidal life in the Waitematā Harbour.
On land, the reserve changes as you walk out from Meola Road. Natural mangroves and salt marsh line the landward end, and large areas of bush mix with open grass. The paths are mostly gravel, with seats along the way and a drinking fountain about halfway to the water’s edge, and there are picnic tables for a break.
The reserve’s Māori name, Te Tokaroa, appears on the council’s page alongside the English name.
The Dog Park
Dogs are a big part of life here. A July 2026 OurAuckland article says the reserve includes a large fenced off-leash area, and that its gravel tracks and open spaces make it a favourite with local dogs and their owners.
An earlier OurAuckland guide to off-leash spots calls it a dedicated canine exercise area, with a muddy estuary for dogs to splash in, bushes and trees to explore and open space to play with other dogs, and says the water views are “particularly spectacular later in the afternoon”.
Across Auckland parks, the council’s default rule is that dogs stay on a leash unless the dog walking rules for a park say otherwise, so check the rules for the area you are in.
Getting There and Parking
You can walk in from several points along Meola Road. A small off-street car park at the main entrance and the Seddon Fields car park, both reached from Meola Road, are open 24 hours.
The Seddon Fields overflow car park can be reached from Meola Road between 9am and 6pm, or from Old Mill Road by driving past the MOTAT Aviation Museum.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council: Meola Reef Reserve: habitats, paths, facilities, parking and park rules.
OurAuckland (Auckland Council): Paws, paths and plenty of places to explore: the council’s guide to dog-friendly places, including the fenced off-leash area at Meola Reef.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Meola Reef Reserve?
At 171 Meola Road, Western Springs, on the Waitematā Harbour. You can enter from several points along Meola Road.
What is Te Tokaroa?
It is the reserve’s Māori name, which the council gives alongside Meola Reef Reserve.
Is there an off-leash dog area?
Yes. The council’s OurAuckland news site describes Meola Reef Dog Park as a large fenced off-leash area in the reserve. Check the council’s dog walking rules for the rest of the reserve.
Where can I park?
At the small car park by the main entrance or at Seddon Fields, both open 24 hours. The Seddon Fields overflow car park is open from Meola Road between 9am and 6pm.
How big is the reserve?
Nearly 15 hectares, according to the council.
What makes the reef special?
Te Ara calls it the longest lava flow in the Auckland volcanic field, and the council describes it as a unique reef habitat for intertidal life in the Waitematā Harbour.
Are there facilities?
The council lists seating along the paths, picnic tables and a drinking fountain about halfway to the water’s edge.
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