

William Nelson Park is a compact coastal/estuarine reserve with sheltered shoreline, boardwalks and native scrub offering intimate waterscape and wetland scenes, migratory and resident birds, and long low-light vistas across Hawke’s Bay. Easy, free access from St Aubyn St W with nearby parking; flat paths and boardwalks are wheelchair-friendly. Best at golden hour for warm side-light and reflections, or overcast for muted bird portraits. Weekdays and early mornings are quieter.


William Nelson Park is a compact coastal/estuarine reserve with sheltered shoreline, boardwalks and native scrub offering intimate waterscape and wetland scenes, migratory and resident birds, and long low-light vistas across Hawke’s Bay. Easy, free access from St Aubyn St W with nearby parking; flat paths and boardwalks are wheelchair-friendly. Best at golden hour for warm side-light and reflections, or overcast for muted bird portraits. Weekdays and early mornings are quieter.