Judges Bay in Auckland is a curious find, a small bay largely cut off from the sea by the Tamaki Drive and railway line viaduct crossing Hobson Bay. However, it is pretty and swimmable when the tide is in, fronted by a small strip of golden sand, backed by steep Dove Myer Robinson Park and Judges Bay Reserve, with St Stephens Chapel at the top. The Te Ara o Taurarua / Judges Bay Path connects the three recreational areas with Gladstone Road to the west and St Stephens Avenue to the east. You can also drive from Gladstone Road along Judges Bay Road to a car park in the bay.
The beach is perfect for a picnic, while some panels tell you about the area's history. You can also follow a walkway around the southeast edge of the small bay to Parnell Baths, a long-established saltwater pool. The path continues through the facility past a large crushed glass mural. On the far side of the pool, you can walk up to Resolutuon Point Park and cross the bridge to Tamaki Drive or make a loop back down Judge Street and the reserve back to the bay.
