Pauatahanui Inlet is the eastern arm of Porirua Harbour, ringed by hills and stretching about six kilometres inland. The head of the inlet is one of the most important saltmarshes in the lower North Island and the centrepiece of the Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve, co-managed by Forest & Bird and Greater Wellington Regional Council.
The reserve has 600 metres of boardwalk through wetland, a couple of bird hides, and informative interpretation. It is the best place in the Wellington region to see banded rail, marsh crake, and wintering migratory waders. Free entry; allow an hour. The drive around the inlet via SH 58 is also a pleasant alternative route between Porirua and the Hutt Valley.