Omana Regional Park - Overview

Overview

The park is located on a gently contoured knoll, which rises 40 meters above sea level. From the highest point looking inland, visitors can see from Maraetai to the Beachlands settlements. Looking seaward, spectacular views can be had of the Hauraki Gulf.

The eastern boundary is the Whitford-Maraetai road which is separated from view by a strip of mature native bush. There are 40.81 hectares of park of which about 20 hectares are used to graze sheep and the rest is used for recreational activities.

Omana is the home of the Omana Children's Day, held annually every March. The day is set aside for children to visit and pet the various farm animals.

The beach is covered with shells and suitable for swimming at high tide. The water is shallow, and sand lies under the shells for the children to enjoy. At low tide many shallow pools become exposed on the almost level rock foreshore which children find fascinating to explore.

There are picnic areas and barbecue facilities, making it an ideal place for a family outing. There is also a children's playground. Volleyball is often played on the grass area beside the beach where trees provide ample shade. Kayaking is also an interest for some people visiting the park. It has wheelchair access, drinking water from taps, campervan and camping sites (booking essential), even dogs can be walked on a leash around the perimeter track.

Families frequently explore the ‘perimeter track’ starting from the carpark area near the beach and following the coast, which allows great views over the Hauraki gulf towards Rangitoto and Waiheke Islands. Visitors will see beautiful Pohutukawa trees clinging to the steep cliffs (forming the western boundary of the park) and enjoy seeing the sheep farm just over the fence. There are pleasant views along the northern and western areas from Omana Beach around to Kelly's Beach. During the walk children will enjoy patting the goats which are usually tied up in the ditch around the site of the Maori pa

(10 min's from the start).

The walk then takes them over a board walk away from the coast, through the middle of the mangrove salt marsh of Te Puru Creek (which form the southern boundary of the park), followed by a gently undulating track through regenerating native bush where native birds can be seen and heard before returning to the car park beside the sea. Alternatively, there is a short walk (600m), through the middle of the farm where sheep can be seen grazing in a 'picture post card' rural setting.