Omaha
Short drive from Matakana is Omaha, famous for its 3km white sand beach. Beach offers safe swimming and excellent conditions for water sports, in summer is patrolled by lifeguards. Northern end of the beach is reserve for endangered dotterels and fairy terns. Southern end, also known as Pink Beach, is perfect spot for exploring rock pools at low tide.
There’s a path that runs along the beach with tennis courts and playgrounds. It’s possible to make a loop walk, starting from Surf Club, walking to Pink Beach either on a beach or a path, then return via footpath. There’s multiple exit tracks, so you can make walk shorter or longer. For better view of Omaha, head to southern end (Mangatawhiri Drive) to Quarry Loop Walk. Short walk will reward you with extensive views over Omaha and Little Barrier.
Where is it located: Drive from Warkworth to Matakana, turn right before Matakana Country Park, left on the roundabout and left again before Point Wells.
Approximate duration: up to 2 hours
Dog friendly (on leash), in summer (1st December to 1 March) dogs are prohibited from the beach between 10am and 5pm.
Omaha Beach (Omaha Beach Community Website)
Omaha Beach Reserve (Auckland Council Website)