Omana Regional Park is a coastal reserve on Auckland’s eastern Hauraki Gulf coastline, adjacent to Maraetai village, about 40 kilometres from the CBD. The park has a sheltered beach, a campground, walking tracks and picnic areas — it’s one of the most complete day-out or overnight options on the eastern gulf within easy reach of Auckland. The beach is calm and family-friendly; the park setting means more space and a more natural environment than most urban Auckland beaches.
Practical Information
| Location | Omana Regional Park, Maraetai — 40km southeast of Auckland CBD |
| Beach type | Sheltered Hauraki Gulf beach — calm, sandy, suitable for families |
| Camping | Auckland Council campground within the park — bookings essential in summer |
| Lifeguards | Summer patrol — swim between flags when lifeguards are present |
| Parking | Free parking within the park |
| Facilities | Toilets, BBQs, picnic tables, playground, walking tracks |
| Managed by | Auckland Council (Regional Parks) |
The Beach and Swimming
Omana’s beach faces northeast into the Hauraki Gulf and is sheltered from the south and west by the Manukau Peninsula and surrounding land. The water is typically calm and clear — good conditions for family swimming. The beach has a gradual slope into the water suitable for children. Water quality is monitored by Auckland Council. A summer lifeguard patrol operates at the beach — swim between the flags when on duty. The beach area is part of the wider park, giving it a more natural and spacious feel than urban beaches.
The Campground
The Omana Regional Park campground is one of Auckland Council’s most popular park campgrounds and books out quickly in summer. Sites accommodate tents, campervans and caravans. Facilities include toilets, showers and cooking areas. Waking up at Omana with the gulf in front of you is a genuinely good experience — the combination of accessible campground, beach and park makes it an easy choice for a family overnight. Bookings are essential from December through February; check the Auckland Council parks booking system well in advance.
Walking Tracks and the Park
Omana Regional Park covers farmland, coastal scrub and the foreshore. A network of walking tracks runs through the park — the clifftop and coastal tracks give good views over the Hauraki Gulf towards the Coromandel Peninsula. The tracks are well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. The park is also good for birdwatching — the foreshore and wetland areas attract wading birds and shore species. Connecting to Maraetai Beach to the south is possible via the foreshore, making a combined visit practical.
What Visitors Say
“Omana is our family’s go-to for a summer camping trip — close enough to Auckland to not be a big expedition, but it genuinely feels like a getaway. The beach is calm and safe for kids, the campground is well-run, and the views of the Coromandel from the clifftop tracks are stunning.”
— Google review
“Day trip to Omana — lovely sheltered beach, good walking tracks and we combined it with Maraetai village for lunch. Great spot that feels less touristy than the more famous beaches. Book the campground early if you want to stay over.”
— TripAdvisor review
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Omana Regional Park
Official park information including campground bookings, walking tracks and facilities.
Auckland Council — Swimming Spots
Water quality monitoring for Omana Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Omana Regional Park?
By car — about 40 kilometres southeast of Auckland CBD via the southern motorway and Whitford Road to Maraetai. Allow 40–50 minutes. There is no public transport to Omana.
Is there camping at Omana Regional Park?
Yes — Auckland Council operates a campground within the park. Bookings are essential in summer and should be made well in advance via the Auckland Council parks booking system.
Is Omana Beach good for swimming?
Yes — sheltered, calm gulf water suitable for all ages. Lifeguards patrol in summer.
What walks are at Omana Regional Park?
Several walking tracks through the park including clifftop routes with Hauraki Gulf views. Most are suitable for families and take 30–90 minutes.
Can I combine Omana with Maraetai?
Yes — Maraetai Beach and village are immediately south of the park. A combined visit is a good full-day option: swim at Omana, walk the tracks, then lunch in Maraetai village.
Omana is on Auckland’s eastern gulf coast. Nearby: Maraetai Beach. All Auckland swimming: Swimming in Auckland.