Omaha is one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in the Auckland region and it’s closer that you might think…just 1 hour from the center of Auckland. We love swimming here and on this trip we discovered a lot more sea birds sharing the beach with us.
Location: Omaha Beach
Omaha Spit is located on the east coast of the North Island, about 60 km north of Auckland. The spit forms a barrier between the open sea and Whangateau Harbour, a relatively unspoilt tidal estuary.
To check for live information on water quality and safe swimming conditions at this beach, see the Safeswim website.
We stayed a few days with Helen and John, chatted, sat on the beach, swam, walked and dined together… a perfect summer break.
The Omaha Shorebird Protection Trust has a website which is a great resource and will help you identify the different species of birds found along this shoreline. We cautiously entered into the Godwit/Kuaka breeding area and managed to spot several of these migratory birds… but from a distance. I was aware of the large population of Godwits that arrived in Miranda but was surprised to see them here on the Omaha Spit so close to people.
Things to do: there are certainly a lot of things to do and here are some of my favourites:
- The beach is beautiful at all times of the day and during all weather. Pop on a sun hat (or a raincoat if needed) and get out to walk and enjoy the view… you will feel the hustle and bustle of city life melt away.
- Visit the Matakana Farmers Market every Saturday 8am to 1pm for great coffee and oysters
- Lunch at Matakana Market Kitchen, great menu and beautiful location
- Catch a movie at the Matakana Cinemas
- Omaha Beach Golf Club
- Charlies Gelato, YUM!!
- Beautiful pottery from Morris and James
Ka kite anō, Janet
Life With Janet 