The nearest swimming beach to Matakana, Omaha has a long stretch of white sand, good surf and ritzy holiday homes. It's the kind of place where you might see a former NZ prime minister on the golf course, which is set a few genteel blocks back from the beach.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Tawharanui Regional Park

4.29 MILES

A partly unsealed road leads to this 588-hectare reserve at the end of a peninsula. This special place is an open sanctuary for native birds, protected by…

2. Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre

4.99 MILES

Staffed by marine experts and graduate students from the University of Auckland, this centre is packed with interesting exhibitions on the ecosystem of…

3. Goat Island Marine Reserve

5.04 MILES

Only 3km from Leigh, this 547-hectare aquatic area was established in 1975 as the country’s first marine reserve. In less than 40 years the sea has…

4. Brick Bay Sculpture Trail

5.71 MILES

After taking an hour-long artistic ramble through the beautiful grounds and native bush of Brick Bay Wines, recuperate with a wine tasting at the…

5. Mansion House

6.54 MILES

This impressive wooden manor was extended from an 1845 structure by Governor George Grey, who purchased the island in 1862. It houses a fine collection of…

6. Scandrett Regional Park

7.11 MILES

On the ocean side of the Mahurangi Peninsula, Scandrett Regional Park has a sandy beach, walking tracks, patches of regenerating forest, a historic…

7. Warkworth District's Museum

8.14 MILES

Pioneer-era detritus is displayed at this small local museum. Of more interest is the surrounding Parry Kauri Park, which harbours a couple of giant kauri…

8. Sheepworld

8.77 MILES

This agricultural attraction offers farm experiences for little city slickers (pony rides, lamb feeding) and the ubiquitous sheep and dog show, including…