Omanu Beach
Omanu Beach: A stunning coastal gem in Mount Maunganui, offering fantastic surf, serene walks, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, perfect for walks
Omanu Beach
Best Time
Less crowded, perfect for walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Omanu Beach: A stunning coastal gem in Mount Maunganui, offering fantastic surf, serene walks, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
"My favorite place to go for walk with the dog, relax with family on my opinion the best beach in the North Island love it."
🌊 Hold kids tight!
Waves can be a bit scary for little ones, so keep a close eye on them.
🏄♀️ Surf's up!
Omanu offers awesome surf, and the surf club is there to look out for you.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Omanu Beach Surf
Experience awesome, warm, and friendly surf. A prime spot for surfers of all levels.
Coastal Walks
Enjoy serene walks along the white sand, with gentle waves perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Sheltered Conditions
A great spot for 'FnC' (food and coffee) as it's sheltered from southwesterly winds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waves (and the Chill)
Parking and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Hold kids tight!
Waves can be a bit scary for little ones, so keep a close eye on them.
🏄♀️ Surf's up!
Omanu offers awesome surf, and the surf club is there to look out for you.
🚶♀️ Perfect for walks
Even in summer, the beach isn't too busy, making it ideal for relaxing strolls.
🚗 Ample parking
Sufficient parking is available, making it easy to access the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Hold kids tight!
Waves can be a bit scary for little ones, so keep a close eye on them.
🏄♀️ Surf's up!
Omanu offers awesome surf, and the surf club is there to look out for you.
🚶♀️ Perfect for walks
Even in summer, the beach isn't too busy, making it ideal for relaxing strolls.
🚗 Ample parking
Sufficient parking is available, making it easy to access the beach.
💧 Clean facilities
Appreciate the clean beach and available tap water stations for convenience.
🌬️ Wind shelter
A good alternative to Pilot Bay if it's too windy or cold.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Omanu Beach is praised for its clean facilities, beautiful views, and excellent surf conditions, making it a favorite for walks and relaxation. While the waves can be a bit strong for very young children, the surf club offers a sense of security. It's a well-maintained and often uncrowded gem on the North Island.
"Toilet is very clean! Nice beach, beautiful view! Make sure to hold you kids tight tho the waves are a bit scary for little ones."
Anita Darmawan Lawrie
"Just a wonderful and magic place to be. The surf is awesome, warm and friendly. The surf club looks out for ya. Its a great spot for some FnC - nice and sheltered from the Southwesterly winds - if Pilot Bay is too windy and cold, Omanu is the spot."
Anthony Bull (Antosaurus)
"Even in summer, the beach was not very busy. White sand and sea with few waves. Excellent for walking."
Carlos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Omanu Beach is located in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. It's easily accessible by car, with sufficient parking available. Many visitors drive from Auckland, with a route that can include Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves.
Yes, there is generally sufficient parking available at Omanu Beach, making it convenient for visitors.
While specific public transport routes directly to Omanu Beach might vary, Mount Maunganui is well-served by local buses. Checking local transport schedules for Tauranga and Mount Maunganui is recommended.
Omanu Beach is part of the wider Mount Maunganui area, often referred to as 'The Mount'. It's a popular spot within this vibrant coastal region.
A popular road trip from Auckland to Omanu Beach takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes, often including a stop at Hobbiton.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Omanu Beach is a public beach, and there is no entry fee to access it.
Omanu Beach is open 24/7, as it is a natural public space. However, facilities like restrooms may have specific operating hours.
No, booking is not required to visit Omanu Beach. It's a public access area for everyone to enjoy.
General beach rules apply. Always be mindful of surf conditions and keep children supervised. Some areas might have specific local bylaws regarding dogs or fires.
Omanu Beach is suitable for swimming, but the waves can be strong, so caution is advised, especially for young children. The surf club provides a safe environment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Omanu Beach is excellent for surfing, swimming, walking, and relaxing. It's also a popular spot for beach workouts and community events like the Polar Bear Plunge.
Yes, Omanu Beach is renowned for its awesome surf, offering warm and friendly waves suitable for various skill levels.
Visitors have noted clean toilets and tap water stations at Omanu Beach, adding to the convenience of the facilities.
Many locals consider Omanu Beach a favorite spot for dog walks, suggesting it's a dog-friendly beach. It's always good to check local signage for any specific off-leash areas or times.
Even during summer, Omanu Beach is often not very busy, offering a more relaxed experience compared to some other popular beaches.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Omanu Beach itself is more about the natural experience, the nearby Mount Maunganui area, often called 'The Mount', has numerous cafes and eateries. Some spots even offer vegan options.
Yes, Omanu Beach is a great spot for a picnic. Its sheltered nature makes it comfortable, and the clean environment is perfect for enjoying food with a view.
Mount Maunganui offers a diverse range of dining options, from cafes to restaurants, including popular spots for vegan dumplings.
The 'Mount' area has various takeaway options. For specific recommendations, checking local guides or asking locals is advised.
While specific mentions of Indian takeaways directly at Omanu Beach are scarce in online discussions, the broader Mount Maunganui and Tauranga areas are likely to have Indian dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
Omanu Beach offers stunning sunrise views,
beautiful white sand beaches, and dynamic surf shots. It's also a picturesque location for general coastal photography.Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club for any restrictions before flying a drone.
Omanu Beach is particularly known for its beautiful sunrises, with many visitors capturing the stunning morning light.
A smartphone like an iPhone is perfectly capable of capturing the beauty of Omanu Beach, as demonstrated by many creators.
For surfers, a waterproof camera or action cam would be ideal.The beach itself, with its waves and sand, is the main attraction. The Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club building can also be a point of interest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during calmer morning hours for a more relaxed experience with younger children. While the surf is great for older kids and adults, always supervise little ones closely near the water. The Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club is also a reassuring presence for safety.
🏄♂️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Beyond surfing, the beach is ideal for swimming, though caution is advised due to wave strength. The sheltered nature of the beach also makes it a good option when other local spots might be too windy. The dynamic environment provides excellent opportunities for capturing action shots, whether with a smartphone or more specialized gear.
🚶♀️ Fitness and Wellness Seekers
For those who enjoy active recreation, the beach is perfect for long walks, jogging, or even beach yoga. The clean environment and ample space, even during busier times, make it conducive to focused training or a peaceful mindful session.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing at Omanu Beach
When the surf is up, it's a vibrant scene with surfers enjoying the ocean. Even when the water is a bit chilly, dedicated surfers might opt for booties to extend their time in the water. The beach's natural beauty, combined with the thrill of catching a wave, makes it a prime destination for surf enthusiasts looking for a quintessential New Zealand beach experience.
Family and Community Life
The Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club plays a vital role, not only in ensuring safety but also in fostering community spirit. Events like the annual Polar Bear Plunge, where students and staff take an icy dip for charity, highlight the active and engaged nature of the local community. The club also hosts beach workouts and training sessions, demonstrating a commitment to fitness and well-being for all ages.
The Omanu Beach Experience: Beyond the Waves
Visitors also appreciate the practical amenities available, such as clean toilets and tap water stations, which enhance the overall comfort of a visit. Furthermore, Omanu Beach is noted for being sheltered from southwesterly winds, making it a pleasant alternative to other nearby beaches like Pilot Bay when the weather is less favorable. This combination of natural beauty, practical facilities, and favorable conditions makes Omanu Beach a well-rounded destination for various types of visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit