Onemana and  Whangamata

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Parks and Reserves 

Set on the eastern side of the Coromandel Ranges, two hours from Auckland and Tauranga, is Whangamata. This beach resort's population explodes over summer when holiday-makers come to enjoy boating, diving, fishing, sailing, surfing and swimming.

Surrounded by many towns that boast beautiful sandy beaches, your family can enjoy day trips while staying in Whangamata. The closest beach is at  Onemana, which is a ten minute drive from Whangamata. Other places further afield include Waihi Beach, Whitianga and Cooks Beach.

You can do a loop drive around the Coromandel Pensinsula starting at Whangamata travelling up pasted Whitianga up to Matarangi and across to the township of Coromandel. From Coromandel town you travel back down to Thames and across State Highway 25A back to Whangamata. This is a full day and ideally we would recommend taking two days to drive it with younger children. 

Beaches and walks

Whangamata

Whangamata Wharf is ideal for fishing off and its free!

 

Whangamata Beach is a great beach, long and sandy, and ideal for families. However there is very little shade so make sure you bring sunscreen, hats and tops to cover up with. A beach umbrella would not go amiss either, as would plenty of water to drink.

 

If you enjoy a camping holiday with the sound of water trickling over a stream,    then try the Wentworth Valley Campgrounds, a New Zealand Conservation Campsite 6 kms north of Whangamata. The Wentworth Valley has picnic areas for those on day visits with waterholes for children to swim in. There are many bush walks around the picnic area and oldgold mining workings which are also walking distance from the camping grounds.

 

Onemana

Onemana settlement is a recent development (approximately fifteen years old) and is nestled in the valley overlooking Onemana Beach. The beach itself is more suitable for surfing and children of all ages should be supervised by adults as the beach's shelf drops off steeply within a few metres of the shore. It is patrolled by Surf Life Savers during the summer months. Onemana has toilets and  a small playground for the children. The beach is long enough to enjoy a 20 minute walk and it boasts white sand. However, there is little shade and if you can it is advisable to bring your own.

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Pictures clockwise: Onemana beach, Wentworth Valley Campgrounds and Onemana Beach's playground