BEACH OF THE WEEK: Omanu Beach

The seemingly endless coastline of the Western Bay is never more apparent than when you're standing on Omanu Beach.
To both the north and the south, the golden sands of the Bay stretch out in a gently curving line, and it's not hard to see why people flock here in their droves in the summertime. There's so much room, such a vast amount of space for the thousands of visitors to stretch out and enjoy the sun, sand and surf.
Omanu Beach is one of the popular spots along the coast with several camping grounds and motels nearby. It largely retains its seaside holiday spot feel with modern baches dotted along its coast and a lack of high rise buildings. It's still got its fair share of homes to house those with endless bank accounts, but there are enough average-looking holiday homes along the waterfront to keep it real.
It's also far enough away from the main beach to restrict the crowds, which makes way for the little ones. Omanu Beach is a popular spot for families - patrolled by lifeguards throughout the summer, it attracts not only locals but hundreds of tourists from nearby camping grounds and accommodations.
Omanu Beach is also the closest major beach to Tauranga. You can get there by driving in almost a straight line directly over the bridge and down Golf Rd.
The parking opportunities are extensive here. Immediately next to the beach, there is a small carpark by the surf club off Surf Rd. Then there is the length of Oceanbeach Rd on which to park, with just a short walk down one of numerous walkways to the beach. Because of its distance from the main beach, there is always somewhere to park at Omanu Beach.
NEED TO KNOW:
Where is Omanu Beach: Access is via Surf Rd, off Oceanbeach Rd, Omanu.
Public toilets: Next to the lifeguard building, to the north of the carpark.
Parking: There is a small carpark at the end of Surf Rd, plus on-road parking up Surf Rd and on Oceanbeach Rd.
Closest icecreams: Omanu Superette, corner of Oceanbeach and Surf Rds.
Liquor laws: Between December 26 and January 5 there is a liquor ban in place at Omanu beach which includes the beach itself, 200m either side of the surf club, the surf club itself and the carpark. For the rest of the year there is no liquor ban.