BEACH OF THE WEEK: Omokoroa

In the weeks ahead we'll be visiting some of the Bay's glorious beaches - both the popular favourites and the hidden gems. This week, Laura McLeay checks out Omokoroa.
This natural coastline is a sight to behold. The blue waters, surrounded by native bush, stretch out to take in the odd kayaker, sail boat and fisherman on the way to the beautiful Matakana Island.
Omokoroa Beach, on the peninsula at the end of The Esplanade, is just 20 minutes north of Tauranga.
Omokoroa Beach Store co-owner Murray Moon had just one word to describe this small paradise - "pristine". And that is exactly what it is. Its lovely scenery and relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a day out with sights to see and activities to do.
Mr Moon has lived at the beach for 18 years and still loves every moment of it.
"It is a very safe place for children to be swimming, it has very nice walkways, plenty of grass, a children's playground and excellent fishing."
Directly behind the shore is a large reserve suitable for barbecues or a game of soccer, and on the reserve is a playground for all those adventurous children.
Apart from the beach, there is plenty to keep everybody entertained. At the far end of the beach is the Omokoroa walkway which leads around the coast, with stunning views and lookouts along the way. Allow one hour to complete the full walk, otherwise stop off at any time and return to the beach.
There is also a boat ramp and large wharf, which has been around for nearly as long as the seaside town itself. The wharf was built in 1909 for a mere £100. It has since been replaced with a more stable one but it is still used on a daily basis - a perfect spot to take a fishing rod and a couple of sandwiches and relax in the sun.
The wharf has also been the main channel for farmers and residents of Matakana Island to get to and from the mainland. The Matakana Island Barge, which leaves the jetty four times each day can also take visitors across to Matakana. Take an afternoon trip to explore the island. It is just $4 for adults and $2 for five to 15-year-olds each way. It leaves at 7.45am, 9am, 2pm and 4pm and returns four times a day.
Originally named Omokoroa Point, the name changed to Omokoroa Beach with the arrival in the 1960s of the beach post office which is still there to this day.
On the beach front there is a dairy, Esplanade Cafe and Restaurant, and the Boat Club Restaurant for a refreshing bite to eat or drink.
Just a few minutes walk down The Esplanade and on to Harbour View Road is a little gift shop owned by Rhonda and Chris Dangen which they opened eight months ago - a perfect place for last-minute Christmas shopping while at the beach. All goods are handmade by Rhonda and Chris. The range of products includes flax bags, decorations, ornaments, wall art, carvings and little souvenir gifts, many of which are made from free-form wood.
NEED TO KNOW:
Where is Omokoroa Beach: The Esplanade, Omokoroa
Public toilets: Half way along the beach front
Parking: Free all day parking for both cars and trailers
Closest icecreams: Omokoroa Beach Store
Liquor laws: No liquor ban