Omokoroa: Coast, Trails and History

During a stay in Omokoroa, the harbour and coast, outdoor trails, and archaeological and historical sites offer different areas of focus. If you’re looking for a hotel, these destinations can help you plan your trip around your interests.

Harbour, Coast and Reserves

Ōmokoroa Domain provides access to the harbour. Pōhutukawa trees offer shade, and there are picnic tables, public toilets and a playground. There is a free gas barbecue at the northern end, and access to the wharf at the southern end. Facilities and their use may change; check for the latest information before your visit.

The beach at Ōmokoroa Domain offers very safe swimming. Water conditions vary with the tide and the season.

Gerald Crapp Historic Reserve is a coastal strip around the headland of Omokoroa Point. Hamurana Reserve has picnic tables and shade trees. The shore is made up of large rocks rather than sand; these rocks are part of work to stabilise the shoreline. A short path with a few steps leads from the reserve to the water. Vegetation and local conditions may change. If you plan to go down to the water, take the short path and steps into account as you find your way around.

Walking Loops and Activities

The Peninsula Loop is about nine kilometres long. It passes Ōmokoroa Golf Club and Cooney Reserve, then follows the water back to the Domain. The approximate distance helps you gauge the length of the loop; the named landmarks and the return route along the water also give you a sense of its course.

The Omokoroa Bird Walk goes around the peninsula and has ten informative panels about birds that can be seen there or in the surrounding area. The number of panels may change. Unlike the Peninsula Loop, this walk focuses on birds.

The Omokoroa to Tauranga Cycle Trail is part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network and provides a safe, relaxing connection between the peninsula and Tauranga City. Trail conditions may change; include up-to-date information in your planning. The Loop returns to the Domain along the water, while the cycle trail connects the peninsula with Tauranga City.

Western Ave Sportsground is home to the award-winning Omokoroa Skatepath; its condition and recognition may change.

Archaeological and Historical Traces

Wai-Huri Pa is a significant archaeological site in Gerald Crapp Reserve; its deep ditch is still visible. In Gerald Crapp Historic Reserve, a tree stump was carved by Warwich Lilley of Rotorua as an image of Reverend Joseph Tice Gellibrand. The two historical points of interest highlight different things: the visible ditch at the pa, and the depiction of a named person in the carving.

Discover more destinations: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Ohauiti, Omanawa

View the broader travel guide: Tauranga District.