The settlements of Omana and Maraetai face north and are sited on either side of a headland, with the land rising quite steeply back from the foreshore thus offering spectacular and in many cases panoramic views stretching from Auckland City to the Coromandel Ranges.  Maraetai was a very early european settlement dating back to 1838 and like Beachlands was subdivided in the 1920s.  Omana's major housing developments followed after a large subdivision in the late 1950's. 

The name "Omana"  has been shortened from O-Manawatere, (meaning "the dwelling place of Manawatere") from the name given to the Ngai Tai pa site, now part of Omana Regional Parkpark.  

 
The Maori name "Maraetai"  means "meeting place by the sea".  The settlement has been well named for the meaning still holds true today as many families flock to this beautiful part of The Pohutukawa Coast to swim, picnic, fish, or just walk the beaches. 

Swimming is safe at both Omana and Maraetai, with grassed verges suitable for picnicing and relaxing on. There is excellent parking and a grassed area supporting a  large children's play area and boat ramp beside the "Maraetai Beach Boating Club".   If you are early parking can be found alongside the length of the beach.

The area supports a school, pre-school facilities, a service station, restaurant/cafes, dairies, takeaway foods, a very active boating club, and a much valued volunteer Coastguard/Sea Rescue Organisation. 

Before reaching Omana / Maraetai you pass the "Te Puru Park"  again north facing and supporting its own beach.  Although very tidel this is another very safe place to swim when the tide allows, and the park offers excellent parking, a childrens outdoor playground, skateboard ramp. and is the home to the local Tennis Club, Scout Group. and the newly completed "Te Puru Community and Sports Centre".

On the eastern side and seperated from "Te Puru"  by the Te Puru Creek, lies the "Omana Regional Park", one of the Auckland Regional Council's wide network of parks.  The main entrance to the park is on the left at the Omana Beach turnoff.   As well as being a working farm, it offers a basic camping ground, wonderful views of the inner gulf,  easy walks, a safe swimming beach at high tide, picnic areas, barbecue facilities and, a favourite attraction with children, friendly farm animals. 

This park was once one of the first farms of the region.  The land was farmed from 1837 until 1970 when it was purchased by the Auckland Regional Council.

It has a long Maori history and the O-Manawatere pa site can easily be seen.  As well as large grassy areas and farmland you will find areas of regenera-ting native bush, easy feature walks, and see and hear a selection of native birds.

Dogs are prohibited from the farmed area of the park, however provided they are on a lead they are allowed on the perimeter walk and in the picnic areas prior to the cattle stop. 

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The "Te Puru" concept had its origans back in mid 1975 after a local committee had been formed to access what the sporting, cultural and recreational needs would be for the future of the area. 

After much negotiation, 1980 saw Manukau City Council  purchase the land, and from then until 2005 local fundraising events were a regular happening.  1997 saw that start of the building, 1998 the completion of the outer building shell and then things sadly came to a halt.  In the early 2000's "The Te Puru Community Trust"  was formed and through their management and fund-raising major work was undertaken to complete and bring the building up to the current compliance standards. 

The complex as we see it today was officially opened in April 2005 fully functional and is now home to many of our local sporting groups and activities.