Rocky Bay/Kuakarau Bay

Overview

Rocky Bay also formally known as Kuakarau Bay is a pretty quiet bay. It is perfect for a picnic and a fun space for children to play on the wooden playground “The Black Smith”.

Kuakarau Bay, has a stunning arrow like sculpture, a beautiful fresh water stream that flows into the bay. Providing a home for eels to swim and a lovely open field with a playground and toilets. 

Kuakarau Bay is located on the southern side of Waiheke Island on McMillan Road in Omiha, The bay was originally named after the Kuaka bird also known as the Bar Tailed Godwit which is a seasonal visitor to the area.

The view looks south towards Maraetai on the mainland.

The Black Smith playground is located in a open field called Mary Wilson Reserve, it is taken care of by waiheke locals and recently been painted to keeps its beautiful character.

When the tide is in its a great swimming spot, there are picnic tables and a BBQ available for beach dinners or lunches.

Waiheke Beaches

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Pearl Bay

Pearl bay is a lovely privately accessed bay. To enter this bay is on foot via the walking track on Otakawhe Bay. This bay has many beach houses around it.

Little Oneroa Beach

Little Oneroa Beach also known as Little O, is another popular beach in Oneroa. It is situated right across the road from Little Oneroa Takeaways and Little Oneroa dairy.

Gear Grab – Hire

Gear Grab is a hire shop on Waiheke, they have a wide range of everyday gear. Their store consists of party, gaming, outdoors, household, tech and more.

Surfdale Beach

Surfdale beach is a south side beach on Waiheke, the beach is best at half tide or higher. The Beach is made from Shell/Sand and popular for high wind activities.

Picnic Bay

Picnic bay is a small well kept secret on the eastern shore of Huruhi bay. You can enjoy relaxing/private swimming at all tides. With a moored pontoon.

Anzac Bay

Anzac is a quiet little bay located on Natzka Road. It is best to visit during high tide as its beautiful and tranquil but muddy during low tide.

Hooks Beach

Hooks Beach is a small, calm, picturesque beach, you can get some amazing photos and views of the Waiheke sunsets from here. Pathway to access down stairs.

Woodside Bay

Woodside Bay is a quiet little bay located in the Whakanewha region. It is a little bit of a drive but can be perfect for a quiet picnic away from…

Hekerua Bay

Hekerua Bay is a little hidden beach in Oneroa. The bay is only accessible by foot or via boat. During high tide from the higher cliffs the rocks and seafloor…

Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach is a south side beach on Waiheke, the beach is secluded and less populated than the northern beaches which makes this a nice spot for a quiet picnic.

Matiatia Bay

Matiatia bay will be the first beach you see when walking off Fullers or Island Direct passenger ferry services coming from Auckland city or Devonport.

Oneroa Beach

Oneroa also known as “Big Oneroa”, this is a popular beach that is just a short walk from the main Oneroa village. In the village you will find plenty of…

Dead Dog Bay

Dead dog bay also formally known as Okoka Bay is a little secluded tidal beach, this is entered via a short path at the end of Margaret Reeve Lane.

Skeleton Bay

Skeleton Bay is located on the northside of Waiheke. It is a little bay between Sandy Bay and Hekerua Bay, it can only be accessed via boat or walking across…

Enclosure Bay

Enclosure Bay is semi hidden gem bay made of rock formations that almost entirely enclose the bay from the sea. This creates a natural, shallow swimming pool.

Putiki Bay

Putiki bay is the home of Waiheke house boats and the little yellow submarine, it is a beautiful calm little bay that wraps around the causeway and wharf road.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is a well known favourite of locals and tourists. With its beautiful white sand and palm trees surrounding the beach it makes you feel like you are in…

Blackpool Beach

A south side beach on Waiheke found on The esplanade, the beach is best at high tide. This beach is popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Otakawhe Bay

Otakawhe Bay is a gorgeous bay located on Nepean Ave in Orapiu, many bays in Orapiu are accessed only via private driveways, this one can be accessed easily to the…

Owhanake Bay

Owhanake Bay is a private little gem. It is quiet and peaceful unlike other Waiheke beaches, which is perfect to just take some time for yourself.

Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay is located on the northside of Waiheke, with its beautiful white sand and crystal blue water it is definitely a favourite place to just relax and enjoy the…

Little Palm Beach

Little Palm also known as "Nudie Beach" is a nudist beach located on the western side of Palm Beach. It is Waihekes only beach where its safe to swim and…

Rocky Bay/Kuakarau Bay

Rocky Bay also formally known as Kuakarau Bay is a pretty quiet bay, it is perfect for a picnic and a fun space for children to play on its wooden…

Te Miro Bay

Te Miro Bay is a little secluded beach sheltered by pohutukawa trees. Only accessed via foot, it is located below the Matiatia Headland Path. The bay is perfect for fishing.

Whakanewha Bay

Whakanewha bay is located on the southside of Waiheke, it is a quiet bay but can be busy in peak summer times, it is also the nesting zone for our…

Omiha Bay

Omiha bay also known as Rocky Bay is a small bay located in Rocky Bay Omiha. It is home to many moored boats, Rocky Bay historic boat sheds and access…

Onetangi Beach

Onetangi Beach is the longest beach on Waiheke, being over 2kms of beautiful white sand. It is popular for surfing, swimming and just relaxing.

Beach Amenities

• Picnic Table
• Toilet
• BBQ
• Playground
• Parking

Key Access Points

From McMillan Road

The road access to Rocky Bay/Kuakarau Bay is via McMillan Road which is a side street off Obrien Road the main road. This is the coastal road to reach the bay

From Valley Road

Another access road is Valley Road, this can be entered via Obrien Road aswell, it has a tight hearpin corner, and then straight it will lead you to the bay.

Well Known For

• Mary Wilson Reserve
• Sculpture
• Blacksmith Playground

Hire Beach Gear

If you need beach items on your stay at Waiheke, there is a local hire shop called Gear Grab, they have a range of beach items, like sea scooters, metal detectors, beach speakers, sea biscuits, beach tents and games starting at a price of $5 for the smaller toys.

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