Dead Dog Bay

Overview

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.

Why is it called Dead dog bay? Over 40 years ago a local sculptor was kayaking with his son and they found a dog located on the bay, unfortunately deceased. The sculptor started calling it Dead Dog Bay and somehow the name stuck and that is what locals call it to this day.

The path starts at the end of Margaret Reeve Lane. The path starts out steep then quickly flattens out. Along the track you will see glimpses of sculpture at the Dead Dog Bay Sculpture Garden.

The track comes out at a mown grass area at the lovely quiet bay. Saltmarsh plants known as oi oi grown on the edge of the lawn. To the right on the foreshore is a sculpture of a boat form by David McCracken. You can roam around the bay, and enjoy the views out to Putiki Bay and the Tamaki Strait beyond.

A stream comes out at the southern end of the bay. Here there is a route up to Te Whau Drive, which offers amazing views, but it’s a steep climb.

To complete the Okoka Beach Path, return the way you came to Margaret Reeve Lane.

This is also home to many wildlife you may find Dotterels and Randed Rails living in the saltmarsh.

Waiheke Beaches

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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.

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.

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

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Little Oneroa Beach

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Enclosure Bay

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Omiha Bay

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Picnic Bay

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Palm Beach

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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.

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.

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.

Whakanewha Bay

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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.

Little Palm Beach

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Woodside Bay

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Shelly Beach

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Otakawhe Bay

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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.

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.

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.

Skeleton Bay

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Sandy Bay

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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…

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.

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…

Beach Amenities

• Art sculpture
• Picnic Table

Key Access Points

From Margaret Reeve Lane

This is the main entrance to Dead dog bay (Okoka Bay) enter Margaret Reeve lane via Obrien road at the end of the road there is a cul-de-sac, find a park without obstructing other vehicles and follow the small track called Petersons Track, to get back to your car follow the same track.

There is also another track leading to Te whau drive this is located across the stream but its a steep climb, so be careful

Well Known For

• Tidal beach
• Wildlife
• Boat sculpture
• Secluded

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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