Dead Dog Bay also formally known as “Okoka Bay” is a little secluded tidal bay, 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.
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.
Blackpool Beach is a south side beach on Waiheke found on The Esplanade. This beach is popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to it being exposed to southerly winds.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
Pearl Bay is a lovely privately accessed bay. To enter this bay is on foot via the walking track on Otakawhe Bay. This bay screams relaxation wrapped around it are…
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 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…
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…
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…
Little Palm also known as "Nudie Beach" is a nudist beach located on the western side of Palm Beach. Waihekes only beach where its safe to swim and sunbathe naked.
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.
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.
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…
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…
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…
Man O' War Bay is a sheltered eastern cove. Offering a peaceful family friendly atmosphere popular for swimming, picnics, wine tasting and zip lining.
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.
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.
Waiheke Island Motel is located in Ostend. The motel has 14 units and cottages in a garden setting. With plenty of off street parking available and nearby local eateries.
Waiheke honey is a local honey business that offers organic and unpasteurized honey. They have a range of different size jars and a few types of honey to choose from.
Little Palm also known as “Nudie Beach” is a nudist beach located on the western side of Palm Beach. Waihekes only beach where its safe to swim and sunbathe naked.
Red Crab Waiheke is the perfect place to go. Being the only Thai restaurant on Waiheke it is a popular place to eat at, experience the taste of Salty, sweet, sour and spicy.