Location) McMillan road, Omiha, Waiheke Island
BBQ) Yes
Beach type) Sand and shell
Parking) Yes
Length) 440 Metres
Wheelchair Access) yes
Category) Beach
Toilet) Yes
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 its 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 BlackSmith 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.
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.
Close To Rocky Bay/Kuakarau Bay
Rocky Bay Tennis Court – is a open tennis or petanque court located on valley road it costs $2.00 p/hr per person to enter. It was gifted by the O’brien family in 1930’s.
Rocky Bay Store – The historic Rocky Bay store on Glen Brook Road was built in 1924, then it burned down in 2003 and has remained a half burnt shell, that is all that remains.
Omiha Hall – The Omiha Memorial Hall was originally built by the Omiha Welfare and Recreation Society in or around the 1950’s. You can hire the hall for functions and events.
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 to the boat ramp.
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