Beach & Outdoors

Onemana Beach: Quiet Escape Near Whangamata

Onemana Beach quiet escape near Whangamata
Image: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA licence

About Onemana

Onemana is a small, exclusive beach settlement located approximately 5 kilometres north of Whangamata on the Coromandel Peninsula. Known for its beautiful beach, pohutukawa-lined streets and upmarket holiday homes, Onemana offers a peaceful, secluded alternative to the busier Whangamata. The community is tight-knit and the atmosphere is noticeably quieter, making it ideal for those seeking a genuine beach retreat.

Onemana Beach

Onemana Beach is a stunning crescent-shaped bay with golden sand, clear water and pohutukawa trees framing the shoreline. The beach is smaller and more sheltered than Whangamata, with gentler surf that makes it suitable for swimming, particularly for families with younger children. At low tide, rock pools at either end of the beach provide hours of exploration for kids.

Beach Features

  • Sheltered crescent bay with gentle surf
  • Golden sand beach, less crowded than Whangamata
  • Pohutukawa trees providing natural shade
  • Rock pools at low tide for exploring
  • Clear water ideal for swimming and snorkelling
  • Stunning coastal scenery and sunrises

Getting to Onemana

Onemana is accessed via a sealed road that turns off the main Whangamata road (SH25). The drive from Whangamata takes about 5-10 minutes. There is limited parking near the beach — during peak summer, spaces fill up quickly, so arriving early is advisable. The settlement is residential, so please be respectful of properties and driveways when parking.

Onemana Accommodation

Accommodation in Onemana consists almost entirely of private holiday homes and baches. There are no motels, hotels or campgrounds in the settlement. Visitors can rent holiday homes through platforms like Bookabach, Airbnb and local holiday rental agencies. Properties in Onemana tend to be higher-end, reflecting the settlement’s reputation as a premium beach destination.

Things to Do in Onemana

  • Swimming and relaxing at the beach
  • Exploring rock pools at low tide
  • Coastal walks along the headlands
  • Kayaking and paddleboarding in the sheltered bay
  • Fishing from the rocks
  • Day trip base for exploring Whangamata and surrounds

Local Amenities

Onemana has very limited amenities — there are no shops, cafes or restaurants in the settlement. For all shopping, dining and services, residents and visitors head to Whangamata, which is just a short drive away. The settlement does have a community hall and a beach access point with basic facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Onemana from Whangamata?

Onemana is approximately 5 kilometres north of Whangamata, about a 5-10 minute drive.

Is there accommodation in Onemana?

Accommodation is limited to private holiday home rentals. Check Bookabach, Airbnb and local rental agencies for available properties.

Is Onemana Beach safe for children?

The beach is relatively sheltered with gentler surf than Whangamata, making it popular with families. However, there are no lifeguards, so supervise children at all times in the water.

Written by

Whangamata News Team

The Whangamata News Team brings you the latest local news, surf reports, events, and community stories from Whangamata and the Coromandel Peninsula. Our writers live and breathe the beach town lifestyle, covering everything from weekend markets to council decisions, real estate trends to the best surf breaks. We are passionate about keeping our community informed and connected.