An easy drive from both Invercargill and Bluff, the quaint area of Omaui offers scenic reserves, bush walks, picnicking spots, and a stunning beach.
Mokomoko Road,
Omaui
An easy drive from both Invercargill and Bluff, the quaint area of Omaui will not leave you disappointed. At Greenhills, turn off the main road and follow roads surrounded by bush to Omaui. The drive is most spectacular in December and January when rata and clematis flowers are in full bloom.
Omaui Reserve is a peaceful reserve overlooking the New River Estuary and the adjacent Omaui Scenic Reserve (owned by the Department of Conservation) is home to a large tract of native bush and the new 1 hour 30 minute return Omaui Scenic Reserve Track. The native forest also provides a sheltered backdrop to a picnic area and on the stunning Omaui Beach sea views abound.
The beach became the final resting place for the steamer ‘Guiding Star’ in 1862. Originally named the ‘SS Oberon’, the unfortunate vessel was wrecked after striking a rock and was beached by her captain alongside Omaui village. Her boiler is sometimes exposed on the beach by shifting sand. Originally occupied by Maori, Omaui village was used by Europeans as a whaling base, pilot station and health camp.
Content
Venture Southland
Last modified
Tue 26 Jun 2018
- Free Things to Do
- Outdoor Activities
- Sightseeing
- Natural Attraction
- Activities
- Half-Day
- Less than half day
- Family Friendly
- Scenic Photo Point
- Scenic Attraction
- Picnic
- Self-Guided
- Walking & Tramping
Features
Nearby
Just 10km from the city of Invercargill is Sandy Point, a sand and shingle peninsula bound by the Oreti River and Foveaux Strait.
This gently undulating loop track starts from Fosbender Park and passes through a carpet of bush lily and hounds tongue fern, beneath totara trees.
Take the coastal Rover Track to Daffodil Bay and return via the open pine forest of Petrie’s Track.
This track combines a totara/matai forest with good ocean views. Take the coastal route to Hatch’s Hill Lookout with a side trip to Noki Kaik beach.
The Silver Lagoon is the hidden gem of Sandy Point providing an important wildlife habitat for birds and other fauna.
