Campers are getting ready to join The Hits Radio at Omana Regional Park in Maraetai this weekend (5 and 6 March) for a sea shore safari, a mini disc golf tournament and other fun activities as the scenic park celebrates 50 years of regional parks in Auckland.
“The activities are part of Auckland Big Camp Out, which is drawing campers to all of the campgrounds around Auckland for a mass campout on 5 and 6 March,” says Richard Hollier, Auckland Council's Manager, Regional Parks.
Visitors are advised to bring their bikes and walking shoes and discover the Beachlands-Maraetai Walkway. Parks rangers also have a few surprise activities planned for NZ Children’s Day on Sunday.
“Omana is an ideal family park with a shelly beach offering safe swimming at high tide, shady pohutukawa, an iwi-themed playground, walks to farmland, native forest and an intriguing pa site all within easy walking,” says Richard.
Affordable weekend family break
“Take the short detour to the lookout and you will be rewarded with expansive views to Waiheke Island and the inner Hauraki Gulf.”
Omana Regional Park is home to the Clifftop Campground, which lies on gently sloping ground with trees for shelter and outstanding views of the inner Hauraki Gulf.
“For the Big Camp Out we have an event special of just $15 per group of up to five people to camp at Omana on Saturday 5 March, making it one of the cheapest places anywhere to have a weekend family break,” says Richard. The cost is normally $15 per adult.
Auckland Council Parks and Recreation Committee Chair Councillor Christine Fletcher urges Aucklanders to get out and enjoy the summer Big Camp Out while the weather is good.
“The weather is perfect for camping out and we have plenty of regional parks within range of Auckland, so it’s easy to go overnight or for a weekend.”
Auckland Regional Park campgrounds can be booked on 09 366 2000, option 2, 8am-7pm Monday to Sunday.
What is Disc Golf?
There will be a mini tournament at a temporary disc golf course at Omana during Big Camp Out weekend. Players will get free tuition and a disc for playing on the day, which they will be able to take home for future games.
Disc golf is similar to traditional golf, but with a disc instead of a ball and clubs. The object is to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws.
The disc is thrown from a tee area to a target (the "hole"). As a player progresses down the fairway, they must make each consecutive shot from the spot where the previous throw landed.
Not far from Omana, Waitawa Regional Park has a permanent 18-hole disc golf course which is free to use. The Waitakere’s brand new disc golf course is set to open on 5 March at Pae o te Rangi.
