Big Ōmaha Wharf Reserve
Big Ōmaha Wharf Reserve is a small but historic spot on Whangateau Harbour in Auckland, with picnic space, harbour views, and a glimpse into the maritime past of the Matakana Coast. Located just off Leigh Road near Whangateau, the wharf is a quiet place to watch the tides and enjoy the scenery. A picnic table sits at the reserve entrance, and interpretation panels share photographs and stories of the wharf’s history.
On a calm day at high tide, the harbour is especially photogenic, although it is hard to understand why this now obscure place earned the name Big Ōmaha, in contrast to much bigger Little Ōmaha Bay, sitting in front of Ōmaha Beach within Ōmaha Bay (go figure!).
From Wooden Jetty to Historic Place
The current reinforced concrete wharf was built in 1924 for the Rodney County Council, replacing the earlier Parapara Wharf from the 1880s. The area is famous as the birthplace of the New Zealand scow, first built here by James Meiklejohn and later by David Darroch. The Meiklejohn family first landed at Big Omaha in 1858, and the wharf’s story is closely tied to the settlement of the district.
Wharves like Big Omaha Wharf were once common around Auckland, with coastal vessels dominating trade until the road network was established. Now the wharf is rare: of the 46 wharves built around the Waitematā and Manukau Harbours in the 1920s, only this and the Matakana Wharf remain. Its small goods shed is the best surviving example of its type in Auckland. The site also served as a shop and petrol station until the 1950s.
Getting There
From Matakana, head towards Leigh on Leigh Road. The reserve entrance is signposted near Whangateau, with parking available beside the wharf.
This is an interesting stop while exploring nearby Matakana, Tāwharanui, Ōmaha, Matheson Bay and Leigh.
