Two public tennis courts are situated on the Onemana beach reserve together with a children’s playground. The pirate ship, including a climbing wall, adds an extra dimension to the playground along with other play equipment for a range of ages of children. Onemana has a dairy and a cafe.

There is a petanque court available for use and a volley ball net is erected during the summer on the beach.

Swimming is best at low tide due to the shelving nature of the beach. The beach is patrolled during the summer by the Onemana Surf Life Saving Club – www.facebook.com/onemanasurf/ .

During the summer holidays the club runs training sessions for Nippers – children aged 5-11 years, with activities appropriate for each age group, and Rookies for older children. Many children who come through the ranks from Nippers to Rookies go on to become surf life savers themselves.
The bay’s big surf attracts board riders and body surfers all year round. A range of breaks are found along the beach.

Fishing is a popular pastime, both from the beach and from the rocks at the southern end. Also people enjoy snorkeling amongst the rocks at the northern end of the beach. There are no facilities for boat launching at Onemana but these are available just 10 minutes drive away at Whangamata together with two golf courses and other activities.

The Whangamata Information Centre can provide a range of information on area activities. There is also a Maori Pa site on the bluff on the southern end of the beach, where the remains of the fortifications can be seen and explored.

Events in Onemana Annual events:

The Onemana Residents and Community Association (ORCA) host several events throughout the year including:

  • Christmas Carols – just before Christmas day for everyone to participate and enjoy. The involvement a choir from Whangamata which joins the Onemana locals has been a welcome addition to this event. This is also an opportunity for our two communities to gather together at a special time of year.
  • On 29 December there is a Market Day on the reserve. There are craft stalls, food stalls and lots of events for children and is known for the highly successful event it is. The proceeds go towards the Surf Life Saving Club.
  • During Beach Hop the Onemana Friday Thunder Cruise arrives to spend the day in Onemana. Visitors from all over the world as well as New Zealanders come to participate in and view this rally, lining the roads and streets. ORCA support the organisers of this event in a variety of ways.
  • During the summer the ORCA committee hosts BBQs, sausage sizzles, dinners etc. which the community and visitors are welcome to attend.
  • Throughout the year the ORCA committee run coffee mornings and quiz nights.
  • Each year there is a Mid-Winter Christmas Dinner organised by the ORCA. This is a much valued event, giving people a chance to catch up with each other during the colder, darker winter.