Omaio
★★★★★★
WELCOME TO OMAIO – my 6 star garden of International Significance.
OMAIO a maori name meaning "place of peace, quiet and tranquility", is my coastal property of 18 acres (7.28 hectares) on the Takatu peninsula, one hour's drive north of Auckland and 10 minutes from Matakana. Islands, Kawau, Goat, Rabbit and The Bee Hive in Kawau Bay, are viewed from the log cabin. The cabin nestles in a NZ native bush setting with the largest of the feature trees being a Puriri estimated to be between 1,200 – 1,500 years old. While the planting is predominantly native, there is a fusion of other carefully selected plants which suit the location and setting. Existing elements determined the layout and planting style. The garden surrounding the cabin is laid out in curving, flowing shapes reflecting the waves and coastal shapes beyond.
There is some formality in the clipped specimens, plant shapes and textures. The repetition of the plantings throughout is effective, providing continuity which does not compete with the natural surrounding bush. The canopy of established native trees provides protective shade where clivia, hydrangeas, arthropodium, bergenia, ligularia and ferns flourish. “Omaio” was planted to create calm, to blend with environmental conditions – the colour palette is soft, tones of green dominate, it is relaxed and easy on the eye. A far cry from previous rose and perennial filled gardens I had created!
The crushed shell path "Jane's Lane", takes you to the raised koru shaped vegetable garden and small orchard which is situated in a sheltered bush clearing. The koro garden, although small, provides an ample supply of vegetables and herbs throughout the year. The path from this area, lined with arthropodium, cream clivias, hydrangeas, liriope and bergenia, leads through bush and a mature stand of Kauri, Rimu, Totara, Kowhai and Pohutakawa, to "Johny's Deck" a viewing platform on the water's edge.
Paths lead from the main garden to "Kowhai Coast", “Totara Trail” and "Olioli Way" - easy walking tracks through established and naturally regenerating bush. The trails provide a restful contrast to the highly maintained garden areas.
In 2023 Omaio was recognized by The American Horticultural Society as a garden meriting distinction.
The cabin was built in 1980 as a holiday retreat and I, with help from son Johny, started development of the garden from scratch in June 2006 after I moved to settle permanently in December 2005.
Facilities and Amenities
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Refreshments available by prior arrangement
Accommodation available
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CLOSED FOR 2026 DUE TO UNFORSEN CIRCUMSTANCES
Omaio is a private garden open throughout the year by appointmentClosed on public holidays.
Admission charge
Regret no credit card or EFTPOS facility
Regret no dogs or pets
No smoking
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Omaio Garden, 18 Kereru Lane
Omaio is located only 10 minutes from magical Matakana and 1 hour north of the Auckland Harbour bridge – a journey of 75.5 kilometres.
Travel on State Highway 1 until you reach the Warkworth area.
At the third set of traffic lights on the main road as you come into the Warkworth area, turn right and follow signs to Matakana, Omaha, Leigh. Go straight through the roundabout at Matakana and over the bridge.
Travel about 1km and turn right at intersection which has a sign to Omaha and Point Wells. Turn right again into Takatu Road at the next roundabout and follow signs to Buckletons Beach and Tawharanui. First road on the right is Whitmore Road with sign to Buckletons Beach. Turn right.
Drive for 4.5 km. Slow down here as you are nearly there. You will then see a Tuscan style two storied house on your left painted dark orange, and beyond that a row of 4 letter boxes on the left. You will see the NZ Gardens Trust Omaio flag. Turn left into Kereru Lane - it veers right at the black barn. Drive to the end where you will see the 'OMAIO' sign – it is the last driveway on the left. Cars park at bottom of steep sealed drive where indicated by “Visitor Parking” and “Garden Entry” signs. Do not park at the black shed….that is where coaches park.
GROUP TOUR LEADERS– Please note…
Coaches park in front of double garage where indicated by Coach Park notice – do not go down sealed driveway. There is ample room for coach parking and turning.
Mini vans and cars park in the lower park – in the Visitor carpark at bottom of the sealed driveway at the garden entrance.
It is important to provide these directions to the coach company/driver.
Please advise the coach company that if buses of 13.5 m. in length are used, then extra care is required on one of the corners entering the property. There has been no problem to date for the larger buses.
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Physical Address: 14 Kereru Lane, Matakana, Warkworth
Phone: 09 4227443
Email: liz@omaio.co.nz
Website: http://www.omaio.co.nz
