| Awana Bay | |
|---|---|
  Awana Bay Location in New Zealand | |
| Location | Great Barrier Island, Auckland Region, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 36°12′32″S175°28′55″E / 36.20889°S 175.48194°E |
| Type | Bay |
Awana Bay is a beach on the east coast of Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand's Auckland Region. The beach is used by both swimmers and surfers alike. [1] It is deep-sloping, with a risk of both strong waves and rip currents. [2] There are several peaks for intermediate to expert surfers, including a good left-hander at the northern end and a good left-hander at the southern end. [3]
There is a Department of Conservation campsite at the bay at the northern end of the bay, [1] about 300 metres from the beach. [4] It can accommodate up to 120 people and is staffed for one month each year between Christmas Day and Auckland Anniversary Day. [4] [5]
The bay has a sand dune and estuary, [4] and is an important breeding nesting ground for the endangered Brown Teal and Dotterel. [1]
The area is only accessible on a narrow gravel road, and vehicle access directly on to the beach is not permitted. [4] There are no rubbish bins, [4] and dogs are banned. [2]
The Awana Bay area mostly consists of farmland. [4] It includes some sacred sites of Ngāti Rehua Ngati Wai ki Aotea. [6]