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Come join the fun at Omana Children’s Day

Wednesday 28 February 2007, 12:25PM

By Infonews Editor

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AUCKLAND

The ARC is proud to be celebrating Children’s Day at Omana Regional Park on Sunday 4 March.

The annual family event, being held on national Children’s Day (Sunday 4 March) at Omana Regional Park, has something for everyone.

There will be live music and entertainment from Mainly Music and the Beachlands Primary School kapa haka group. A scout village, pioneer activities, a seashore safari, kite-making and orienteering will challenge the bigger kids, whilst the young (or young at heart) will enjoy face painting, a bouncy castle, puppet shows and story telling.

There will also be horse and carriage rides, tractor rides, a ferris wheel and Manukau on the Move’s BMX obstacle course.

Omana Children’s Day is also a great opportunity for city kids to experience life on the farm. As well as slightly unusual pet animals (alpacas, cockatoo’s and miniature horses), there will be sheep dog trial demonstrations and sheep shearing. The ever-popular Purina German Shepherd display will also be on site.

For the energetic there will be gumboot throwing, horseshoe throwing, sponge throwing and cricket nets.

“There will be food (including a hangi for the first time) and fair trade coffee for sale and families might also like to bring a picnic and settle under one of the majestic old Pohutukawa overlooking the sea.

“With it being held on Children’s Day this year, this is the perfect excuse to spend time and have outdoor fun with your children in a beautiful park,” says Omana Park Ranger Mags Ramsey.

Omana is an ideal family park with picnic spots, camping, safe swimming at high tide and gentle walks. Friendly farm animals, a variety of native birdlife and native forest, and a strong cultural history make a visit to Omana an enjoyable learning experience as well.

What: Omana Children’s Day
When: Sunday 4 March, 10am – 3pm
Where: Omana Regional Park
Cost: Free entry and free parking

Omana Regional Park is a 42km (40 minute) drive from Downtown Auckland. Due to a long-term diversion in place on Ormiston Road, the following route (from the city) is suggested.

Leave State Highway 1 at Manukau and turn left onto Redoubt Road. At the top of hill and on a gradual right-hand bend, turn left onto Murphy’s Road. At bottom of Murphy’s Road, turn right at roundabout. Continue straight ahead over several roundabouts until you come to a T-junction. Turn left into Whitford. Go right at the roundabout and follow the Whitford Maraetai road.

The park is on the left just before you enter Maraetai township.