Franklin Country - Official travel guide to destinations in Auckland, New Zealand

Franklin Country

If a district is measured by its range of experiences, then Franklin is the ultimate lifestyle destination combining relaxed country living with savvy city style, all just a short drive, south of Auckland.

Pukekohe - the Heart of Franklin

As New Zealand's fastest growing secondary urban area, Pukekohe offers not only excellent residential options and recreational opportunities, but also access to the goods and services available in much larger centres.

Pukekohe is the largest town in Franklin combining city savvy with country charm with boutique-style shopping in its main street and a busy central business district. While Franklin's aspect may be predominantly rural this is far from the case as regards facilities and services with shoppers finding a retail mecca in Pukekohe's tiled town centre providing everything from sporting goods and sewing shops, banks and book stores, home wares, cafes and restaurants to fashion and furniture.

Historic Waiuku

Situated 20 minutes from the Drury off-ramp of Auckland's Southern Motorway (S.H.1) visitors will delight in this friendly, inviting 'heritage' town. The town's focal point is the Kentish Hotel built in the 1850's by one of the first Europeans to settle at Waiuku.

The town's waterfront, Tamakae Reserve is home to the fascinating Waiuku Museum and a small historic 'village' with several restored buildings dating back to the 1800s. Waiuku has numerous neighbouring attractions, including the stunning West Coast black sand beach of Karioitahi and the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, both just 10 minutes away.

Awhitu Peninsula

Stretching northwards from Waiuku, the Awhitu Peninsula offers some of the best views of both the Manukau Harbour and the rugged west coast along the Tasman Sea. Awhitu, which means 'place of longing' in Maori, was an important early settlement area and gateway to the rest of the country, for both Maori and Europeans.

Awhitu PeninsularThe turbulent seas of the Manukau Heads at the top of the Peninsula, were the site of New Zealand?s worst maritime disaster, when in 1863 the HMS Orpheus ran aground. As a result the paraffin lit Manukau Heads Lighthouse was built in 1874. The present day replica, which features the original light, has become a magnet for visitors seeking out our country's historic icons and this coupled with the other attractions of the Peninsula has stimulated an influx of fun-seeking visitors.

The Peninsula's wild but beautiful attractions range from horse trekking, country markets, kayak adventures, organic foods, wine cellars to natural rambles in a magnificent regional park; sun baking, sand-strolling, fishing, heritage sites and more. All wait to be enjoyed on the finger of land protecting the peaceful Manukau Harbour from the might of the Tasman Sea.

Tuakau / Port Waikato

The country town of Tuakau services a large rural community and holds local stock auctions attracting farmers and visitors from far and wide who bring the town Tuakau Bridgealive. Famous for its cafe culture and growing range of antique and collectable stores, there are treasures to be found here by keen bargain hunters. You can play golf, buy vegetables or visit Franklin's very own limestone glow-worm cave.

Bombay / Pokeno / Mercer

As you travel south from Auckland, friendly country villages along State Highway One welcome travellers with tempting food options, local produce and craft stores.

Bombay is home to New Zealand's largest olive estate, producing award-winning olive oil and skin care products and features an excellent restaurant.

Pokeno is a favourite stop known for its generous servings of icecream, its locally produced bacon and sausages and friendly country village atmosphere.

Mercer, beside the Waikato with its Dutch cheese shop is a 'must do' in any itinerary.

One of New Zealand's best golf courses offering outstanding views of the Franklin country-side is located in Bombay along with great accommodation providing a superb introduction to the Franklin Country experience.

Patumahoe / Clarks Beach / Waiau Pa

A 20 kilometre drive from the southern motorway through rolling Karaka Country and nudging the Shores of the Manukau Harbour are the charming settlements of Waiau Pa and Clarks Beach.

Warm and inviting accommodation ranges from enchanting Country Homes, Luxury Lodges and Holiday Parks to the seaside B&B's, there is an option to suit all tastes and budgets.

The area reveals some of Auckland's finest gardens, charming Wedding Chapels, Boutique Vineyards, Animal Studs, Olive Groves, Golf Course, Harbour Cruising and more!

Head inland to the quaint village of Patumahoe, home to the beautiful Water Gardens.

Drury / Karaka

Drury and Karaka are tranquil, quiet, picturesque areas, situated just 30 minutes south of New Zealand's largest city. They offer superb accommodation and cuisine. Major attractions include Spookers and the thoroughbred yearling sales at the NZ Bloodstock Karaka Sales Complex. The magnificent Hunua Falls and Ranges, located near Drury are one of the regions most popular attractions.

Karaka is known for its lifestyle blocks, open spaces and the thoroughbred yearling sales at the NZ Bloodstock Karaka Sales Complex which attracts buyers from all over the world. Situated just 30 minutes south of Auckland it also offers a range of activities from an interactive farm experience to cafes, wine and olive tastings and New Zealand's scariest attraction "Spookers".

Kaiaua / Miranda - Seabird Coast

Seabird Coast, Kaiaua and Miranda with its world renowned Chenier shell banks, is the summer home to a variety of migratory Arctic wading birds including the Wrybil which is found here all year round. A relaxing soak in mineral hot springs at Miranda is the perfect way to end your day before enjoying delicious fish and chips at Kaiaua, a favourite of locals and Aucklanders. Dotted along the coast you will find craft outlets and produce stalls just waiting to be discovered.

Te Kauwhata / Huntly / Gordonton

Te Kauwhata is a rural town situated in picturesque rolling farmland, nestled on the edge of Lake Waikare. Te Kauwhata features wineries where visitors can also enjoy great food whilst relaxing in the rural ambience. Be sure to check out the local craft shops.

Huntly has a number of lakes and walkways, including the Hakarimata Kauri Walk, where some of the most southern majestic Kauri trees can be seen. Huntly is also home to one of New Zealand's largest energy generation plants, the Huntly Power Station.

Gordonton is one of the friendliest villages in NZ. Situated 60 minutes southeast of the Bombay Hills, Gordonton boasts many successful businesses including trendy cafes, an excellent garden centre, gift shop and tearooms, patchwork quilting business and a photographic art studio. A great stopover for breakfast or lunch when travelling to Tauranga, Rotorua and most points South and East of the Waikato region.

Website: www.franklincountry.com