Vast panoramas and sweeping coastlines - the journey is as good as the destination.

Top of the list is a trip to the historical Manukau Heads Lighthouse, jutting out from the tip of the peninsula, located in the Franklin district. The lighthouse is one of only a few in New Zealand that are open to the public and the views are amazing. The wind and salt spray will clear out the cobwebs too. On your way to the peninsula, stop by Waiuku, a historic town on the Sunset Coast. Don't miss The Kentish Hotel, New Zealand's Longest Running Hotel for a drink or dinner and enjoy a view of the estuary.

Explore the tranquil bays and rolling pastures of Āwhitu Regional Park on one of the short walks and mountain bike trails, or relax with a swim and a picnic at one of the safe, white-sand beaches. On the western side, the expansive and more rugged black-sand beach of Karioitahi is an awesome spot for activities on and off the water, including hang gliding, paragliding, blo-karting, surfing, 4 wheel driving and more.

Time to slow down the pace. Sip on wine at a boutique cliff-top vineyard with spectacular harbour views.

Help protect our kauri from kauri dieback disease

Kauri dieback is an incurable disease threatening our native kauri trees.

Here’s how you can help protect our kauri for future generations:

  • Scrub – clean all soil off your footwear, tyres and other gear, every time you enter or leave a forest/area with native trees.
  • Spray – your footwear and gear at every cleaning station. Kauri dieback can be spread by just a pinhead of soil.
  • Stay – on the designated open tracks; never step on kauri roots.
  • Keep your dog on a leash at all times or leave them at home.

Find out more

 

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Awhitu Peninsula

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Karioitahi Beach

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Manukau Heads

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Villa Te Soro Bed and Breakfast
Experience a home away from home at Villa Te Soro, a lovely replica Tuscan Villa located in Pukekohe, Auckland. Villa Te Soro, which means treasure house in Italian, offers elegant Bed & Breakfast accommodation just 35 mins from Auckland Airport.
Port Waikato Holiday Park
Our motel are comfortable and modern self-contained units with open plan kitchen, dining, lounge and deck. They're located in the heart of the Port Waikato Holiday Park - our peaceful haven from everyday life.
BK's Counties Motor Lodge, Pukekohe
Pukekohe's largest motel with 26 rooms and only motel with a solar heated swimming pool/BBQ area. Less than 1km from the main street.

Winner of '2013 Pukekohe Business Association Hospitality Award'
Castaways Resort
Ocean front accommodation at Castaways Resort located at stunning Karioitahi Beach, Auckland. Enjoy a wide range of resort facilities during your stay including cliff top dining at Castaways Restaurant, activities and pampering at Bersantai Day Spa.
Clarks Beach Holiday Park, Clarks Beach
Holiday Accommodation, motels, cabins and camping sites. Holiday Park with a harbor on 2 sides and Golf course on the other. Close to Airport. Part of a small town with restaurant, and takeaway bar. Pets can come camping with prior arrangement.
Glam Camping at Castaways Resort
Located on the secluded and stunning cliff tops above Karioitahi Beach you will find our coastal glamping sites and we also have a tree tent suspended in between two mighty totara trees which is a 10-minute drive inland.
Pollok Hall Market

Our country market is held once a month in the Pollok Hall, on the Beautiful Awhitu Peninsula.

Come along and meet the community and see what bargains you can pick up.

Date:
08 January 2023
to
03 December 2023
The Big Bike Film Night - Pukekohe

Let the good times roll Pukekohe! The Big Bike Film Night is back in the Bay on its mission- bringing the best cycling short films from around the world together for you.

Date:
23 March 2023
to
23 March 2023
Pukekohe Flying Farewell

Pukekohe’s Flying Farewell

Date:
24 March 2023
to
26 March 2023
Kids Tongan Ngatu (Tapa Cloth) Workshop

As part of the World of Cultures celebration here at Franklin, The Centre, Artist Siniva Williams will guide your kids in learning about Tongan Ngatu (Tapa Cloth) using similar process to Ngatu making using paper, crayons, and Indian ink.

Date:
01 April 2023
to
01 April 2023
Waiau Pa Hop

A Classic Car and Hot Rod show run by a small community group dedicated to fundraise for local community projects.

This car show is rapidly growing with previous years event attracting over 300+ car displayed.

Sunday, April 16, is the time for a cruise to Clarks Beach!

Date:
16 April 2023
to
16 April 2023
Sunday the LaValla way - BBQ Edition

Where fire, friends and family 'meat' - Lavalla introduces a BBQ pit hosted by Lavalla's resident, award winning pit master, Tony!

Arrivals from 11:30am - food service from 12-2pm - 4pm finish

Adult 12+ - $95
Children U12 - $47.50

Date:
30 April 2023
to
30 April 2023
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