After spending a long time in the Auckland Region, we decided to head straight through the city and explore the south Auckland Region, which we had not stopped in before. The original plan was to head to the Coromandel, but they were experiencing Cyclone Hale at the time so this would not have been fun or particularly safe driving!
Watch our Youtube Episode on this Journey below!
PUKEKOHE
Our first stop off was the lively and busy town of Pukekohe. Sometimes thought of as a suburb of Auckland, Pukekohe is actually a sizeable, self-contained country town. It has everything the local farming community needs; it’s also a major centre for equestrian and motorsport events. The annual V8 International Supercar event, part of a championship series, is held at Pukekohe Park Raceway every April.
We stayed at Rosa Birch Freedom Camp which was a large car park only a short walk or drive from the main street in town. In the morning we explored the town, visiting the many shops. As it was raining we did not actually spend too long in this town and decided to drive on.
CLARK’S BEACH
Next we headed to Clark’s Beach which was a lovely calm beach, next to the settlement of Clark’s Beach itself. Lots of new development here and a lovely golf course. We decided to stay at the Waiau Pa Boat Club that evening and we are sooo glad that we did!
Perched on an outcrop of land and surrounded by the Manukau Harbour, the views were beautiful. Apparently the fishing here is pretty good too! For $5 a night it’s an absolute bargain. We were the only ones there, but felt very safe with the coded entry gate.
WRIGHT’S WATER GARDEN
The next morning we headed to Wright’s Water Garden which was just outside of Patumahoe. This privately owned gardens has many ponds, gardens and paths which surround the iconic Mauku Waterfall and stream. It is the ideal spot for a day visit, weddings and special events. Not to mention the adjoining cafe aptly named the Frog & Lilly – they do some yummy grub! We spent a couple of hours in total at the gardens and would thoroughly recommend visiting!
WAIUKU
Later that day we travelled to a small rural town called Waiuku, located right on the Manukau Harbour again, its a picturesque and historic town. The Māori name Waiuku comes from a legend that two prominent brothers, Tamakae and Tamakou, vied for the hand of a beautiful high-ranking Waikato chieftainess.
There is a heritage trial through the town which took us past all of the historical buildings. There is also a lovely cycleway and pathway which follows the estuary out to the harbour and takes in lovely views along the way. There were freedom camps in the town, however we decided to carry on driving again.
ĀWHITU PENINSULA
We headed to the Āwhitu Peninsula, a long peninsula to the South West of Auckland. Vast panoramas and sweeping coastlines – the journey is as good as the destination. By what we have gathered its an area that isn’t too popular with people, so we were lucky.
Our spot for the night was at Te Toro Domain freedom camp. Again right next to the water with awesome views out to the harbour. There is a huge grassed area so campers can really spread out which is great. The camp is just for self contained vehicles but there are toilets here with a VERY weak outdoor shower…There are some swings and slides if you’re travelling with little ones. It’s a great place to just chill out.
MANUKAU HEADS LIGHTHOUSE
In the morning we drove to Manukau Heads Lighthouse which is on the northern tip of the peninsula. The road to get to the lighthouse is very windy and narrow in places. We wouldn’t want to be driving anything too big on this road!
The lighthouse itself is one of only a few in New Zealand that are open to the public and the views are just spectacular. The wind and salt spray will sure clear out your cobwebs too. It’s only a short walk up some stairs to reach the lighthouse.
The worst shipwreck disaster in New Zealand history happened on 7 February 1863. On a fine summer’s day, the HMS Orpheus approached Manukau Harbour. The onshore signalman seeing the ship was off course to cross the bar, signalled to change direction but the warning was too late. Of the 259 people on board 189 perished!
ĀWHITU WINES
Next we followed our noses, or mouths to Āwhitu Wines, the only winery with a cellar door on this peninsula. It is only a small boutique winery that offers three wines for tasting; a white, rose and red.
The host, Dave chatted with us about the wines whilst we sat in a lovely courtyard overlooking the hills and harbour down below. We ended up buying two bottles as it was very yummy and reasonably priced!
ĀWHITU REGIONAL PARK
Our last stop of this journey was to Āwhitu Regional Park, managed by Auckland Regional Council. At low tide, offshore mudflats attract a variety of birds to delight even the most novice birdwatchers. A large part of the land here compromise beautiful wetlands with a boardwalk cutting through to become fully immersed in the nature.
This walk continues to the historic Brook Homestead; a wooden house in a quiet glade that was built in 1878 by a family of English immigrants. A longer walk through thick bush and over farmland rewards hikers with sweeping views of the vast Manukau Harbour to the distant Auckland city (yes you can still see the sky tower from here!)
We loved this Regional Park! It was particularly peaceful and quiet (we were the only ones camping), and full of nature to appreciate! The beach was awesome and the harbour was calm- perfect for a swim to revitalise the senses!
We continued our travels eastbound to the Hunua Ranges!