PUKEKOHE

Franklin A & P Showgrounds
Station Rd. 20ha close to town centre. The annual A & P Show takes place on the third Saturday of February. Horses, beef, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, wood chopping, indoor exhibits, trade displays, entertainment. Franklin Country Field-days are held every year in March. Check the website for details. The showgrounds also host other regular events eg swap meets and gypsy fairs.
Phone 238 8773.

Franklin Arts and Cultural Centre (FACT)
Franklin: The Centre 12 Massey Ave. The Arts Centre caters to art and craft, hobby, photographic and cultural groups with classes and workshops. The Gallery shop ARTEFACT has an ever increasing variety of art works for sale. The NZ Steel Gallery holds regular monthly exhibitions, Open Monday to Friday 9.30pm – 4.30pm, Saturday 9.30am - 2.30pm. Other times by arrangement. Phone 238 8899.

Franklin Sport, Swim and Fitness
Franklin Rd. Leisure complex including fitness centre, badminton hall, boxing and martial arts facilities, basketball/tennis courts, 25m heated pool, learners’ and toddlers’ pool. Function room for meetings, aerobics, weddings, etc. Open daily, contact centre director, Phone 238 5240.

Pioneer Memorial Cottage
Roulston Park cnr East St and Stadium Dr. Built in 1859 by John Martyn the cottage garrisoned British troops during the Maori War of 1863. Furnished throughout with items of the period. Open first and third Sundays each month from 11am - 3pm and other times by arrangement. Phone 238 7243.

Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club
Open daily for ten pin bowling, video games and pool tables. 78 Nelson St Pukekohe. Phone 238 8404.

Pukekohe Park Raceway
Huge crowds from NZ and overseas meet for motor racing most weekends. An added attraction is Friday open day when ordinary drivers can try out their vehicles on the track. Phone 238 0553.

Race Tracks
The Counties Racing Club track is a seven day a week business. Enquiries to the racing club office. Phone 238 8049.
Trotting is also a major industry in Franklin. The Franklin Trotting Club has a 964 metre track and more than 250 horses train there each morning. Enquiries to the administration office at Station Rd. Phone 238 9899.

Town and Country Clydesdales
State Highway 22 Paerata. See horses that starred in Hercules and Xena, view working vintage machinery, ride in a wagon or on a sledge. Small charge. Tours by appointment. Phone 238 6675 or 0-27-434 6400.

MARKETS

Franklin Markets
Contact Roger 238 8831 or 0-27-448 0842.

Pukekohe
Every Saturday 8am - 12 noon. Massey Ave car park. A wide variety of stalls.

Mike’s Village Market
Pukekohe Town Hall every third Saturday 9am - 1pm.
Phone Mike 238 4780 or 0-21-289 7465

Franklin Pakeke Lions Craft Fair
Every fourth Saturday 9am - 1pm. Contact Clem 0-27-272 2983.

Pokeno
Every Sunday 9am - 4pm. Main St Pokeno Village.

GOLF

Maxwell’s Golf Retreat
205B Ingram Rd Ramarama. 9 hole golf course, coaching, café and bar. Conference facilities. All welcome. Phone 236 0911.

Pukekohe Golf Club
A well established course of international standard 10 minutes from town on State Highway 22 heading north to Drury and Auckland. Phone 294 8822

Twin Oaks Golf Driving Range
On SH22 at Paerata. Golf practice facility and driving range with licensed café. Open Tuesday - Sunday. Phone 239 1817.

PARKS & RESERVES

Bledisloe Park
Situated off Queen St. It is used for soccer in the winter and cricket in the summer. Also netball courts and an adjacent outdoor pool.

Cape Hill Walk and Rooseville Scenic Reserve
These are two of Pukekohe’s best urban reserves with walkways that provide great views of the Franklin country and are easily accessible.

WALKS
Call into the Pukekohe or Bombay i-SITEs and pick up a brochure for walk ideas.

Children’s Playgrounds
Roulston Park on East St, Bledisloe Park on John St, Kayes Rd Reserve, corner West St and Jutland Rd, Colin Lawrie Park off Reynolds Rd and Beresford St.

Hilltop View
A drive to the top of Anzac Rd and around the loop road on the top of Pukekohe Hill reveals a panoramic view of Franklin. To the south is the Waikato River winding its way westward to Port Waikato and to the north is the Manukau Harbour with Auckland beyond. On a clear day the top of Rangitoto Island in the Waitemata Harbour is visible. Market gardens stretch out eastwards to the Bombay Hills and in a westerly direction to Puni, and on to Waiuku. Rosa Birch Park in Beresford St, is used for cricket in the summer and has a hockey turf. Also a children’s playground and public toilets.

Colin Lawrie Park
Off Reynolds Rd Pukekohe. Rugby Club grounds.

Growers Stadium
Situated on Stadium Dr. Counties Rugby Union. Contact Nick Sheppard,
Phone 237 0033.

POKENO

Friendly country village alongside State Highway 1 offering food, produce and craft options.

Queen’s Redoubt
Great South Rd Pokeno. This site of the largest European earthwork fort of the Waikato War, built in 1862 is undergoing restoration. For detailed information go to www.queensredoubt.co.nz.

TUAKAU
This small country town services a large rural community with its famous saleyards and more recently café culture, gallery and collectible stores where treasures may be found.

Alexandra Redoubt
Overlooking the Waikato River near the site of “old Tuakau” is, Alexandra Redoubt, named after the late King Edward VII’s bride. Trenches can still be clearly seen and are a good example of this type of fortification.
Built in 1863 by soldiers of the 65th Regiment, the bush was cleared to view craft on the river. A cemetery adjoins the area where some soldiers and settlers are buried. Some of their descendants are still living in the area today.

Franklin Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary
Ridge Rd, Tuakau. Take exit 474 off State Highway 1. Open daily from 10am - 5pm. Wild encounters daily at 2pm. Phone 236 8686.

Ngatai e Rua Marae
A traditional Maori pa with meeting house, visitors welcome. Phone 236 8155.

Nikau Cave
Waikaretu. Wonderful glow worm cave, extensive garden, accommodation, café and farm walks. Phone Anne 233 3199 or 233 3005.

Onewhero Golf Club
Cnr Churchill and Main Rd Pukekawa. Mature course set amongst native trees and pigeons. Phone 233 4828.

Tuakau and Districts Museum
The old Post Office in Bollard Rd was opened in 1912, closed in 1983, reopened as a museum in 1987. Open Sundays 1 - 3.30pm and on request during the week for tour groups and school parties. Contact Bruce Graham 236 8919.

Waikato River
The lifeblood of the area in days before trains and motor cars were common and boats linked towns on the river. Boat ramps are at the Les Batkin Reserve by the Tuakau Bridge and the Elbow, Otaua.

PARKS & RESERVES

Dr John Lightbody Reserve
Escotts Rd. Rugby, soccer, league, tennis, netball, swimming, skateboarding, playground.

Tuakau Primary School and Tuakau College Fields Hockey and junior soccer.

Les Batkin Reserve
River Rd. Picnic area, boat ramp adjacent to Tuakau Bridge and Waikato River.

Harker Reserve
A 3km walking and riding track near Onewhero through native bush and farmland with views, streams and a fine waterfall.

CLARKS BEACH & WAIAU PA
Hugging the shores of the Manukau Harbour are the charming settlements of Clark’s Beach and Waiau Pa. A warm welcome awaits from a range of boutique lodges and vineyards, holiday park, olive groves, gardens.

Clarks Beach Golf Course
Stevensons Rd Clarks Beach. Beautiful country course beside the sea.
Phone 232 1788.

Clarks Beach Mini Golf
Torkar Rd Extn, Clarks Beach, 18 holes of mini golf.

Fylde Fields Olive Grove and Gardens
Waiau Pa. Phone 232 21200.

Manukau Harbour Cruises
Scenic cruises, group charters, water taxi service, fishing trips,
Freephone 0-800-294 488.

Spookers Haunted Attractions
Kingseat Rd, Karaka. Haunted House, Corn evil, Freaky Forest, 3D Maniac Maze. Please check hours and age requirements. Licensed restaurant, corporate functions, weddings, birthdays. Phone 0-9-291 9002 or 0-27-617 7677.

PJ Alpacas
Tours of alpaca stud farm. Morning teas by arrangement.
Phone Pam or Craig 232 1142.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, BEACHES, BOAT RAMPS

ARC Awhitu Regional Park
114ha of farmland and beaches. administered by the Auckland Regional Council. Open to the public, high water concrete ramp, car parking, toilets, changing facilities barbecues, picnic areas, nine hole golf course, fresh water. Two safe beaches, pleasant walking tracks. Tidal flats support variety of wildlife. Dogs prohibited (farm park).

WAIUKU & SURROUNDS
A friendly and inviting heritage town with its focal point being the old Kentish Hotel built in the 1850s. The town opens out onto the Tamakae Reserve along the waterfront. Visitors can take things at a leisurely pace as they sample the cafes, speciality shops and village atmosphere. Numerous neighbouring attractions.

Castaways Function Centre
Karioitahi Rd Waiuku. Ideal venue for weddings, conferences and functions, lunch or dinner. Unique clifftop chalets are also available at Castaways Lodge. Phone 236 5041.

NZ Steel Glenbrook
The NZ Steel plant at Glenbrook pioneered the production of steel from local iron sand and Waikato coal in the early 70s. The factory employs over 1,200 people. Tours are available, phone 0-9-375 8999 ext 5169 or 235 8089 ext 5169.

Glenbrook Vintage Railway
Glenbrook Station Rd. Step back in time with a 12kms return trip in vintage carriages behind a genuine steam locomotive. Jigger rides, children’s play train, picnic area, refreshments available. Open Sundays 11am – 4pm Labour Weekend to Queen’s Birthday Weekend and other holiday weekends. Phone 0-9-636 9361 or 236 3546 on operating days.

Hartmann House Handcrafts
Quality original local handcrafts housed in a 100 year old pioneer cottage. Open Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm Phone 235 8533.

Kentish Hotel
Reputed to be the oldest continuously licensed hotel in New Zealand, the Kentish Hotel was built overlooking the southern reaches of the Manukau Harbour in 1851.

Markets

Waiuku Twilight Market is held on Friday nights from 5 - 7pm. It is seasonal. Contact Anita Manning phone 235 8201.

Stress Free Adventures
River Ln. Adventure trips, kayaking, caving, mountain biking, large or small groups, kayak sales and tuition, mountain bike hire. Phone 0-800-462 952.

Waiuku Heritage Walk
Historical tour of Waiuku township. Brochures available at the Waiuku Exhibition Centre 2 Queen St.

Waiuku Pioneer Folk Museum
King St. Comprehensive collection of memorabilia from the pioneer past. Open Saturday and Sunday 1.30 - 4pm or by arrangement. Bus tours a speciality. Archival, family research service offered.

AWHITU PENINSULA
North of Waiuku, the Awhitu Peninsula offers some of the best views of the Manukau Harbour and the rugged west coast and Tasman Sea. The Signal Station and lookout at the top of the peninsula offer views of the turbulent waters and shifting shoals of the Manukau Heads and the site of HMS Orpheus which ran aground in 1863. Parking, toilet facilities.

Awhitu Golf Club
Brook Rd RD 4 Waiuku. 9 holes situated on the Awhitu Regional Park. Course and clubrooms available to social groups. Phone 235 1031.

Creative Joy Studio
Pollock Wharf Rd Waiuku. A painting and pottery studio and gallery with homestay facilities catering to local and international travelling artists. The gallery also displays the work of local Franklin artists. Phone 235 6283.

Manukau Heads Lighthouse
Awhitu Peninsula. Built in 1874 and recently refurbished, rebuilt and relocated next to the Manukau Heads Signal Station.

MARKETS

Awhitu Country Markets
Held at Matakawau Hall. A true country market with organic produce, crafts, cafè etc, fourth Sunday of the month or long weekend Sundays 10am - 2pm. Phone 235 1691.

Orua Bay Bird Park and Birdcage Tearooms
Orua Bay Rd. Tearooms and aviaries with a wide variety of exotic birds in park like surroundings. Sea and rural views, indoor/outdoor seating, handy to Orua Bay Beach. Open weekends, school and public holidays 10am - 5pm, weekdays by appointment. Phone 235 1036.

Waipipi Bird Park
117 Waipipi Wharf Rd. Aviaries, gardens, barbecue tables, toilets. Open 10am - 5pm daily. Phone 235 9960.

Waimakatutu Walks
A guided day walk over an environmentally award winning farm. Phone 235 1280.

Wild West Adventures
Awhitu. Caters for all levels of riding ability. Also Pulse Ranger infared combat games. Phone 235 1186 or 0-27-235 1186.

BIG BAY
38kms north west of Waiuku. Sandy beach, toilets, changing area. Camping ground offers light meals and clean facilities for the traveller.

Centennial Park Waiuku
Features a skateboard bowl for more advanced skaters.

Clarks Beach
27kms north east of Waiuku. All tide ramp with gentle slope. Night lights. Large sandy beach nearby has great picnic spots, changing facilities and toilets. Camping ground, golf course.

Cochrane’s Gap
22kms north west of Waiuku. Details as for Hamilton’s Gap.

Elbow Reserve
18kms south of Waiuku. Full concrete boat ramp (not serviceable at low tide). Easy gradient, good parking, toilets, breakwater, shade. Good safe sandy beach, picnic area, ski lane.

Glenbrook Beach
13kms north of Waiuku. Concrete boat ramp (not serviceable at low tide) easy gradient good parking, toilets. Breakwater, shade, safe sandy beach, picnic area, ski lane.

Graham’s/Hudson’s Beaches
35.5kms north west of Waiuku Natural sand ramp, use only at high tide. Parking, toilet and changing facilities, children’s playground and picnic area. Nice, long, sandy beach. Fresh water available.

Hamilton’s Gap
30kms north west of Waiuku. Hazards in water – rips, currents, holes. On land – slips along cliffs. Ideal for walking parties (two hours either side of low tide). Hang gliding, balloon fishing, surfcasting.

Hoods Landing
10kms south of Waiuku. Lower access to river. Metal ramp, easy gradient, all tides. Toilets.

Karioitahi
8kms west from Waiuku. Seasonal surf patrol. Popular for sand yachts, hang gliding, balloon fishing, surfcasting, barbecue, toilet and changing facilities. Watch out for rips, currents and holes.

Kevin Lawrence Reserve
Waiuku. Is home to an innovative monster playground for younger children.

Matakawau
32kms north west of Waiuku. Concrete ramp with metal apron, easy gradient. Night lights, parking, picnic area, toilets, sandy beach.

Orua Bay
38.5kms north west of Waiuku. Natural sand ramp with easy gradient usable at high tide. Camping ground on beach, safe swimming. Good fishing, pleasant walks.

Pollok
Pollok Wharf Rd 24kms north of Waiuku. Beach area with toilets and changing facilities, diving board. Fresh water available.

Sandspit
2.5kms north of Waiuku. Short concrete boat ramp, easy gradient but can be used only at high tide. Safe beach, playground, shady picnic area, parking, toilets, store.

Tamakae Reserve Waiuku
A popular reserve for picnickers and visitors. It is the site of the old Waiuku Wharf and several historic buildings. Close to the Waiuku

Botanic Reserve and the CBD.
Te Toro
14.5kms north of Waiuku. Concrete ramp (all tides), night lights, emergency phone. Picnic area beach, tables, slides, swings, ski lane, toilets, fresh water available.

Waiau Pa
22kms north of Waiuku. All tide ramp. Night light, good shade and ample parking Small beach adjacent with marked ski lane.

Waipipi Wharf Road
9kms north west of Waiuku. Small picnic area, no public facilities.

Waitangi Falls Reserve
A picturesque, popular swimming hole and picnic spot.

Waiuku State Forest
13kms south of Waiuku on the northern reaches of the Waikato River where the river meets the Tasman Sea. Public access through the forest to beaches with picnic areas and toilets (may be restricted during fire risk periods). Tracks are signposted throughout the forest.

Wattle Bay
40kms north west of Waiuku. Good sandy beach walk to point below signal station at low tide for good fishing spots.

PORT WAIKATO

Port Waikato is a small and charming seaside community on the West Coast, 30 minutes drive from Tuakau and one hour south of Auckland.
Here the Waikato River, renowned for its whitebait fishing, meets the west coast at Sunset Beach.
Activities cover fishing, surfing, jet skiing, horse riding, caving, fossil hunting or just lazing on the beach. During summer the Sunset Beach Surf Life Club patrols the beach. Excellent camping ground and backpackers.

Cobourne Park
A lovely park at Port Waikato, with beautiful gardens tended by the local garden club. A great venue for wedding photos and family picnics. Toilet facilities.

Riverland Quad Bike Safaris
Spectacular views and Kiwi culture. Brochures at the i-SITE for full details.

FISHING

Manukau Harbour
Good fishing for kahawai, schnapper, gurnard, trevalli, mullet, the odd kingfish, flounder. Scallop and mussel beds, cockles and pipis.

Trout Fishing

Muirs Lake.
Brown trout. Small boat is required but access is easy. Located off Whiriwhiri Rd.

Parkinsons Lake.
A small lake off Whiriwhiri Rd, rainbow trout.

Thomsons Lake
Permission from local farmer is required to fish this lake off Karioitahi Rd.

Waikato River
Flounder and mullet, whitebait (in season) eels, kahawai, kingfish, trevalli. Access through Waiuku State Forest and Hood’s Landing.

West Coast
Ideal for surfcasting and balloon fishing in favourable winds. Netting of mullet popular.

GARDENS

Addenbrooke Gardens
Razorback Rd Bombay. A beautiful private garden extensively landscaped, wedding venue. Tours by appointment. Phone 236 0525.

Chineka Macadamias
Harrisville Rd Pukekohe. Growing, processing, marketing, macadamia nuts for local sale and export. Open by arrangement. Phone 238 9430. Stall also at the Franklin Country Farmers’ Market

Leafy Hollow Garden,
Gallery and Nursery. Duff Rd Waiuku. Lavender and rosemary specialists with 1.2ha of display garden. Open Friday to Sunday 10am - 5pm or by appointment. Group tours available, phone 235 2990.

Mandeville Gardens
16 Main Rd Pukekawa. Plant nursery specialising in natives and unusual plants. Extensive gardens to visit. Phone 232 8433.

Ngodevwa (Tibetan for Flowers of the Angels)
Whiriwhiri Rd Waiuku. Serene garden set within five acres of park like fields. Ponds and water features, ideal for wedding photos. Open September to April by appointment. Small charge. Phone 235 9812.

Petals ‘n’ Pots Garden Centre and Infusion Café
Paerata Rd Pukekohe. Garden centre open 7 days 8.30am – 5.30pm. Phone 238 5115. Café open daily 7.30am - 4pm.

St Margaret’s Country Garden
Dyke Rd RD 1 Papakura. Beautiful country garden and café open all year round 10am - 3.30pm and for private functions. Admission fee. Guided tours by arrangement. Plant sales. Phone 0-9-292 7536.

Stone Willow Café
Golding Rd Pukekohe (formerly Forget Me Knot). 1.2ha of gardens and ponds, large gazebo, available for private functions and garden weddings. Bus tours and groups by prior arrangement. Phone 238 3980.

Wrights Watergardens
2.4ha of water gardens in an old metal quarry surrounding the 10 metre Manuku Falls. More than 30 ponds of lotus and waterlillies, nursery, café, craft shop. Open daily September to Queen’s Birthday weekend 10am - 4.30pm. Groups by appointment. Phone 236 3211.

For a more comprehensive list of Franklin gardens, garden shops and nurseries contact the Pukekohe i-SITE Phone 238 4081.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Miranda Hot Springs
595 Front Miranda Rd, Waitakaruru. Largest natural mineral pool in the southern hemisphere. Adult sauna,
children’s pool, private spas, lots of eating/seating areas and shop. Open daily 9am - 9.30pm except Christmas Day. Phone 0-7-867 3055.

Miranda Shorebird Centre
East Coast Rd Miranda. View migratory wading birds on the extensive Chenier shell banks. Natural history library, displays, dioramas. Conference facilities and accommodation. Open 7 days 9am - 5pm.
Phone 232 2781.

Mercer Cheese
Roose Rd. Boutique cheese makers. Taste delicious Dutch cheese, well stocked specialist Dutch Deli. Open 10am - 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.

Mercer Sky Dive Centre
Koheroa Rd Mercer. Experience the most exhilarating time of your life, the highest, fastest, most spectacular adventure of them all . Open 7 days.
Phone 232 6767.

Bracu Olive Estate and Bracu Restaurant
49 Main Rd Bombay. Nestled amongst the Bombay Hills is the Bracu Olive Estate (formerly Simunovich Olive Estate) where their amazing body products are made and their medal winning olive oil is extracted.
Enjoy the mouth watering fine dining at the Bracu Restaurant situated on the estate. Phone 236 1020.

WINERIES

Awhitu Wines
31 Greenock Dr Grahams Beach. Weekend sales.
Phone 235 1465 or 0-27-484 3548.
Hitchen Rd Vineyard
201 Hitchen Rd Pokeno. By appointment only.
Phone 233 6722 or 0-27-494 8737.
Karaka Point Vineyard and Lodge
35C Wallace Dr Waiau Pa. Fine accommodation and wines.
Phone 232 0025.

ARC REGIONAL PARKS IN FRANKLIN

Brochures and maps available from the i-SITES.