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Best foot forward on the peninsula
Franklin is blessed with stunning scenery right on its doorstep. In particular, the Awhitu Peninsula is a must explore region where newcomers will discover many a ‘gem’. Certainly, there’s no need to travel the world, or even elsewhere in New Zealand, to discover ‘treasures’ such as those on the peninsula, which stretches out between the Manukau Harbour and the Tasman Sea and is less than an hour’s drive from Pukekohe.
WAIUKU:
At the base of the peninsula, the township is rich in history, offering a snapshot of the region’s pioneering past, particularly at the Waiuku Museum where visitors can also wander around its collection of restored buildings dating back to the 1800s. Visitors might also enjoy booking a harbour trip on the historic Ratahi which sails out from Waiuku.
POLLOK ARTS AND CRAFTS CO-OPERATIVE:
For those driving up the peninsula, it won’t take long to arrive at the Pollok Co-op gallery and shop which serves up a healthy dose of art from local creatives. You’ll see paintings, sculptures, glassware, ceramics, jewellery and more making the co-op an interesting pit stop. Be sure to pick up some locally made preserves, too!
A TIPPLE OR TWO:
Wine lovers may be surprised to find a couple of great little vineyards at Grahams Beach. In particular, Awhitu Wines is open for wine tastings in an idyllic outdoor setting and purchases can be made from the on-site store. Enjoy a leisurely hour here learning about this successful venture.
ACCOMMODATION:
Getting closer to the top of the peninsula you’ll find two great bays ideal for camping holidaymakers – the Big Bay Holiday Park and Orua Bay Beach Motor Camp are both available for those who wish to linger a little longer. There is bed & breakfast accommodation here and there and it is possible to rent Awhitu House (via Auckland City Council), within the Awhitu Regional Park, for a week or a weekend.
MANUKAU HEADS LIGHTHOUSE:
This is a ‘must visit’ location. On a clear day, views from the lighthouse of a tranquil harbour are lovely, making it hard to imagine the sea being anything but still. However, on in February 1863, the infamous tidal sandbar in the harbour sent the warship HMS Orpheus to the bottom, claiming 185 lives. Today, a replica of the first lighthouse stands vigil and provides a glimpse into the region’s past while reminding us that beautiful views can belie a treacherous history.
Orua Bay
BEACHES & BAYS:
It almost goes without saying that throughout the drive, from bottom to top, there are beautiful beaches and bays worth visiting. Check out Orua Bay, Big Bay, Wattle Bay and Grahams Beach, all great spots to take a dip and also featuring playgrounds, picnic areas and boat ramps with fishing a popular pastime. For those who love going off-road, make your way to Hamilton’s Gap on the western side where big sand dunes invite fun. Take your boogie board and see if you can walk up one for a neat ride down again! Fantastic views, too. There are public toilets and a grassed area where self-contained vans can park overnight.
Obviously, exploring Awhitu Peninsula is no half hour excursion – it takes time, but that’s all the more reason to return again and again to this stunning part of the Franklin region.
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Get to know Franklin!
It will take time before newcomers to Franklin start to recognise or discover landmarks and places of interest. So, how well do you know the area? Have you visited some of the places shown on this page? If not, do some research and take a little time out to visit a few – it’s one way to become familiar with the local environs and discover what’s on offer.
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Art and soul
From Clevedon to Awhitu, the Papakura Art Gallery to Pukekohe’s Franklin Arts Centre, our region has more than one tale to tell.
Considering the rich, natural beauty of our area it’s not surprising that numerous artists – from painters to sculptors and more – have chosen to set down roots in Franklin or have grown from local roots.
Premier events on the annual calendar include the Franklin Arts Festival, Franklin Arts Trail and the Clevedon Art Trail. And, don’t forget the Franklin Hospice Garden Ramble, during which Mother Nature plays a starring role.
When it comes to exhibitions, galleries abound with new works year-round. ‘Must-see’ art hubs include Riverhaven Artland and Art Industry (both in Clevedon) as well as the ever-charming Pollok Co-op, where works are available for purchase. In addition, visitors and new locals will find murals dotted throughout the region on everything from Chorus phone boxes to public facilities.
Finally, those who wish to join the ranks of our community’s artistic troupes will discover that art classes and workshops are also on the agenda, organised through schools as well as the area’s main art centres.
