Best things to see and do on Awhitu Peninsula

NZ Herald·

30 Oct, 2014 08:30 PM5 mins to read

The Old Kohekohe Presbyterian Church on Awhitu Road. Photo / Richard Robinson

Natural beauty, action-packed adventure and heritage are here, says Elisabeth Easther.

Where is it? Just 95km from Auckland, the drive takes about 75 minutes and the route is signposted from Waiuku.

Land ahoy: The peninsula is the jutting land between the Manukau Harbour and the Tasman Sea and you'd have to go a long way to find a more bracing and rugged location.

Origin of name: Awhitu is Maori for "a longing to return" and some say it refers to a legend that involved a waka landing at Wattle Bay, a beautiful princess and the warrior chief who loved her.

Population: There's a permanent collection of about 2500 people and during the summer months that figure doubles.

The basics: The "town" of Awhitu Central contains a church, a social club/hall, half a dozen houses and boasts spectacular elevated views. The other "main" town is Matakawau where you'll find the school, garage/petrol station, general store, community hall, and a dozen houses.

Local identity: Grumpy (few people know his real name) runs the social club in an old school building. There are gatherings - on Fridays you can dine, too.

Tragedy at sea: In 1863 the Orpheus sunk on the Manukau Bar, with 189 of the 259 on board dying. This remains New Zealand's worst maritime disaster.

Famous locals: William Massey, Prime Minister from 1912-1925, and Richard (Richie) Patterson, who won weightlifting gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Best websites: awhitu.org.nz or bigbayholidaypark.co.nz.

Biggest business: Aside from dairy farming, the nearby Glenbrook Steel Mill is a major employer.

Sources of pride: The beautifully restored Manukau Heads Lighthouse alone is worth the trip. And the Wild West coast is a tonic.

Town fiestas: There's a country market at Matakawau on the last Sunday of each month. The local fire brigade hosts a fundraising ball every year. There are also planting days, public walks and the lighthouse puts on regular guided walks and events.

Light up my life: Manukau Heads Lighthouse can be hired for weddings, reunions, work dos, you name it . . .

Here for a short time? Walk to the lighthouse, explore Awhitu Regional Park or visit historic Brook Homestead just up the road from Kauritutahi Beach with its quaint little wharf. And then stop at the Big Bay shop for a rolled icecream.

Best reason to stop: The countryside is so spectacular you'll be gobsmacked, and if the dramatic scenery makes you thirsty, why not pop into Awhitu Wines for a tasting of their highly regarded wines?

Best place to take kids: The lighthouse or any of the safe sandy harbour beaches. Glenbrook Vintage Railway is also pretty groovy.

Best weekend away: Spend a night or two at the Big Bay Holiday Park where the kids can frolic (and make their own pizzas on the wood-fired pizza oven) and the whole family can have an old-fashioned beach holiday.

The Manukau Heads Lighthouse on the Awhitu Peninsula. Photo / Greg Bowker

Best park: Awhitu Regional Park is a delight: park-like pastures, wetlands, beaches, and picnic and barbecue areas.

Best playground: There are swings and slides and climbing things at Grahams Beach.

Best facilities: Grahams Beach also has barbecues, a nice lawn area and easy parking.

Best walks: Awhitu Regional Park has loads of terrific tracks and, when the tide permits, you can wander from Hudsons Beach around to Mako Point.

High points: Go up any of the ridges or elevated areas and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views in all directions.

Best place to pull over: Orua Bay is a very pretty beach; gaze out to the Waitakere Ranges and over the channel towards Auckland.

Best swim: If it's good surf you're after, you'll want Sunset Beach at Karioitahi (lifeguards patrol in the summer). For a safe paddle head to the harbour at Grahams Beach.

Best museum: The nearest comprehensive museum is at Waiuku - it's a super little spot, living up its reputation as being "the coolest little museum this side of the Waikato River".

Nice arts: Pollok Gallery is bursting with beautiful arts and crafts. Enjoy a coffee in the little cafe and wander round the sculpture park.

Top shop: Bhana's Foodmarket, General Store and Garage at Matakawau is the only shop and a jolly good one too.

Cream of the coffee: The aforementioned Pollok Gallery will see you right.

Best food: Agave Restaurant at the Castaways Resort at Karioitahi is described as Auckland's most stunning cliff-top dining destination. Big Bay takeaways is open on the weekends over the summer months.

Wet your whistle: The nearest pub is The Kentish Hotel in Waiuku. Built in 1851, it's the oldest continuously licensed hotel in New Zealand. If you've had a few beers and can't drive, you can take advantage of their accommodation.

Best adventures: Go for a trot with Wild West Horse, they take groups trekking through forests and along beaches. Or try blokarting on Karioitahi Beach.

Best-kept secret: The peninsula itself. It's 50km long, 10km wide and just over an hour from Auckland - so close and still so unspoilt.

Wildlife: Lots of seabirds, hawks, tui, pigeons, owls and waterfowl, you might also spot wild deer too.

When a local has visitors staying: They take them to the Manukau Heads lighthouse, Awhitu Wines, Hamilton's Gap, Pollok Gallery, or to Awhitu Regional Park.

Safety warning No. 1: Don't swim on the west coast in unattended areas.

Safety warning No. 2: Don't try to cross the bar unless you're in experienced company and be sure to notify the coast guard.

Two more things: Make sure you have adequate fuel in your vehicle and do not expect to find a cafe around every corner.

Visitors say: To the lighthouse.

Locals say: To the lighthouse.

Thanks to David Hendl from Awhitu Wines for giving us the inside scoop on this magnificent region.

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