#findyour
franklin
Micro-adventures
Somewhere between a plan and a wander,
you’ll find something better.
#FindYourFranklin Micro-Adventures are simple, curated ways to explore the region. A couple of hours. Maybe a day. Sometimes a weekend if you don’t feel like heading back just yet.
Out to the Edge
— Awhitu Peninsula
Micro-adventure 002
1. START
Breakfast in Waiuku
Start slow before heading out toward the edge of the peninsula.
Grab breakfast and coffee in Waiuku.
2. MOVE
The Long Road to Awhitu
The drive is part of it. Quiet roads and wide skies the whole way.
Take the scenic route out through the peninsula.
3. MOMENT
Awhitu Lighthouse
Wind, sea, and space in every direction.
Stop at the historic Awhitu Lighthouse.
4. MOVE
Through the Farmland
The landscape keeps shifting as you follow the harbour south.
Take your time winding through the back roads.
5. MOMENT
Harbour Views & Open Space
Big skies and quiet places to wander for a while.
Explore Awhitu Regional Park or the Manukau Heads.
6. FINISH
West Coast Sunset
End the day where the Tasman meets the black sand coast.
Watch the sun disappear into the horizon.
Explore more Franklin Stories — people, places and experiences across the region
Featured Franklin stories...
Steel ‘n’ Wheels
Classic Cars, Hot Rods and Heritage Vehicles Born in 2011 through the Waiuku Business & Development Association and local car clubs, Steel ’n’ Wheels quickly became a flagship celebration of Waiuku’s character. Rooted in the town’s connection to New Zealand Steel...
Happy Trails
The Franklin region is well-endowed with tracks and trails for walkers and bikers and there are options for people of all fitness levels, abilities and interests. Andrew Sinclair of Franklin Active Trails shares some of his tips. While our National Parks draw the...
The Coast With The Most
Along the northeast coast of Franklin lies the Pohutukawa Coast – a series of bays, cliffs, and rolling hills sprawling from Beachlands to Maraetai, which are covered in – as you could have guessed – monstrous pohutukawa trees. The Beachlands and Maraetai townships...
My Franklin – Bill Cashmore
Former Auckland Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore was born and bred in Franklin District, with his family having been there since the late 1800s as sheep and beef farmers in the Hunua Ranges.
Manukau Heads Lighthouse
Standing proudly on the tip of the Āwhitu Peninsula, the Manukau Heads Lighthouse has guided ships safely into the harbour since 1874. One of New Zealand’s few remaining timber lighthouses, it marks both a historic and emotional point on Franklin’s rugged west coast....
Kitchen Consequential
Connie ClarksonFounder of The Kitchen Project The Kitchen Project is cooking up something special in Franklin. The initiative is helping local foodie entrepreneurs turn their passion into their profession. With a training base in Pukekohe, the project provides a tasty...






