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 international crowds, smaller regional parks and trails close to our bigger cities are crucial for those locals and weekend warriors who want easy access to nature and recreation. Franklin is right on the doorstep of Auckland and, given the variety of trails, the refurbished Pukekohe railway station and three new stations opening next year at Drury, Drury West and Paerātā, he believes there’s potential for the region to become a walking and biking destination.
The logical approach, he says, is to create a trail network that connects with this new public transport infrastructure – and that will create more opportunities to provide unique food and drink experiences for visitors, as seen in places like Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay that have invested in the infrastructure.
Sinclair is also pushing hard for more safe trails that can link up urban areas in the region and get schools connected with their local parks.
Bush walks
The Hunua Traverse, a 44.5-km two-way walk or ride with a total elevation gain of 1000 metres is a great option for those looking for a longer trip and a ‘green prescription’. It takes in a mix of private and public roads between Clevedon Village and Kaiaua on the east coast and, like the Five Summits, it is also shared use.
Be wary of the need to protect our precious kauri from dieback by cleaning your gear and keep an eye out for kōkako, kākā and pekapeka tou roa (the long-tailed bat), which are being helped by pest control efforts in the area.
The 10.3-km loop in the Waiuku Forest also offers some lovely tree-covered trails.
Summit walks
The Five Summits circuit takes in some of the highest hills in the area and totals just over 20 kilometres around the urban boundary of Pukekohe. The circuit was set up about five years ago by the local tramping club and it starts and finishes at the Pukekohe Railway Station, which has a big map of the circuit.
“So you could pick off one or two summits in a day and eventually tick all the others off,” Sinclair says.
Pukekohe Hill is the highest volcanic cone on the mainland in the Auckland region (only Rangitoto Island) is higher. Not surprisingly, “the views are spectacular”.
“You get up the top of those five summits and even from the back of Pukekohe Hill, suddenly you’re looking into the Waikato. You’ve got the mouth of the Waikato River and you’ve got all the estuaries, like the Taihiki estuary.”
Beach time
There are a number of options available for those who need to be beside the seaside. Kariotahi, about five kilometres from Waiuku, is a typically wild and rugged West Coast beach and, further north, Hamilton’s Gap is similarly impressive, especially at sunset.
Everyone loves a lighthouse walk and there’s one on offer at the Manukau Heads on the Āwhitu Peninsula. And plenty of people also love looking at big trees and what’s thought to be the largest single-stem macrocarpa in the world can be seen near the Brooks Homestead.
Sinclair says he has seen orca in the Manukau Harbour hunting for stingrays and while there are only around 50 Māui dolphins remaining, they are sometimes spotted on this stretch of coast between the Waikato River mouth and the Manukau Harbour.
The southern shores of the harbour are among the best spots in the country to see shorebirds. Set off from Clark’s Beach, or do the Sandspit trail from Waiuku. This trail was built by hundreds of volunteers, including a bridge by the Mudlarks (see story pg ?). And if you want a slice of history, the path starts right beside the Glenbrook Vintage Railway (check the website for more details on the dates it’s running).
Bike life
Many of the trails in the area are shared, but for those looking for a bit more adrenalin, the Puni Memorial Reserve is an increasingly popular spot. The trails will soon be officially graded and more grade two trails are planned for riders who are keen to develop their skills. And while they’re free to use, membership is encouraged.
Fourforty Mountain Bike park in Ōrere Point (named after the vertical elevation of the hill) is also worth a visit. And if you’re keen to maximise the downhill, there’s even a shuttle buggy service available.
