Pukekohe 

Pukekohe is a major town in the Franklin region which is the third largest urban area in the Auckland Region behind Auckland itself and the Hibiscus Coast.   

Pukekohe is located on the southern edge of Auckland, ideally placed for excursions into the heart of Auckland or to Hamilton.  Pukekohe offers a diverse range of activities, from exploring historic sites and enjoying outdoor adventures to experiencing local culture and cuisine.  

Pukekohe’s original settlement expanded and became a vital agricultural hub, particularly for vegetable growing due to its fertile volcanic soil. Famous for it Agri potatoes, “long keeper onions” and rich red fertile soil. Fresh and delicious produce from paddock to plate when you dine in Pukekohe.

Location: 

• Auckland Airport : domestic and international airport just 30 minutes 
• Motorway: just 10 minutes to both the north and south bound motorway 
• Auckland City: 40 minutes – take our new electric train direct to the city. 
• Rainbows End: 30 minutes – adventure rides next to Manukau shopping Mall 
• Hamilton: 50 minutes – an easy drive from Pukekohe 

Arts & Entertainment: 

• Franklin Arts Centre: 
  • Discover art exhibitions and a shop featuring works by local and international artists.  
• Franklin Club:  excellence dining and check out their entertainment guide.  
• Cossie Club: catch a show or live music, with the option of dining in house  

Beaches: 

• Awhitu Peninsula: swim; fish; boat and enjoy water sports 
• Kariotahi Beach: swim; para sail; walk your horse; family BBQ. 
• Sunset Beach: at Port Waikato – lagoon and beach access  (no link)  
• Seabird Coast:  a tranquil and scenic outlook traversing the Shorebird Coast 

Dining Experiences: 

• Bracu Olive Estate: stunning restaurant meals in unique settings along with a backdrop for dining, weddings, events.  Combines with outdoor activities such as clay bird shooting; knife throwing and air rifle target practice.  
• Castaways Restaurant: Enjoy a tranquil & stunning sunset while sipping a cocktail or dining with stunning coastal views.  
• Explore Pukekohe: Enjoy the town's cafes, shops, and local produce, including artisan bread and pies and walk to a variety of decadent dining experiences locally with many restaurants located in the heart of Pukekohe. 
• Mercer Cheese Shop – award winning with 15-20 varieties of cheese.  Shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.  They are located at Roose Road, Mercer.  The shop also has picnic tables overlooking the Waikato river.   
• Pokeno – Ice Cream – found in main street Pokeno, a popular stop for a tasty treat. 
• Pokeno Bacon – a variety of award-winning meat products and famous Pokeno bacon  
• The Daily Goods:  centrally located in the main street, check out their delicious menu.  

Events: 

• Pukekohe Park: Enjoy horse racing events throughout the year 
• Counties Manukau Steelers: Catch a home game. 
• Franklin Bulls: in the national basketball league – catch the home games. 
• Bowls Pukekohe: ten pin bowling and outdoor bowls next to the Cossie Club. 
• Garden Ramble: annual garden tour by Franklin Hospice  
• PIA Event Centre: checkout the events scheduled throughout the year 
• Steel ‘N’ Wheels: a car show event with entertainment in Waiuku 

Golf 

• Pukekohe Golf Club    
• Maxwells Golf Club   
• Onewhereo Golf Club     
• Maramarua Golf Club       

Local Markets: 

• Pukekohe Farmers Markets: Every Saturday morning in Pukekohe 
• Artisan Markets: in Pukekohe town square 1st Sunday of the month 
• Red Shed Palazzo Markets: Saturday & Sunday with café. 
• Clevedon Village Markets: each Sunday till 1pm. 
• Urban Market: grocer specialising in local, organic, sustainable products 

History & Culture: 

• Pukekohe Pioneer Cottage – a glimpse into early settle life with authentic furnishings and tools  
• Mercer Art & History Museum: a small museum showcasing the history of Mercer, the Waikato River and river trade. 

Outdoor Adventures: 

• Mt William: Hike to the summit of Mt William for panoramic views.  
• Glenbrook Vintage Railway: Take a ride on a vintage steam train through picturesque countryside.  
• Nikau Caves and Café: Explore glowworm caves and enjoy a relaxing cafe experience.  
• Spookers Theme Park: haunted attraction in Karaka, a 15-minute drive.  
• Awaawaroa Alpacas: Get up close with alpacas and enjoy their unique charm.  
• Bracu Olive Estate: stunning restaurant meals combines with outdoor activities such as clay bird shooting; knife throwing and air rifle target practice.  
• Adrenalin Forest: located in Bombay the courses feature over 100 fun filled challenges across six levels. Each level is harder than the last, with obstacles starting at 1.5 metres above the ground that are suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. 
• Miranda Hot Springs: Relax in the thermally heated fresh mineral water, 30 minutes from Pukekohe.
• Pukekohe Park: the premier home of horse racing in New Zealand.

Outdoor Adventures - Motorsports 

• Hampton Downs: Experience the excitement of motorsport events and even ride in a race car.  
• Thundercross Valley Dirt Bike Park: Enjoy dirt biking with tracks, rentals, and tuition.  
• Meremere Drag Strip:   NZ leading drag racing facility hosting a range of events         
• Meremere Dirt Track: where racing begins for all the family       
• Hauraki Rail Trail – part of the Great Rides of NZ is for all ages and abilities. 

Scenic: 

• Five Summits Trail: is a 21km loop qround Pukekohe, connecting parks and reserves, visiting five hill tops and starts and finishes at the Pukekohe Train station. 
• Awhitu Regional Park: stunning beaches to enjoy along with serene walks through the park's woods.  
• Awhitu Peninsula & Manukau Heads Lighthouse: Visit and enjoy spectacular views, one of the few visitors accessible lighthouses in NZ. 
• The Secret Waterfall Garden: Stroll though a picturesque water garden featuring ponds, winding pathways and iconic Mauku Waterfall.  Café with outside seating to enjoy. 
• Waitangi Falls: Enjoy this popular local swimming spot and magnificent waterfall 
• Hunua Falls: this striking 30-metre waterfall is part of the Wairoa River. 
• Hunua Ranges Regional Park: walking and bike tracks to enjoy and a beautiful place to tramp and stop at a scenic spot for a bite to eat.        
• Coastal walks in Tãpapakanga Regional Park: Enjoy scenic walks with coastal views.  
• NZ Walking Trails: discover local walks and how to keep safe       
• DOC: explore our range of walks and hikes to find the right one for you        

"Pukekohe is a treasure trove of unique, locally owned boutique stores, each with its own personality and charm. From artisanal crafts and stylish fashion to gourmet treats and quirky gifts, every shop offers something different to discover. Strolling through our quaint streets, you’ll find yourself wandering from one delightful storefront to the next, each filled with handpicked treasures and friendly faces. No mall complex here—just authentic shopping experiences you won’t find anywhere else." 

Children Entertainment: 

• Skatepark – 21 Stadium Drive 
• Ten-pin bowling – 78 Nelson Street 
• Franklin Leisure centre – indoor pools and gym at 29 Franklin Road 
• Movie theatre – 85 Edinburgh Street 
• Pukekohe Library – 12 Massey Avenue 
• Play Grounds 
• Playground, swings, seesaw, seating  
• Samuel Miller Reserve – 42-54 Nelson Stret 
• Pukekohe Park – 12 Harris Street 
• O’Connor Drive – 48 O’Connor Drive Pukekohe Library 
• Mark Ball Drive Reserve – Pokeno.   
• Westmuir Crescent Playground – Pokeno.