Orua Bay
Sightseeing
Hamilton’s Gap – incredible West coast surf beach only 15mins drive. Famous for its freedom camping facilities and the massive sand dunes. Please exercise extreme caution when swimming/surfing here, there is no surf club/lifesavers. Beautiful in sunny or stormy weather, it is THE best local spot to enjoy sunset.
Hamilton's Gap
238 W Coast RdHamilton’s Gap – incredible West coast surf beach only 15mins drive. Famous for its freedom camping facilities and the massive sand dunes. Please exercise extreme caution when swimming/surfing here, there is no surf club/lifesavers. Beautiful in sunny or stormy weather, it is THE best local spot to enjoy sunset.
The Lighthouse and surrounds are full of history incl the site of NZ’s greatest maritime disaster when HMS Orpheus ran aground the Manukau Bar in 1863 and lost 189 lives. Orua Bay was the biggest local settlement and most of the residents assisted in rescue and relief during treacherous conditions. Orpheus Rock is the best local fishing spot in Orua Bay; named after the spot where locals’ signaled for help during the Orpheus rescue.
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Leuchtturm von Manukau Heads
759 Manukau Heads RoadThe Lighthouse and surrounds are full of history incl the site of NZ’s greatest maritime disaster when HMS Orpheus ran aground the Manukau Bar in 1863 and lost 189 lives. Orua Bay was the biggest local settlement and most of the residents assisted in rescue and relief during treacherous conditions. Orpheus Rock is the best local fishing spot in Orua Bay; named after the spot where locals’ signaled for help during the Orpheus rescue.
Awhitu Golf Club – It may be only 9 holes but Awhitu GC is a classic country course with wide fairways, stunning vistas over Kauritutahi beach and enough difficulty to challenge every level of golfer. At $10 for 9 holes or $20 for 18 its great value, only 10mins drive, Friday dinner and Sunday brunch are popular with the locals and it’s the best place to watch the game on the big screen. Try the Twilight 9 competition on Friday at 5pm during Summer season and bring home the prizes.
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Awhitu Golf Club Inc
Awhitu Golf Club – It may be only 9 holes but Awhitu GC is a classic country course with wide fairways, stunning vistas over Kauritutahi beach and enough difficulty to challenge every level of golfer. At $10 for 9 holes or $20 for 18 its great value, only 10mins drive, Friday dinner and Sunday brunch are popular with the locals and it’s the best place to watch the game on the big screen. Try the Twilight 9 competition on Friday at 5pm during Summer season and bring home the prizes.
Awhitu Regional Park – whether you’re camping, walking or biking, the Regional Park is a must visit. Great for picnics, lots of safe swimming with loads of shade under the huge pohutakwawa’s lining Kauritutahi beach. Walking and biking tracks through the wetlands, birdlife sanctuary, Kauri forest and gorgeous dam bush. Discover Brooks Homestead and Pathway (45min loop) or take the Hatton Road Path (40mins) to the scenic lookout. No dogs allowed at Awhitu Regional Park (except on leash in restricted areas).
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Awhitu Regional Park
Brook RoadAwhitu Regional Park – whether you’re camping, walking or biking, the Regional Park is a must visit. Great for picnics, lots of safe swimming with loads of shade under the huge pohutakwawa’s lining Kauritutahi beach. Walking and biking tracks through the wetlands, birdlife sanctuary, Kauri forest and gorgeous dam bush. Discover Brooks Homestead and Pathway (45min loop) or take the Hatton Road Path (40mins) to the scenic lookout. No dogs allowed at Awhitu Regional Park (except on leash in restricted areas).
All nearby and all with their own charm, visit Brooks Beach, Big Bay, Hudson Bay, Grahams Beach, Te Toro and Wattle Bay.
Grahams Beach
All nearby and all with their own charm, visit Brooks Beach, Big Bay, Hudson Bay, Grahams Beach, Te Toro and Wattle Bay.
Food scene
Winetasting – Awhitu has two boutique vineyards, both found at nearby Grahams Beach. Cliff Edge and Awhitu Wines produce lovely chardonnay, syrah and rose.
Visit the cellar door at Awhitu Wines (31 Greenock Drive) on every weekend between 10am – 5pm or ring 09 2351465; they can be open mid-week too during the Summer.
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Awhitu Wines
31 Greenock DrWinetasting – Awhitu has two boutique vineyards, both found at nearby Grahams Beach. Cliff Edge and Awhitu Wines produce lovely chardonnay, syrah and rose.
Visit the cellar door at Awhitu Wines (31 Greenock Drive) on every weekend between 10am – 5pm or ring 09 2351465; they can be open mid-week too during the Summer.
This Pick Your Own blueberry farm is a local legend. Visit in February/March for peak picking season or just for the best real fruit blueberry ice creams in the land.
Pleasant Valley Blueberries
69B Awhitu Gully RoadThis Pick Your Own blueberry farm is a local legend. Visit in February/March for peak picking season or just for the best real fruit blueberry ice creams in the land.
Shopping & art
Pollock Arts and Crafts Gallery – showcasing the best of local artists, bring home a memento of your visit to Awhitu. On your way out, check out the 2 impressive gates to the neighbouring Vedic Temple, entrance by appointment only (well worth it!).
Pollok Arts Co-op
2141 Awhitu RdPollock Arts and Crafts Gallery – showcasing the best of local artists, bring home a memento of your visit to Awhitu. On your way out, check out the 2 impressive gates to the neighbouring Vedic Temple, entrance by appointment only (well worth it!).
Creative Joy Studio – resident artist Aliah Jan teaches both children and adult classes in painting, photography, digital art and music. Aliah’s oil painting’, many local landscapes and abroad, are wonderful. Enquire ph 021 766028 or at 266 Pollok Wharf Road.
Creative Joy Studio
266 Pollok Wharf RoadCreative Joy Studio – resident artist Aliah Jan teaches both children and adult classes in painting, photography, digital art and music. Aliah’s oil painting’, many local landscapes and abroad, are wonderful. Enquire ph 021 766028 or at 266 Pollok Wharf Road.