Starts at 216 Brook Road, Awhitu
Discover the beaches, wetlands and history of Āwhitu Regional Park. Located on the southwest shores of the Manukau Harbour, Āwhitu is a pleasant country drive through Waiuku.
From the car park, follow the red markers along the foreshore at idyllic Kauritūtahi Bay. You can stroll along the beach or the grass track – both routes offer spectacular views of the Manukau Harbour and Kauritūtahi Island.
Climb up onto the headland to the historic Brook Homestead – a lovely spot to enjoy a picnic under the impressive trees. The historic kauri cottage was built around 1907 by the Brook family, and was never wired for electricity or connected to the power grid.
Ngāti Te Ata and Ngāti Kahukoka originally occupied the Āwhitu Peninsula. Their descendants still maintain strong links to this land, with marae located in and around Waiuku.
Continue walking along the gravel road past the campground and wetland, and back to the track starting point. Along the way there are bird watching decks to spot a variety of native wildlife.
After your walk, enjoy the safe, sandy beaches and sheltered picnic and barbecue areas. Kauritūtahi Bay and the historic jetty below the Brook Homestead are great spots to swim at high tide. Or walk to neighbouring Brook Beach and find your own peaceful picnic spot.
