Located on the West Coast of New Zealand, Waiuku is approximately 20 km from Pukekohe. Its a small town with a population of just under 10,000 people and of course there is never anything to do (sarcasm). Having lived here for 20+ years I can assure you that it is no sleepy little town and has a lot going for it. Put it on your must visit list.

Waiuku – Steeped in History

Waiuku is a town steeped in history. It was once an important portage for local Maori. In approximately 1843 Waiuku became a port and an important trade route was established between Auckland and the Waikato. You can check out some of the history of the town at the local Museum established 50 years ago in the old fire station building. It has permanent displays and exhibitions of local history.  A couple of historic buildings such as the Second Maioro School, Pollok Cottage and Hartmann House are located nearby on Tamakae Reserve.

Historic Buildings, Tamakae Reserve
Waiuku Historic Buildings and Harbour

Waiuku currently boasts the oldest continuously licensed pub. First licencsed in 1853 The Kentish Hotel is still in use today. As well as being a popular drinking spot it provides guest accommodation, a function room and dining. The Hotel is located at the bottom of Queen Street and overlooks Tamakae Reserve and the estuary.

Hotel Waiuku
The Kentish Hotel

Do you love vintage things and happen to be a train enthusiast then you’re in for a treat. The Glenbrook Vintage Railway is located approximately 10km from Waiuku. On weekends there are trains running from Glenbrook into Waiuku which stop at the station on Victoria Avenue. Make sure you have a wander around and check out the cafes and heritage walk before heading back to the train. The railway also run Thomas Weekends twice a year more information can be found on their website

Vintage Railway Train
Glenbrook Vintage Railway Train

Speaking of vintage, Waiuku has a number of second hand shops which I visit regularly. I wrote about it here .

The Great Outdoors

If you are love the outdoors and like to do any of the following activities, fishing, surfing, horseback riding, paragliding, walking or running then head to Kariotahi Beach. Wild and windswept with black sand its 8 km from Waiuku and a busy place in summer. It is a patrolled beach in summer so swimming can be added to the list of activities.

Fisherman at Kariotahi
Fishing At Kariotahi Beach

Also check out Waiuku Forest for mountain biking, horseriding and running. If fishing is more your thing, then see the link above for a map of access points to the Waikato river.

Photographers I haven’t forgotten you. Kariotahi Beach has some awesome scenery plus with all the activities happening on the beach its a photographers playground.

Sunset at Kariotahi Beach, Waiuku
Kariotahi at Sunset

Accommodation

Spoilt and more at The Roost
The Roost B&B


Do you have a little time on your hands and can stay for a day or two then check out The Roost Executive Bed and Breakfast.
The B&B is nestled amongst gorgeous gardens Your hosts Linda and Graeme Newell offer a number of accommodation choices and you really will be spoilt if you choose to stay here.

Another option is Castaways  which is located on the hills above Kariotahi Beach. On offer is dining, day spa, Glam camping and adventures such as blokarting and 4WD learning experience.

Playgrounds

If you are struggling to keep the kids entertained, there are plenty of playground to choose from within the Township.

  • Massey park – Queen St
  • Kevin Lawrence Park – beside the Library on King St
  • Centennial Park – Kitchener Road
  • Hamilton Estate Playground

With summer in full swing one place to head would be Sandspit Beach. The recently upgraded beach frontage with overhanging Pohutukawa trees makes a nice spot for the kids to play or take a picnic. Steps from the boardwalk lead down to a sandy area with a pier .

Beach, Slide & Pier Waiuku
Sandspit Beach

Kids can play on the playground or slide down the steel slide when the tide is in. Make a day of it and use one of the BBQs provided and you have set the scene for creating some wonderful memories for the kids.

Pack the skateboards or scooters and check out the skate park which is also on Queen St. A great way to burn off some energy before grabbing an icecream from one of the many dairies in Waiuku.

I have added a map below with all the places I’ve mentioned in the blog, hopefully making your visit a little easier!

Of course there are many more things to see and do in the area. Perhaps head up the Awhitu Peninsula to see the Lighthouse (another blog coming soon) or visit one of the many beaches.

If there is an activity or something to do within Waiuku or nearby, do comment as I would love to add to my current post.

Jenny

Also if you would like a memento of the area pop over to the shop

waiuku frame