Glenbrook Vintage Railway
Under an hour
1-1 hr return · 30 min drive
Glenbrook Vintage Railway operates heritage steam and diesel train rides from its Glenbrook station, roughly 30 minutes south-west of Pukekohe.
Things to Do in Pukekohe
Every playground, park, walk and swim spot around Pukekohe on one map, plus this weekend's events and the places people love most.
Pukekohe sits in the fertile countryside of the Franklin district, south of Auckland, and is best known for its market gardens, motorsport at Pukekohe Park, and country charm. It blends a busy rural town centre with easy access to the west-coast beaches, the Bombay Hills and the Waikato. From parks and playgrounds to local history, there is plenty to explore.
Find something to do
Every playground, park, walk, swim spot and more around Pukekohe on one map. Search, pick a category, or tap Near me.
47 guides
Karioitahi Beach
Dog beachRules vary by area
35 min drive
Karioitahi Beach near Pukekohe offers black sand, dramatic cliffs and activities like fishing and paragliding.
Bombay Hills
No dogs
The Bombay Hills form the low ridge that marks the southern boundary of the Auckland region and the start of the Waikato lowlands.
Rosa Birch Park
Pukekohe
Dogs allowedToilets nearbyPlaygroundShaded
Rosa Birch Park in Pukekohe has a playground, paths, hockey, tennis and open space. Facilities, access and walking options.
Pukekohe Park
Pukekohe Park hosts thoroughbred racing, free-entry events and elite training facilities. Plan your visit or day trips from this Franklin venue.
Port Waikato
Toilets nearby
50 min drive
Port Waikato is a small seaside settlement at the mouth of the Waikato River where it meets the Tasman Sea.
Pukekohe Hill Reserve
Dogs allowedToilets nearby
21 km · Moderate
Find Pukekohe Hill Reserve on the 21km Five Summits Trail with summit views, walking, cycling options and more for day trips from Pukekohe.
Rooseville Park
Dogs allowedToilets nearbyDog walkOff-leash
1.5 hr · Easy to moderate
Rooseville Park protects one of the most significant stands of native forest remaining in Pukekohe, along.
Pukekohe Town Square
Pukekohe
Toilets nearbyPlaygroundShaded
Pukekohe Town Square hosts a monthly farmers market and free summer concerts on King Street, with playground facilities and ongoing precinct upgrades.
Pukekohe Golf Club
20 min drive
Pukekohe Golf Club is located at 654 Karaka Road in Karaka, approximately 15 to 20 minutes north of Pukekohe.
Samuel Miller Reserve
Pukekohe
Free entryShadedToilets nearby
Samuel Miller Reserve is a compact neighbourhood park at the corner of Nelson Street and John Street in central Pukekohe.
Franklin Arts Centre
Free entry
Franklin Arts Centre on Massey Avenue, Pukekohe has two free gallery spaces, a shop selling local arts and crafts, and a workshop venue for hire.
Bledisloe Park
Pukekohe
Toilets nearbyPlaygroundBBQShadedAccessible equipment
Bledisloe Park serves as Pukekohe's primary multi-sport recreation ground on Queen Street, just south of the town centre.
Waitangi Falls Waiuku
Toilets nearbySwimmingFree entry
6 m falls · 15 min drive
Waitangi Falls near Waiuku offers a 6-metre cascade and swimming pool 15 minutes from Pukekohe. Free access with picnic tables and short track.
Hūnua Traverse
Toilets nearby
44.5 km · Hard
Hūnua Traverse: a grade 4, 45 km Heartland Ride from Clevedon to Kaiaua through Hūnua Ranges Regional Park. Climbing, water, camping and access.
Pukekohe Skatepark
Dogs allowedToilets nearbyPlayground
Free skatepark on Stadium Drive, Pukekohe, with a street section, mini pool bowl and pump track, plus where the separate Bledisloe Park skate area is.
Spookers Karaka
30 min drive
Navigate through the haunting remnants of Kingseat Hospital at Spookers, where terrifying adventures await—are you brave enough to face your fears?
Kennelly Park
Pukekohe
Toilets nearbyBBQFree entryShaded
Kennelly Park (Te Ara-poouri) in Pukekohe offers open grass, a playground and shade trees. Free daily access managed by Auckland Council.
Secret Waterfall Garden Patumahoe
15 min drive
The Secret Waterfall Garden in Patumahoe: gardens, a café and the Mauku waterfall, a short drive from Pukekohe in South Auckland.
Clarks Beach Fishing
Snapper
Clarks Beach on the Manukau: the all-tide ramp at the end of Torkar Road, the Waiuku River channel, snapper, scallop checks and Auckland West rules.
Waiuku Skatepark
Waiuku Skatepark in Massey Park: mini ramp bowl, rising quarterpipe, W rail, ledges and manual pad, upgraded in 2018 by the community. Toilets nearby.
Whangamarino Historic Walk
Under an hourEasyNo dogs
25 min · 900 m one way · Easy
Whangamarino Historic Walk: a 25-minute DOC walk near Meremere to a Waikato War redoubt and pā. Part of Te Araroa. Wetland alert, no dogs.
Pukekohe Pioneer Cottage
Pukekohe Pioneer Cottage in Roulston Park: an 1859 settler home run by Franklin Historical Society, open the 1st and 3rd Sunday, entry by donation.
Ernie's Reserve
Dogs allowedFree entry
Ernie's Reserve in Pukekohe features ponds, paths and views. Part of the 21 km Five Summits Trail with free entry and dog access on leash.
Pukekohe East Explosion Crater
The Pukekohe East Explosion Crater is one of the most prominent volcanic features in the Franklin district.
Pukekohe Five Summits Trail
5.5-6.5 hr · 21 km loop · Hard
The Pukekohe Five Summits Trail is a 21km loop linking five volcanic hills around Pukekohe, starting at the train station. Allow 5.5 to 6.5 hours.
Sunset Beach Fishing
No dogs
Kahawai, snapper, gurnard
Fish Sunset Beach at Port Waikato for kahawai, snapper and gurnard. Kite and kontiki longlines, the river mouth, rips, erosion, tides and rules.
Bottle Top Bay Fishing
Snapper
Bottle Top Bay at Hingaia: the Oakland Road ramp into the Pahurehure Inlet, high tide launching, the Drury Creek channel and Auckland West rules.
CCT Lavender Farm and Café Karaka
Free entry
30 min drive
CCT Lavender Farm and Café is a certified organic lavender farm at 242 Urquhart Road in Karaka, roughly 25,30 minutes north of Pukekohe.
Puni Park MTB Trails
Free Puni Park MTB facility near Pukekohe offers 6-7 km singletrack, pump track and dirt jumps maintained by Franklin MTB Club.
Te Pae Mahara Roulston War Memorial Park
Pukekohe
Toilets nearbyPlaygroundBBQShaded
Te Pae Mahara Roulston War Memorial Park in central Pukekohe: an upgraded playground, barbecues, picnic spots and accessible paths beside the stadium.
Franklin Early Settlers Walkway
Under an hourEasyDogs allowed
20-25 min · 1.1 km · Easy
Franklin Early Settlers Walkway in Pukekohe: an easy 1.1 km stream path near town with boardwalks, native plantings and plaques on 1860s settler history.
Henrys Reserve Waterfall Patumahoe
Under an hourEasyDogs allowed
20 min · 0.5 km loop · Easy
Easy 20-minute loop to the 15 m waterfall on the Whangamaire Stream in Patumahoe, 15 minutes from Pukekohe. Free, family-friendly with viewing platform.
Maketu Waterfall Drury
Under an hourSwimmingFree entry
0.5-1 hr return · Easy to moderate · 8 m falls
Maketu Waterfall offers an 8-metre cascade and swimming hole on a short 0.5, 1 hour bush walk near Drury, 20 minutes from Pukekohe.
Te Ara O Whangamaire Walk
Under an hour
20 min · 0.8 km loop · Easy to moderate
Short loop track in Clive Howe Road Scenic Reserve near Patumahoe with steep gully, waahi tapu spring and native bush. Free, 20 minutes, easy to moderate.
Sunset Coast BMX Club Puni
Sunset Coast BMX Club at Puni Memorial Park offers UCI-standard racing with sealed berms and an 8m ramp, 15 minutes south of Pukekohe.
Pukekohe East Presbyterian Church
Pukekohe East Presbyterian Church: an 1863 heritage church near Pukekohe with bullet holes from a New Zealand Wars battle and a historic cemetery.
Hūnua Falls
Under an hourEasyFree entry
15 min · 0.8 km loop · Easy
Hūnua Falls offers an easy 0.8 km walk to a 30-metre waterfall in Hūnua Ranges Regional Park, 33 km from Pukekohe. Free entry with picnic areas.
Hamiltons Gap Fishing
Toilets nearby
Kahawai, snapper
Hamiltons Gap on the Āwhitu west coast: drone and kontiki longlines, surfcasting, the stream crossing, dotterel dunes and the set-net ban.
Lake Whatihua Fishing
Trout
Fish Lake Whatihua near Waiuku for stocked rainbow trout and the odd big brown: paper road access, calm-day rises, flies and lures, season and rules.
Mangatangi Reservoir Fishing
Trout, perch
Fish Mangatangi Reservoir in the Hūnua Ranges for rainbow trout from the dam face: the free permit, fly and lure only rules, methods, and walking access.
Mangatāwhiri Reservoir Fishing
Trout
Fish Mangatāwhiri Reservoir in the Hūnua Ranges for wild rainbow trout off the dam: permit and licence, fly and lure only rules, nymph tactics and access.
Parkinsons Lake Fishing
Good for families
Trout
Fish Parkinsons Lake near Waiuku for stocked rainbow trout and big browns: a small roadside dune lake, float and bait rigs, flies, season and rules.
Waikato River Fishing
Perch, trout
Fish the lower Waikato River at Mercer and Tuakau for rudd, perch, koi, catfish and brown trout: access, rigs and lures, licences and pest fish rules.
'Pioneer' Gun Turret and War Memorial Mercer
Mercer
Memorials
The Pioneer gun turret at Mercer: a turret from New Zealand's first government warship, now a Category 1 First World War memorial by the Waikato River.
Alexandra Redoubt Tuakau
Pirongia
Pā and NZ Wars sites
10 km
Alexandra Redoubt near Tuakau: the 65th Regiment's fort above the Waikato River, the Camerontown ambush, the memorial obelisk and the cemetery.
Mercer Art and History Museum
Mercer
Museums and galleries
Mercer Art and History Museum: a small museum on Roose Road about Mercer, the Waikato River trade and Caesar Roose, open Fridays and Saturdays by koha.
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Top things to do in Pukekohe
The places people read about most, each with a full local guide.
Glenbrook Vintage Railway
Glenbrook Vintage Railway operates heritage steam and diesel train rides from its Glenbrook station, roughly 30 minutes south-west of Pukekohe.
Read the guideKarioitahi Beach
Karioitahi Beach near Pukekohe offers black sand, dramatic cliffs and activities like fishing and paragliding.
Read the guideBombay Hills
The Bombay Hills form the low ridge that marks the southern boundary of the Auckland region and the start of the Waikato lowlands.
Read the guideRosa Birch Park
Rosa Birch Park in Pukekohe has a playground, paths, hockey, tennis and open space. Facilities, access and walking options.
Read the guidePukekohe Park
Pukekohe Park hosts thoroughbred racing, free-entry events and elite training facilities. Plan your visit or day trips from this Franklin venue.
Read the guidePort Waikato
Port Waikato is a small seaside settlement at the mouth of the Waikato River where it meets the Tasman Sea.
Read the guidePukekohe Town Square
Pukekohe Town Square hosts a monthly farmers market and free summer concerts on King Street, with playground facilities and ongoing precinct upgrades.
Read the guidePukekohe Golf Club
Pukekohe Golf Club is located at 654 Karaka Road in Karaka, approximately 15 to 20 minutes north of Pukekohe.
Read the guideFranklin Arts Centre
Franklin Arts Centre on Massey Avenue, Pukekohe has two free gallery spaces, a shop selling local arts and crafts, and a workshop venue for hire.
Read the guideWaitangi Falls Waiuku
Waitangi Falls near Waiuku offers a 6-metre cascade and swimming pool 15 minutes from Pukekohe. Free access with picnic tables and short track.
Read the guideHūnua Traverse
Hūnua Traverse: a grade 4, 45 km Heartland Ride from Clevedon to Kaiaua through Hūnua Ranges Regional Park. Climbing, water, camping and access.
Read the guidePukekohe Skatepark
Free skatepark on Stadium Drive, Pukekohe, with a street section, mini pool bowl and pump track, plus where the separate Bledisloe Park skate area is.
Read the guideFree things to do with kids
Pukekohe has 68 public playgrounds on our map, 9 of them fenced and 2 with water play. These pair a playground or an easy walk with somewhere to run around.
Rosa Birch ParkRosa Birch Park in Pukekohe has a playground, paths, hockey, tennis and open space. Facilities, access and walking opt…Pukekohe Town SquarePukekohe Town Square hosts a monthly farmers market and free summer concerts on King Street, with playground facilitie…Samuel Miller ReserveSamuel Miller Reserve is a compact neighbourhood park at the corner of Nelson Street and John Street in central Pukeko…Bledisloe ParkBledisloe Park serves as Pukekohe's primary multi-sport recreation ground on Queen Street, just south of the town cent…Kennelly ParkKennelly Park (Te Ara-poouri) in Pukekohe offers open grass, a playground and shade trees. Free daily access managed b…Te Pae Mahara Roulston War Memorial ParkTe Pae Mahara Roulston War Memorial Park in central Pukekohe: an upgraded playground, barbecues, picnic spots and acce…
Things to do near the water
Beaches, lakes and rivers around Pukekohe, each with what to know before you swim.
Port WaikatoPort Waikato is a small seaside settlement at the mouth of the Waikato River where it meets the Tasman Sea.Waitangi Falls WaiukuWaitangi Falls near Waiuku offers a 6-metre cascade and swimming pool 15 minutes from Pukekohe. Free access with picni…Maketu Waterfall DruryMaketu Waterfall offers an 8-metre cascade and swimming hole on a short 0.5, 1 hour bush walk near Drury, 20 minutes f…
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Pukekohe?
Favourites include Glenbrook Vintage Railway, Karioitahi Beach, Bombay Hills, Rosa Birch Park and Pukekohe Park. The full list of picks is on this page, and the map shows everything else.
What can you do in Pukekohe for free?
Pukekohe’s public parks, playgrounds, beaches and walking tracks are free to visit. Our map has 87 parks and reserves, 68 playgrounds and 12 walks.
What is there to do in Pukekohe with kids?
Start with a playground: there are 68 on our map, and 9 are fenced and 2 have water play. Pick Playgrounds above and tap Near me to find the closest.
Where can you swim in Pukekohe?
Popular spots include Port Waikato, Waitangi Falls Waiuku and Maketu Waterfall Drury. Each guide says what to know before you swim.
What’s on in Pukekohe this weekend?
Events change every week. See This Weekend in Pukekohe and What’s On.