LOCAL ATTRACTIONS AND activities in the area
With many activities in the area to keep little ones entertained, opportunities to explore the outdoors and great local sites, there is something for everyone. Below are a few ideas to make your stay at Castaways Resort even more enriching.
For more information on local attractions, head to our local attractions directory.
FAMILY & KID FRIENDLY
For a fun-filled day out that will keep everyone entertained, take the family for a scenic drive up the Awhitu Peninsula to the Manukau Heads Lighthouse. Amazing views of the Manukau Heads and Bar can be seen from this view point. View the turbulent waters and shifting shoals of the Manukau Heads, where the HMS Orpheus ran aground in 1863, then afterward grab an ice cream or fish and chips and sit on one of the many beaches on the peninsula. Pick your own fresh, flavour-full blueberries at Pleasant Valley Blueberry Farm, a small family business located a short drive from the lighthouse.
On selected dates, head on over to the Glenbrook Vintage Railway and ride aboard our historic steam train, through the country side arriving at Waiuku Town Centre. Pop into the Glenbrook Model Railway before or after your ride and enjoy 800m of track, spiral climbs, multiple factories and buildings for just a $2 donation!
Waiuku township has plenty of playgrounds and family-friendly spots like the Waiuku Skatepark on Queen Street, the Waiuku Library and Sandspit Reserve beach and playground.
CHILLED OUT
Take a drive up the Awhitu Peninsula and call in at Awhitu Wines for a leisurely boutique wine- tasting in a picturesque setting. Keen for a spot of stress-free golf while you’re in the area? Awhitu Golf Course is for you. Set in the Awhitu Regional Park, the course has excellent views of the Manukau Harbour and of the surrounding parkland.
For lovers of flora, Wrights Watergardens and the adjacent Frog and Lily cafe are a must-see. Set among the Mauku Waterfall and stream, this picturesque spot features many ponds, gardens and pathways to enjoy the scenery.
Enjoy a relaxing and enlightening cruise on the Waiuku River and Manukau Harbour with Ratahi Cruises. For over eight decades, this little ship has worked carrying a wide variety of cargoes, and now has been restored to her pristine condition ready for her to take visitors on cruises around historic sites around Waiuku, the Waitangi Waterfall and the Sandspit, sacred to the local Ngati te Ata people.
NATURE AND ADVENTURE LOVERS
While at Castaways Resort, you can’t go past a visit down to the wild Karioitahi Beach to explore the surf (when safe) and caves around the coastline. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a seal or two!
Waiuku Forest is also a great place to enjoy the rugged west coast scenery. At the mouth of the mighty Waikato River, Waiuku Forest is cloaked by towering pine trees and low-impact sand trails perfect for a semi-leisurely stroll.
Awhitu Regional Park, just over half an hour’s drive from Castaways, is renowned among the locals for its variety of scenery and beautiful, tranquil spots such as quiet sandy beaches, wetlands, historic buildings and more. And if you’re open to the idea of driving out a bit further from Waiuku, Hunua Falls & Reserve is definitely worth the journey. You can enjoy the largest native forest with your family, picnicking by the Hunua Falls or on one of many walks.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Waiuku Museum, established almost 50 years ago in the old fire station, maintains an interesting display of local history. Take a heritage walk around historic buildings in the vicinity such as the old school building, lock-up and the locally-famous Hartmann House. The museum offers a pioneer experience with permanent and changing displays of Maori and early colonial artifacts reflecting the area’s maritime and agricultural past.
Fancy adding locally-made products and art to your home collection? The Pollok Co-Op is the place to go for arts and crafts mainly from the Awhitu Peninsula. These range from fine art, glassware, ceramics, jewellery, fabric art, right through to cards and organic foodstuffs. There is also the Sculpture Garden where you can sit down in the shade with a freshly ground coffee, and admire the fine selection of ponga, kauri, and stainless steel sculpture.
If you consider yourself brave and feel like giving your heart rate a bit of a jolt, Spookers Haunted House will be an adventure you’ll never forget. Set in a former psychiatric hospital, Spookers is Australasia’s only professional haunted attraction theme park and has a cult following among the locals. Move through theatrically-themed haunted houses and outdoor environments decorated by sets, props and live scare-actors. You definitely want to take a friend with you to this one!
