Discover remote beauty just outside Auckland at the Āwhitu Peninsula, where pristine beaches and coastal views are just the start. Spend a day picnicking, walking, and exploring the easy walking trails around Āwhitu Regional Park. Don’t miss the historic Manukau Heads Lighthouse for stunning views of the peninsula and the Tasman Sea, and be sure to hike up to Brook Homestead, a historic kauri cabin built in 1907. Golfers will appreciate the 9-hole Āwhitu Golf Club, and for a more relaxed day, sip on wine at a cliff-top vineyard or browse the eclectic mix of arts and crafts at Pollok Co-op.

This is the ancestral land of Ngāti Te Ata and Ngāti Kahukōkā, who occupied Awhitū Peninsula prior to European’s arrival. The peninsula offered rich food sources from its dense vegetation, wetlands and access to Manukau Harbour and the Tasman Sea. There is a significant pā between two dune lakes on the western edge of the peninsula.

On the western side of the peninsula, check out Hamilton’s Gap for huge dunes and unspoiled views of the black-sanded coast. Watch a magical sunset at the cliff-facing Karioitahi Beach – a popular spot for four-wheel driving, paragliding, surfing and fishing. You can also find epic views of the rugged coast from Castaways, a popular resort with chalets, glamping and an on-site restaurant.

Before or after your visit, stop by Waiuku for views of the estuary and rural charm. Grab a drink or dinner at the Kentish Hotel, New Zealand’s oldest continuous-licensed hotel, or take a nostalgic journey on a steam train run by Glenbrook Vintage Railway, which runs to Waiuku and back.