Local Attractions Waiuku Forest Address: Ghezzie Rd, Waiuku Forest 13km south of Waiuku, at the mouth of the Waikato River is the Waiuku Forest.  Owned by Crown Forestry and managed by New Zealand Forest Managers, the forest covers 1508 ha and is planted in Pinus Radiata. Also at the forest is the New Zealand Steel Iron Sand Mining operation. Inaccessible and mainly obscurred from vision, the site is a no-go area to the public except for organised visits, although at the entrance on Ghezzie Rd there is a viewing area and an information board explaining the design and process of extracting and slurrying iron sand to the mill 25km away. Aside from the commercial activities at the forest, this area is a wonderful playground for people who enjoy the great outdoors.  Beach and river access, mountain biking tracks, horse riding tracks, orienteering, fishing, swimming and picnicking are some of the activities enjoyed here. The forest is vast and beautiful with lookouts offering extensive views over the Tasman Sea, Port Waikato and the Waikato River. As with all forests, no fires or barbeques, check closing times each day.  Also they are prone to restricted access during periods of high fire danger. The Information Centre at Waiuku has instructions on how to get to the forest from Waiuku and they also sell maps of the forest. Awhitu Regional Park (ARC) Address: Brook Road, Kauritutahi Hours: Park open daily 8am to sunset. Phone: 09 303 1530 20 minute to 3 hour beach/farm walks.  Historic Brook Homestead.  Campsites available. Glenbrook Vintage Railway Address: Glenbrook Station Road, Glenbrook Hours: From Labour Weekend through to Queen?s Birthday on Sundays and most public holidays Contact: The GVR Volunteers Phone: 09 236 3456 Fax: 09 625 4057 Website: http://www.railfan.org.nz/ A rail enthusiasts? heaven! Hop aboard lovingly restored and maintained steam engines for a journey into yesteryear. Situated in the picturesque Franklin countryside on Glenbrook Station Road, (about 9km from Waiuku), the railway operates from Labour Weekend through to Queen?s Birthday on Sundays and most public holidays. Step back in time with a 12km return trip in vintage carriages behind a genuine steam locomotive. Picnic area, refreshments available. Facilities for people with a disability. Open 11am - 4pm from Labour weekend to Queens Birthday weekend on Sundays, holidays and Christmas Holidays. Lighthouse at Manukau Heads Address: Manukau Heads Rd Postal Address: Manukau Heads Rd Website: http://awhitu.com/lighthouse/default.htm The Lighthouse was first built in 1874 and has been meticulously refurbished and rebuilt using pieces from the original building. It has been relocated to a new site beside the Manukau Heads Signal Station platform which has been on this site since 1865. 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. Parking and toilet facilities at entrance, short stroll to viewing platform 244m above sea level - magnificent views of Manukau Harbour from entrance and bar back across to Auckland City. See the replica lighthouse opened by Prime Minister Helen Clark in September 2006. Waiuku Museum Address: 13 King St, Waiuku Postal Address: 13 King St, Waiuku Hours: Open Saturday & Sunday 1.30pm - 4pm , and by arrangement. ‘Wednesday, 10am-12   Phone: 09 235 8698 Pioneer Museum with permanent displays and changing exhibitions of local history.  Assistance with historical or genealogy research.  Extensive collection of districts pioneer history. Archival, family research service offered. Open by appointment fo individuals, school groups and tour parties. Made with Xara Web Designer Website Design & Photography proudly sponsored by Ian Booker Photography & Web Design