extraordinary view with a secure footpath to get to the lighthouse, decent drive from South Auckland with outlooking views, perfect drive for tourists to stop over and take photos

This is another lovely place we went on our Christmas holiday. It is an hour and a half to two hours direct from Auckland to get there so it is a bit of a drive. However, it is worth it for the views and to see the waves breaking over the treacherous Manukau bar. The geography of the heads and the closeness of Whatipu on the north side is impressive. I was surprised at how many other people were there as well. Twenty five years ago, the last time I went we were almost the only people there.

It is a short walk only to the historic lighthouse, which you can climb up to see the north and west views. You can also walk east across a paddock to look north east across the Manukau Harbour and back towards Auckland. It is a pity we thought that they haven’t put in walkway along the cliff linking these two points or further afield.

A great day trip from Auckland. You get to travel via historic Waikiki, which seems to have come alive these days and if you have time don’t forget to check out the very black sand at Kariotahi and Awhitu Regional Park.