Rebecca Glover tackles that perennial problem – how to deal with all that leisure time.
So Santa forgot to put that ticket for a world trip in your Christmas stocking? Well, think of the advantages – no problems with funny money, Delhi belly or customs officials with a humour bypass. Franklin has a fantastic array of interesting things to see and do, ranging from the seriously energetic to just lying back and going with the flow somewhere gorgeous. Here are just a few ways to work off Christmas dinner – or you could even take it with you.
Waiuku Forest
Almost lost to recreational users a few years ago, citizen action by its many devotees saw recreational access assured for fishers, walkers, and riders of bikes and horses. Still a commercial forest, logging trucks may be encountered on internal roads, but much work has been done to hew out wonderful tracks for safe off-road horse riding, with access through special narrow 'horse gates'. Several truck/float parking areas are available, and whole days can be spent on your steed happily exploring the 1500ha with the benefit of shelter from wind and burning summer sun. The forest is open every day until 6pm, and entry is free.
Manukau Heads Lighthouse
First built in 1874, the lighthouse is another treasure saved by the work of dedicated locals. Meticulously refurbished and rebuilt using pieces from the original building, it was relocated beside the Manukau Heads Signal Station platform which has been on this site since 1865. Far below are the treacherous shifting shoals which claimed the HMS Orpheus in 1863, still one of New Zealand's major disasters. On a clear day...you can see Mt Taranaki, and always the wild coastal scenery is spectacular, as is the journey up the Awhitu Peninsula through windswept bush struggling for a foothold. A strong arts community supports local galleries offering a wide range of artefacts.
Ice Cream Time!
No hot summer day is complete without an ice cream, and nowhere in Franklin (and possibly the world) has them bigger than Pokeno. Although the Taniwha Highway bypassed the village some years ago, the crowds outside the dairies with their bewildering choice of flavours have never diminished throughout a number of Pokeno identity crises. Originally established as a military post in the 19th century land wars, Pokeno's rugged past can be explored at nearby Queen's Redoubt. Another military fortification not far away is Alexandra Redoubt at Whangarata, which enjoys a stunning view over the Waikato River to Pukekawa and beyond.
Water, Water Everywhere
Have boat, will travel? Not all of Franklin's long coastline is small vessel friendly, particularly if you're towing a skier or biscuit. But the curiously named Elbow on the mighty Waikato, at Puni, is a haven for waterskiers, with no worries about rips or tides. In fact, in bygone times the Elbow has produced national champion waterskiers, notably from the Hosking family. The Manukau Harbour is a legendary playground for boaties, as well as a great fish larder. And for those keen to provide their own power, there's a wealth of places to slip the kayak into the water and paddle your own canoe.
Gone Fishing
Sick of Christmas cake and ham? Grab your rod and tap into your inner hunter-gatherer. There's kahawai, snapper, gurnard and trevalli aplenty in the Manukau, and the long stretch of west coast beach offers heaps of opportunity for surfcasting or kite fishing. Flounder and mullet can be netted in the Waikato River, and trout can be had in some lakes on private land. If fish laugh when they see you coming, try for the ones that can't get away. Grahams Beach and Clarks Beach are just a couple of places harbouring mussels, cockles, pipis and scallops...yum, fire up the barbi!
Kaiaua
Now there's a place for fish. And chips. And you won't have to catch either. The godwits fly out in March, but they'll be there for their Christmas dinner. Known as the Seabird Coast, Kaiaua with its world renowned Chenier shell banks is the summer home to a variety of migratory Arctic wading birds, including the wrybill which is found here all year round. After a beach walk you'll be ready for a relaxing soak in mineral hot springs at nearby Miranda, or head west to the hot springs at Waingaro.
Huntly
Maybe not somewhere that immediately springs to mind for holiday fun, but the area has a number of lakes and walkways, including the Hakarimata Kauri Walk, where some of the southernmost majestic kauri trees can be seen. One of New Zealand's largest energy generation plants, the Huntly Power Station, dominates the townscape, and is fed by coal from local mines which also supply NZSteel at Glenbrook. A different form of fossil fuel is burned in style at petrolheads' heaven, just up the road at Hampton Downs.
Glenbrook Vintage Railway
Kids love steam locos....and so do quite a few adults. Glenbrook Vintage Railway operates its restored locomotives with former NZR passenger cars on the six kilometre branch line from Glenbrook to Fernleigh on Sundays and most holidays, stopping en route at the workshop to view old rolling stock being lovingly restored. With the opening of the line extension to Waiuku, some trips go the extra mile (or so) to the town, giving passengers the opportunity to check out the town's cafes, shops and historic places, including the Kentish, New Zealand's oldest continuously licensed pub.
Hunua Ranges
If you don't go home from here exhausted, you just haven't tried hard enough! One of the Auckland Council's fantastic regional parks, this one offers activities as diverse as tramping, mountain biking, horse riding, swimming, fishing or even abseiling. The 14,000 ha of bush is the largest tract of native forest in the Auckland region, where the haunting song of the recently reintroduced kokaho may be heard if you're lucky. The jewel in the park's crown is the Hunua Falls, a favourite picnic spot. You don't have to go far from home to enjoy other parks as well– and in some, you can even take the kids camping.
Happy holidays!