Exploring Awhitu Peninsula

[erik]

I was planning on going on a ride down SH22, but since no-one pm'd to join me, I decided I'd go exploring the Awhitu peninsula. I don't often go exploring, when I do I tend to stop often to check the map, so it's probably best I do it on my own.

I went through Waiuku on the way there. It seems bigger than I assumed. Seems like a nice little town.

I was surprised how many new or nicely kept houses there were on the Awhitu peninsula.


There's some stunning views there. The landscape is kind of like the rolling hills around Bombay and SH22, except they're huge hills and valleys.

The roads were all pretty good, all the ones I went on were sealed with the exception of a section of roadworks and the driveway to the light house.
Maybe a bit tight and twisty and too many blind corners and crests for quick riding, but I wasn't going quick, just taking it easy.

I saw a few other bikes about the place. There were 3 others stopped at the lighthouse when I was there. Overall there was very little traffic though.

The weather today was fantastic, perfect for riding.

It is probably less than 200km round trip from the Papakura Autobahn/BP. I made a few detours and got a bit lost on the way back so that's only approximate.

Anyway, I recommend it if you're feeling like an interesting ride with nice scenery.

Photos:
1, 2 and 6. views on the peninsula.

3 and 4, at the lighthouse at the Manukau inlet.

5: Big Bay (near the top of the peninsula).

[erik]

1 more photo: the view of Whatipu, Huia and the Waitakere ranges from the lighthouse.

[Motu]

Ah,I had heard they had restored the lighthouse,and a new board walk to get to it.The firsr ride report I did on this forum,before people did ride reports....was when I rode from head to head,Whatipu to North Head,easily done in half a day.

[TLDV8]

Great reading ....... The last time i would have been out that way was the annual Hare scramble on Dickies farm ...Indeed about the lighthouse,very flash.The last time i saw it (no boardwalk) was by Mk1 Cortina a "while" back.

Those are great pics and would be curious to know what camera you use ?

[erik]

Motu, I remember reading your report. Yep, the lighthouse is all new, it's got a plaque in it saying it was re-opened on the 23rd September 2006.

Cheers TLDV8. The camera is an old (by digital camera standards) Canon A40.

[topher]

Overnight at the Kentish Hotel is a worthwhile stay. Stayed there a year or so ago with a bunch of Hamiltron based bikers - Graeme, the publican (don't know if he's still got the place), is biker too and has a fenced compound where we could lock away the bikes. Neat old pub, lots of history, great meals, and a good base for exploring the area.

[terbang]

Welcome to my part of the world. Tetoro is on the peninsular and you are right, the views are stunning. I look out my window across the Manukau, over Auckland and can see Coromandel and (often when the vis is good) little and great barrier. Look left and there is the Tasman. The night view of Auckland is great and it was interesting last night as they were all letting off their fireworks. It almost looks like a socio-economic graph of the city on such occasions. Waiuku is coming along nicely as Auckland sprawls this way. The Awhitu peninsular is Aucklands best kept secret and it is also a great place for a quick fang on a motorbike.
If any of you out there are in need of a beer or a cuppa and a good yarn or whatever then give us a yell next time you are heading out this way..