Awhitu
On the south west shores of the Manukau Harbour, Awhitu Regional Park is a peaceful retreat. It has tranquil bays, rolling pastures and a rich history.
Transformed wetlands lie behind the park's two long, sandy beaches (Kauritutahi Beach and Brook Beach) and provide a wonderful habitat for the rare fernbird (matata) and banded rail (moho pereru).
Both the Awhitu Peninsula and the park take their names from the pre-European Maori settlement of Awhitu, which was located at the western end of Orua Bay to the north of the park. It was named because of the 'yearning' (awhitu) felt by Hoturoa, the commander of the Tainui canoe (waka), when he left the district.
The traditional name for the park's location was Kauritutahi, so named for the single kauri tree which stood on the small islet of the park.
Park facilities
- Bach -
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- Camping -
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- Lodge -
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- Bookable Site -
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- BBQ
There are 5 BBQs - all wood burning (must provide own wood). 1 BBQ is a bookable site just off from the car park, near the toilets and drinking fountain. Large groups require a permit. 2 of the BBQs are in the campsites.
- Beaches
There are 2 beaches, Brook Beach and Kauritutahi Beach. We recommend footwear at all times due to sharp oyster shells along beach.
- Boat ramp
There is a boat ramp at the end of Featon Avenue in the north of the park. Access to water 2 hours either side of high tide only.
- Campervan access
Self contained campervans are able to stay up to 2 nights in the car park. When the ground is dry, able to camp in campground.
- Historic homesteads
- Interpretation
- Limited mobility access
There is disabled toilet facilities at the peninsula campsite – access needs to be pre arranged with the ranger. Roads and paths are metaled and access is dependent on weather and ground conditions.
- Native bush
- Notice board
- Parking
Additional 425 parks available on golf course paddocks and 144 on access road paddock.
- Picnic tables
- Potable water
Drinking fountain by toilets at car park.
- Ranger contact phone
- Ranger office
- Toilet block
- Wharf / jetty
History
The Ngāti Te Ata and Ngāti Kahukoka people originally occupied the Awhitu Peninsula. Their descendents still maintain strong links to this land, with marae located in and around Waiuku. The large waka Toki-a-Tapiri, which now rests at the Auckland Museum, came from this area.
Evidence from middens on the park indicates Māori used the local area extensively for fishing and resource gathering. English immigrants John and Sarah Brook built the Brook homestead, originally called Brook Haven, in 1878. It remains a central feature of the park. The family added the bach in front of the homestead in 1907. The old jetty, which remains at Kauritutahi Bay, was also built by the Brook family.
It was a lifeline to the outside world when this far-flung place had no roads. Basic supplies and visitors came in across these boards and kauri posts and farm products went out. In 1971, John Brook's grandson Fred sold his land to the ARC. Awhitu Regional Park was officially opened in 1975 and continues to operate as a working farm.
Wildlife
Native forest birds include native pigeon, morepork, kingfisher, grey warbler, fantail, silvereye and tūi. Bird habitats at Awhitu are the wetland, salt-marsh, beach and intertidal areas. The wetlands harbour waterfowl such as paradise, mallard and grey ducks and grey teal, along with a small but significant population of North Island fernbird.
Native bush
Predominantly grazed and mown grassland with scattered plantings of pine and macrocarpa for farm shelter. Radiata pine, blue gum and Tasmanian blackwood have been planted as woodlots. There are also significant riparian and wetland plantings of native trees, some of which are 30 year old.
Around the coast there is a fringe of mature pōhutukawa forest. In places, mānuka scrub, ferns and other native coastal shrubs grown beneath the pōhutukawa, especially around the southern shores. Several small patches of mānuka scrub surround the upper reaches of the Brook wetland.
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