Kayak Trails

Kayak Trails in Franklin

Wai-manu Sea Kayak Trail

Waiuku Estuary- Manukau Harbour
(2-3days 43km paddle)

Waiuku-Manukau

Beginning at the Tamakai Reserve in the historic town of Waiuku on the Manukau Harbour, this short Kayak Trail (43km, plus side trips) can be accomplished, one way, in two or three days by a casual paddler. A tide dependent# - see Onehunga Tides 2014, Onehunga Tides 2015 (and dont forget Daylight Saving), but mainly sheltered waters paddle with easy access all of the trip to numerous safe landings, most of which (18) have Council sponsored and maintained toilets.

There are public barbeque facilities at Waiuku Sandspit and Grahams Beach (gas, coin operated) and at Awhitu Regional Park (wood supplied bring your own matches)

Orua Bay is the last safe bay on the way (5km) to the Manukau Harbour Entrance with its notorious bar and tidal rips. Only competent paddlers should venture past this point to Wattle Bay and the Blow Hole.


View Wai-manu Kayak Trail in a larger map

Manu-wai Sea Kayak Trail

The above trail can also be completed in the reverse direction (depending on tides). Transport and/or vehicle relocation* can be arranged, to or from either day or end of the Trail. *(email cj@StressFreeAdventures.co.nz)

Accommodation is available at a number of places enroute:

At the start:

If you have a selfcontained motorhome *stay for free at:

At 14km, Top Nest Cabin

At 17km, at top of estuary/harbour Clarks Beach Holiday Park

At 27km, camping at the Awhitu Regional Park

At 30km, Greehock an 8 bed kiwi bach

At 39km, Big Bay Motor Camp

At 43km, Orua Bay Beach Motorcamp

Kentish Hotel ($90 twin), (ph 09 2358367)
Sandspit Motorcamp (tents $12pp, ph 09 2359913, email: sandspitmotor@xtra.co.nz )
Top Nest (cabin $45 for 2, 7 max)
Clarks Beach Holiday Park (tents $18pp, cabins avail. ph 09 2321685, www.cbhp.co.nz )
Awhitu Regional Park (adults $13pp tent/camper site, ph Parksline 09 3662000 ext 2 )
Greehock (Up to 10 pax contact, ph 0272754651 email: jimsnedden@ps.gen )
Big Bay Holiday Park (tents $34 for 2, cabins avail.ph 09 2351132, www.bigbayholidaypark.co.nz )
Orua Bay Beach Motor Camp (tents $40 for 2, cabins avail. Ph 09 2351129 www.oruabay.co.nz )

Toilets and Rest stops. There are many well spaced reserves and toilets stops. These are maintained by the Franklin District Council and Auckland Regional Council (at Awhitu Park). Maps showing their whereabouts are available to download at www.StressFreeAdventures.co.nz

From Waiuku (the beginning of the Trail)
Tamakae Reserve (at the beginning of your trip)
Hotel Carpark (at the beginning of your trip)
Sandspit Reserve (W)
Glenbrook Beach (E)
Glenbrook Beach Boat Ramp *(E)
Te Toro Reserve *(W)
Waiau Beach Boat ramp *(E)
Clarks Beach Jetty/Ramp *(E)
Clarks Beach (N) Harbour Bays (2)
Pollok Reserve
Sergeants Bay
Matakawau Point Reserve *(at top of boat ramp)
Brooks Beach (the western bay), Awhitu Regional Park
Kauritutahi Creek, Awhitu Regional Park
Grahams Beach
Hudsons Bay
Big Bay
Orua Bay (The end of the Trail)

*These sites are accessible at all stages of the tide, all others 2hrs either side of Onehunga full tide.

Kayaks, maps, tents/camping gear hire - StressFree Adventures 0800 GoByKayak