Kayak Trails in Franklin Wai-manu Sea Kayak Trail Waiuku Estuary- Manukau Harbour (2-3days 43km paddle)

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:

• Cheap no frills rooms at the Kentish Hotel.
• The Sandspit Motorcamp, a 1.5km paddle out of town.

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

• (max 2 vehicles), behind the Waiuku Library, 100metres from the Waiuku Estuary.
• (max 4 vehicles), Te Toro Boat ramp and reserve (halfway point on trail)

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

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

*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