Council is responsible for 971 hectares of reserves, 453 hectares being maintained passive and recreation reserve. Numerous private landowners and organisations such as Auckland Regional Council and the Department of Conservation also provide parks and reserves for our community.
For a brief overview of some parks and reserves in the region click on one of the following links:
Pukekohe
Pukekohe parks that have facilities for sports such netball, hockey, rugby, soccer and cricket, include:
- Colin Lawrie Fields Reserves
- Growers Stadium and number two field
- Bledisloe Park
- Rosa Birch Park
- Puni Memorial Recreation Reserve
- Kennelly Park.
- Pukekohe also has numerous neighbourhood parks including:
- Roulstone Park and Pioneer Cottage
- Hickeys Recreation Reserve
- Kayes Reserve
- O’Connor Drive Reserve.
Pukekohe Hill, Cape Hill and Rooseville Scenic Reserve are three of Pukekohe’s best urban reserves that provide great views of Franklin Country and are easily accessible.
The Franklin Mountain Bike Club Inc has launched a website. Franklin District Council has worked with the club to allow them to establish a mountain biking track at the Puni reserve - a facility which the whole District is able to benefit from. If you are interested in learning more visit www.franklinmtb.org.nz
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Tuakau
Tuakau’s main sports park is the Dr John Lightbody Reserve that caters for rugby, soccer, cricket, tennis and athletics. It also has a well landscaped and challenging playground. The Tuakau Domain Recreation Reserve is the other main sports park for Tuakau.
Two of Franklin’s most important reserves are within ten minutes drive of Tuakau:
- Alexander Redoubt Reserve has over 14 hectares of mature native bush with developed walking tracks throughout. It is a historic redoubt with war graves, trenches and preserved parade area.
- Les Batkin Reserve, just south of Tuakau along State Highway 22, provides the main access point to the Waikato River for duck shooters, white baiter's, paddlers, jet skiers and water skiers. This reserve is the perfect spot to eat lunch while taking in the views along the Waikato River.
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Waiuku
Waiuku’s main sports parks are:
- Massey Park
- Rugby Park
- Hamilton Estate Recreation Reserve
- Sunset Coast BMX Club Track
- View Road Reserve.
These are supported by the following wonderful neighbourhood parks:
- Tamakae Reserve, which is popular with picnickers and visitors interested in Franklin's history as it is the site of the historic Waiuku Wharf and several historic buildings. It is also just a stone throw away from the Waiuku Botanic Reserve.
- Centennial Park that has a skate board bowl for more advanced skaters.
Sandspit Reserve is a popular swimming and picnic/BBQ spot, home to the Waiuku Yacht Club and has picturesque views of the Manukau Harbour.
- Kevin Lawrence Reserve is home to the monster playground - an innovative playground targeting younger children.
- Central Park is notable for its detailed carved entranceway that was crafted by local iwi. The reserve also has a monument situated on it that celebrates the achievements of Sir Edmond Hillary, a former pupil of Tuakau Primary.
- Waitangi Falls Reserve has a spectacular waterfall offering a great backdrop to any picnic, although the sight of the local kids diving into the pool below can create butterflies in the stomach.
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Port Waikato
For fantastic west coast sunsets and no crowds, head to Sunset Beach Reserve. Remember Franklin’s west coast beaches are dangerous. Please take extra care when swimming and swim only between the flags when lifeguards are present.
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Seabird Coast
The Miranda Shorebird Centre is an incredible bird viewing internationally recognised site that is only one hour south of Auckland. The centre is staffed and has excellent displays and information on wading and migratory birds, such as: godwit, knot, sharp-tailed sandpiper, curlew sandpiper, red-necked stint, eastern curlew, ruddy turnstone, New Zealand dotterel, and banded dotterel. Viewing is dependant on the tides as migratory birds come to the shellbanks at high tide. At other times they are out feeding on the mudflats. Casual accommodation for up to twenty people is available in bunk rooms or self-contained units.
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Auckland Regional Council (ARC) Parks
There are four Auckland regional parks located within the Franklin District:
- Awhitu Regional Park on the Awhitu Peninsula
- Hunua Regional Park in the Hunua Ranges
- Whakatiwai and Waharau on the Seabird Coast.
These parks provide large areas of parkland and the opportunity for activities such as walking, orienteering, mountain biking and picnicking. The best way to learn more about these reserves is to visit the Auckland Regional Council website through the link above.
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