Manukau Heads Lighthouse
Manukau Heads Lighthouse
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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  • Ayush45
    Panipat, India287 contributions
    Loved it!!!
    It is one of the lighthouses in NZ where you can go inside and to the top of the lighthouse. The views are totally worth it. The road to the lighthouse is not good and full of bumps and stones. Drive carefully. Ample parking though. From parking, it is just 10 minutes walk to the lighthouse and you also get a chance to go to the signal platform. Pack your lunch or snacks and have fun. The gate to the lighthouse close at 5 PM.
    Visited April 2021
    Written April 3, 2021
  • kestonr2018
    Wellington, New Zealand261 contributions
    Stunning views
    This is another lovely place we went on our Christmas holiday. It is an hour and a half to two hours direct from Auckland to get there so it is a bit of a drive. However, it is worth it for the views and to see the waves breaking over the treacherous Manukau bar. The geography of the heads and the closeness of Whatipu on the north side is impressive. I was surprised at how many other people were there as well. Twenty five years ago, the last time I went we were almost the only people there. It is a short walk only to the historic lighthouse, which you can climb up to see the north and west views. You can also walk east across a paddock to look north east across the Manukau Harbour and back towards Auckland. It is a pity we thought that they haven’t put in walkway along the cliff linking these two points or further afield. A great day trip from Auckland. You get to travel via historic Waikiki, which seems to have come alive these days and if you have time don’t forget to check out the very black sand at Kariotahi and Awhitu Regional Park.
    Visited December 2019
    Traveled with family
    Written February 13, 2020
  • Mike G
    5 contributions
    Check first
    Lovely countryside drive with a visit to Hamiltons Gap, the only other than Kariotahi that allows access to the West Coast beaches on the Awhitu peninsula . This is well worth the stop as the wind has sculptured the sandstone cliffs into intricate shapes. We were advised by the Information Centre in Waiuku that access to the Lighthouse is not possible at present due to a washout of the road and this may take some time to be repaired. Advice, check with the Info centre at Waiuku before making the trip , there is plenty of other attractions to visit in this area.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Acineto
Auckland Central, New Zealand20,073 contributions
Dec 2022
The drive out was quite an experience since it was pretty long. You head south, then go back up to get to the peninsula. There are signs on the road for the lighthouse so keep an eye out for them. The final sign looks like it heads down a driveway.
There is a fair amount of parking at the bottom of the lighthouse, most being on the paddock side after you turn around. There are toilets here as well as paths to both the lighthouse and the carving.
The walk up to the lighthouse wasn't too difficult. There were stairs as well as a grassy path to get up and down. There are two paths at the top. One leads to the lighthouse, and the other to a viewing platform which overlooks Whatipu beach. You are able to head up the lighthouse and get a better vantage point of the area. It was quite nice to look around and appreciate the nice views.
There was a path to the carving in the paddock near the carpark, and was worth heading towards since we were already there. There was some information about the carving as well as a different vantage point of the lighthouse.
Since it was quite far, it might have been nice to make a day of it and look around the area instead of just going for the lighthouse.
Written January 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ace_Traveller_NZ
Auckland, New Zealand229 contributions
Dec 2021
Manukau Heads lighthouse is literally at the end of the world. You get after a long drive up the Ahitu Peninsula. A short steep walk then takes you to a viewing platform with expansive views of Manukau Harbour entrance. Unfortunately at the time of our visit, the lighthouse was closed to visitors due to Covid. Greenery had grown tall around the viewing platform obscuring the view. It was an OK experience but is it worth the long drive there. In my opinion not.
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Katsolo
HamiltonNZ232 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I had no idea this place existed. I found it while playing with Google maps.
I am so glad i made the trek out there.

The drive on beautiful winding roads was relaxing. Jaw dropping views of deep valleys with glimpses of the west coast.

I arrived to a neat little parking area and walked the 5-10 min up to the lighthouse.

I was absolutely blown away to see that this pretty little spot, with informative history boards is the result of a dedicated bunch of local community members.
What a tremendous asset they have created.

The view from the lighthouse down into the harbor was memorizing.
The lighthouse was just so sweet.

I was more than happy to give a donation.

Please be respectful when are there.
Don't be that person that ruins something created for everyone to enjoy. This place is a treasure.

Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

shazzzalongley
Cambridge, New Zealand1,382 contributions
Feb 2021
Such a wonderful lighthouse, I can't believe it has taken me sooooo long to visit. The views are amazing and I enjoyed reading all of the information boards. It was nice to climb up inside and see the light closeup. The road to the lighthouse is a little hairy! but well worth the visit.
Written March 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ali-Henrik
Stratford upon Avon, United Kingdom127 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
The view from the top is breathtaking , this lighthouse has been wonderfully restored . Even on a cloudy day it is worth the walk .
You can see Auckland and the Manakau heads with lots of wild life . It is free to see but take some money for the donation box as it is used for the upkeep of this beautiful place , don’t forget your camera
Written June 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mungle
Queensland189 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
The lighthouse is on the northern tip of the Awhitu peninsula, which forms the southern side of Manukau Heads. It's a very pretty drive up the peninsula, and when you get to the lighthouse, there's a parking area, and, as others have noted, a walk up to the lighthouse. This is by no means an arduous walk, and a lot of it is by well-formed steps.Once at the lighthouse, you will cop the full force of the wind coming across the Tasman - exhilarating! The views from up on the lighthouse balcony are fabulous - across to Whatipu, (the northern Manukau Head), out to the treacherous Manukau bar, and across to Auckland City. Inside the lighthouse is a lot of information about the several lighthouses that have stood guard over Manukau Heads over the passage of time, and the lighthouse keepers and their families.

Bring all your picnic supplies with you, as I don't think there are any shops north of Waiuku. If it's too windy to have your picnic in comfort at the picnic tables at the lighthouse, there are several little beaches on the sheltered eastern side of the peninsula, where you should find a quiet sheltered spot.
Written April 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brent P
Auckland, New Zealand80 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
This is a very good day out from Auckland. The views from the lighthouse are amazing, particularly the bar at the mouth of the harbour and a very different view of the city.
Take the time while here to visit Orua beach - a real gem that is unknown by lots of people
Written August 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Beth M
Kapiti Coast, New Zealand28 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
We wandered down here one sunny Sunday whilst tiki-touring. It's one of our best finds in the Auckland area. A beautiful, small, Cape Cod style light house sits on a cliff overlooking the water. You can go inside the lighthouse for a gold coin donation. The area is unspoiled and if you like nature and the out doors, do visit this place. Along the way there are many stunning views and a couple of lovely galleries to explore.

The lighthouse and it's surrounds would be a fantastic place to while away a lazy day, picnicking and just relaxing whist surrounded by wonderful vistas of sea and shore..👍
Written July 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

yanshyanne
Auckland, New Zealand68 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
Specially drove down 3 hours to see the lighthouse, which turned out to be a little disappointing. You can read about the history inside the lighthouse and there is also a donation box for you to make a contribution to the maintenance of the lighthouse. Although the lighthouse itself wasn't what we expected, the view of Tasman Sea from the lighthouse was stunning. I wouldn't recommend specially travelling down to the lighthouse.
Written July 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BevWilsonNewZealand
New Zealand57 contributions
Mar 2014 • Friends
You can actually climb to the top of this lighthouse (there are only a few in New Zealand that you can do this). There are magnificent views as you drive along the Awhitu Peninsula to it, which takes a few hours from Auckland City. Inside are pieces of artwork and wall displays telling the story of the HMS Orpheus which ran aground in 1863 as it approached the Manukau Harbour, killing 189 people.
Written May 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Manukau Heads Lighthouse (Auckland Central) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Manukau Heads Lighthouse

Manukau Heads Lighthouse is open:
  • Mon - Mon 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Tue - Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM


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