One of few visitor-accessible lighthouses in New Zealand.
From the car park 120 easy stairs bring you to the Lighthouse and the Signal Station lookout.
The iconic wooden lighthouse tower can be entered to view the prisms of the original 3rd order dioptric drum lens.
Breathtaking Views: Stroll around the Lightkeeper’s balcony just as he would have done nearly 140 years ago. Few other New Zealand lighthouses reward visitors with such an authentic experience. Lighthouse and adjacent Signal Station command wide views of the mighty Manukau Bar, Paratutae (site of the first signal station), Auckland’s sub-tropical Waitakere Ranges, Auckland City and the whole of lake-like Manukau Harbour. Mount Taranaki (2518 m) frequently clears clouds to the south.
Rare Wildlife: 240 metres directly beneath Manukau Heads Lighthouse the surging surf is the only refuge of one of the world’s rarest marine mammals (Maui’s Dolphin – Cephalorhynchus hectori maui).
Guided Visits:
Visits cost nothing, but donations to help with maintenance welcome.
(Look for secure box inside main door). Internal displays tell the Lighthouse story.
Toilets on site.
Guiding service by local historian (see Contacts) offers 4-wheel drive transport for visitors challenged by stairs.
Manukau Heads Lighthouse is located atop Awhitu Peninsula on the south side of the Manukau Heads. Gates are open 9am to 5pm daily and entry to the lighthouse is by donation. You will find a donation box just inside the lighthouse under the stairs. We are very grateful for any donations.
Parking is free.
If coming from Auckland: Take the Southern motorway towards Hamilton. Take the Drury off-ramp and turn right. Follow signs to Waiuku. From there it is 45 minutes drive on sealed roads following signs to Manukau Heads and Lighthouse.
If coming from Hamilton direction: Turn left at Bombay Hills turn-off and follow signs to Pukekohe and thence to Waiuku. Follow signage from Waiuku as above.
Perfect for Picnics: Spacious grounds, fascinating lighthouse and stunning views make for a perfect day out. Toilets provided but no drinking water. Portable BBQ’s permitted. No open fires allowed.
MANUKAU HEADS LIGHTHOUSE OPERATES A ZERO RUBBISH POLICY. Take it with you when you leave, please.
Alcohol consumption onsite is tolerated, but not inside the lighthouse tower.
Dogs Not Permitted because of working farm location.