Manukau Heads Lighthouse is a working lighthouse at 759 Manukau Heads Road in Manukau Heads, Franklin, on the Manukau Harbour entrance. It is run by a non-profit trust that depends on donations to look after the lighthouse.
Visitors climb 125 steps and a further 23 steps inside to the lamp room, then get 360-degree views. The grounds have gardens, native bush and flax that shelter visitors from the wind off the Tasman coast. Mobile caterers usually sell food and drink in summer. There is a Scavenger Hunt PDF for younger visitors, and the Trust asks visitors to donate if they have enjoyed their visit. The Awhitu Peninsula and Waiuku are nearby. Our pick at Manukau Heads for a climb with a view across the harbour.