Come and enjoy our tranquil peninsula. Waiau Pa and Clarkes Beach present a rural and water playground. On three sides we’re bordered by the southern shores of the Manukau Harbour, the wide mouth of the Waiuku River with its constant bustle of fishing and pleasure boats and the little-known long and winding Taihiki River. We invite you to take a virtual stroll through our community. Once you’ve seen what we have to offer, why not take a drive and explore the area for yourself? We’re only 45 minutes from Auckland’s bustling CBD, a little over an hour from Hamilton – and a world away from urban pace with our peaceful atmosphere, friendliness and wonderful community spirit. In only 20 minutes you’ve reached several other towns – the vibrant rural town of Pukekohe in the centre of the Franklin District; Waiuku, gateway to the Awhitu Peninusula and the West Coast surf beach of Karioitahi; and Papakura – the southern point of Auckland City. |
Waiau Pa (the farming and village centre) and Clarks Beach (the most densely settled beachfront settlement in our small district) were once two villages. Today they’re really one area with a wonderful community spirit, a proud history and many beautiful spots in which to play.
Waiau Pa School has a roll of about 330, there’s an excellent kindergarten, two churches and many well-supported community organisations and sports groups.
The business community is amazingly varied and dynamic, much of it invisible on a casual drive-past. If you visit for a day you’ll probably notice the farms, the horse-studs, a few commercial premises such as the Four Square General Store at Waiau Pa and world-class Chinwags Restaurant at Clarks Beach. You’ll also see a few signs for businesses that operate from lifestyle blocks. However, these are just the tip of the iceberg.
Over the last few years more and more big-city ‘refugees’ have taken the lifestyle option. Some of them run national or international businesses from their homes, ably assisted by modern technology. Other folk have integrated countrylifestyles with innovative home-based businesses, using the skills and expertise they’ve acquired elsewhere.
We look forward to welcoming you to our community. People come for a visit and stay for a lifestyle.