castaways

local attractions

The following are just some of the great attractions Waiuku and the wider Franklin area have on offer. For full details on each attraction, including opening hours and pricing, please contact the attraction directly or view their website.

Spookers (Haunted house)

Address: 833 Kingseat Road, Karaka
Phone: 09 291 9002
Web:www.spookers.co.nz

Spookers Haunted Attraction Scream Park takes you on a trip through the scariest, creepiest, most-blood curdling attractions outside of America. Located among the grounds and buildings of one of New Zealands longest running hospitals for the mentally ill, Spookers is a unique attraction and only 25 minutes drive from Castaways. R.16 attractions include: Spookers Haunted House - Flee for your life from frightening apparitions in the old Kingseat Hospital. The Freaky Forest - A haunted horror forest full of crazed hillbillies and other mutants! Clowns - For some reason, people are afraid of clowns, and this 3D Vortex attraction takes advantage of this fact with crazed, demented clowns and others popping out from everywhere. Two times world champion graffiti artists created the astounding UV and 3D effects.

Glenbrook Vintage Railway

Address: Glenbrook Station Road, Glenbrook
Phone: 09 236 3546
Website: www.railfan.org.nz

Kids love trains (and so do rail enthusiasts!) Hop aboard lovingly restored and maintained steam engines for a journey into yesteryear. Situated in the picturesque Franklin countryside (about 25 minutes drive from Castaways), the railway operates from Labour Weekend through to Queens Birthday Weekend on Sundays and most public holidays. Step back in time with a 12km return trip in vintage carriages behind a genuine steam locomotive. The kids will love the sights, sounds and smells of a real steam train - keep your ticket as a memento. Picnic area and refreshments are available. Disabled facilities are provided. For opening hours and further details check out their website.

Manukau Heads Lighthouse

Address: Awhitu Peninsula, Awhitu

The Lighthouse was first built in 1874 and has been meticulously refurbished and rebuilt using pieces from the original building. It has been relocated to a new site beside the Manukau Heads Signal Station platform which has been on this site since 1865. Amazing views of the Manukau Heads and Bar can be seen from this view point. View the turbulent waters and shifting shoals of the Manukau Heads, where the HMS Orpheus ran aground in 1863. Approximately 45 minutes drive from Castaways and open to the public at all times - free of charge although donations towards the upkeep are always appreciated.

Nikau Cave

Address: Highway 22, Waikaretu
Phone: 09 233 3199
Website: www.nikaucave.co.nz

Enjoy unspoilt nature as you walk and crawl through Nikau Cave. Located approximately 1.5 hours drive from Castaways, Nikau Cave is a truly invigorating experience. The cave which is one kilometre long with a stream running through, is home to thousands of glow worms and awesome formations. Get right into nature and enjoy some real caving! A reasonable level of fitness is needed.

Maxwells Golf Retreat

Address: 205 Ingram Road, Ramarama
Phone: 09 236 0911
Website: www.maxwellsgolf.co.nz

Developed and run by Kaye Maxwell, winner of three NZ Titles, Maxwell's Golf Retreat is situated only 30 minutes from Castaways and offers a friendly non threatening environment with two Teaching Professionals, an Indoor Training Complex and a fully stocked Pro Shop, Café and Bar. The nine hole golf course is a challenge for all with championship tee's through to beginners tee's. Now affiliated to NZ Golf for women and men offering 9 or 18 hole handicaps.