Pukekohe accommodation from AU$114

Any trip to Pukekohe should include a visit to the Pioneer Memorial Cottage, which contains artefacts from the mid-19th century. The cottage was built by pioneers and protected soldiers during the Maori war of 1863. The town is also home to some fascinating historical steam trains, which are fully operational each Sunday. The Franklin Arts and Cultural Centre is also well-worth visiting. For a relaxing afternoon, pop by the Wrights Watergardens. The garden and nursery is built beside the Mauku waterfall and stream, and houses a colony of turtles, as well as an eel pond. It’s easy to see why they are now a popular wedding venue!

Shopaholics will enjoy the fashion boutiques in the main street of Pukekohe, as well as the Saturday morning Franklin Market, where you can pick up fresh local produce, fish, clothing and accessories, antiques, books and bric-a-brac. The town boasts a wide selection of international cuisine, from Indian and Turkish to Thai, Japanese, Spanish and Italian restaurants. There are also plenty of cafes and takeaway shops, if you're on a tight budget.

If you happen to be around Pukekohe in April, you’ll be around in time for V8 International Supercar event each year. Watch the town roar to life as crowds flock from near and far to smell the rubber burn and get a piece of the action. The DHL Counties Cup Day is another popular event, held each November. Come along and place a bet on your favourite horse or just enjoy the festivities of the day.

Pukekohe is only 50km south of Auckland Airport, so after exploring New Zealand's largest city, don’t miss a trip to Pukekohe! Although Pukekohe has plans to establish a public transport system in the future, the best way to get here and around is to hire a car. So check out our cheap flights to Auckland, book your Pukekohe accommodation and enjoy the wonderful country charm on the cusp of the city in this beautiful North Island town.