Pukekohe: Art, Trail and Horse Racing

Pukekohe offers several distinct reasons to plan a trip: art at the Franklin Arts Centre, a 21-kilometre loop through central Pukekohe, thoroughbred racing and the Franklin Market. If you’re looking for a hotel in Pukekohe, first decide which activity will shape your trip. This lets you tailor your search to the main focus of your stay.

Art and creative activities

The Franklin Arts Centre in Pukekohe has two galleries. There is also a workshop in the centre for classes, activities and events. The galleries and workshop offer different aspects of the cultural scene, with both art and hands-on activities on the programme.

Free community activities and events take place in Franklin throughout the year. People of all ages and abilities can explore and take part in the creative arts. If you’d also like to include art-related activities in your trip, these offerings are a separate planning consideration alongside the galleries.

The Pukekohe Five Summits Trail

The Pukekohe Five Summits Trail is a 21-kilometre loop through central Pukekohe. It starts and ends at Pukekohe Train and Bus Station. There are information boards on the footbridge over the railway tracks. This means the start and finish are at the same named location.

Most of the trail is suitable for cycling; hybrid tyres are recommended for bikes. The distance and tyre recommendation are useful details if you’re including the loop in your trip plans. You can consider the ride as a separate activity alongside events and cultural offerings in Pukekohe.

Thoroughbred racing and events at Pukekohe Park

Visitors can experience thoroughbred racing at Pukekohe Park. Every November, the TAB Counties Cup Day takes place there. The programme includes the heritage race, TAB Counties Cup, and the Group 2 Dunstan Horsefeeds Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes. If racing is the reason for your trip, check the dates for your chosen year.

Outside race days, Pukekohe Park can be used throughout the year as an events centre for events of various sizes. This adds another role for the park alongside its racing calendar, without implying that a specific event will be taking place during your stay.

Franklin Market on Saturday mornings

The Franklin Market is held every Saturday morning, rain or shine, in the public car park on Massey Avenue in Pukekohe. You’ll find fresh produce and tasty food and treats there. Its regular Saturday schedule sets the market apart from a single race day and makes it easy to factor into your trip plans.

Plan your travel dates and hotel choice

The offerings differ significantly when it comes to choosing your travel dates: the Franklin Market takes place every Saturday morning, while TAB Counties Cup Day is held annually in November. The trail, on the other hand, is a 21-kilometre loop, not a one-off event. Consider which of these activities matters most to you; if you’re planning a racing-focused trip, check the dates for your chosen year.

Discover more destinations: Waiwera, Helensville, Hunua, Whangaparaoa, Papakura, Leigh, Manukau, Mangatangi

For the broader travel guide: Auckland.