Pukekohe
The High Street of Franklin
Pukekohe in Franklin Auckland is the commercial and cultural heart of the region — often described as the High Street of Franklin. With its elevated main street, heritage façades and independent retailers, Pukekohe serves as the primary hub for shopping, dining and community life across southern Auckland.
Surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most fertile farmland, Pukekohe has long been known as a key food-growing district. Market gardens, seasonal produce and strong agricultural roots shape both the economy and identity of the town. Today, a mix of cafés, boutiques, service businesses and regular markets give the town centre a lively, locally grounded atmosphere.
Well connected by rail and motorway links, Pukekohe bridges urban Auckland and the wider Franklin countryside. It is where many regional events, community gatherings and everyday moments unfold. For those exploring Franklin Auckland, Pukekohe offers convenience, character and connection — the place where the region comes together.
Pukekohe is one of the many towns and settlements that make up the Franklin region. You can explore all Franklin towns on our interactive map here.
The High Street of Franklin
From fresh produce to boutique shopping, local events to friendly faces, it’s all happening right here in Pukekohe.
Eat
Your options for dining are endless. Restaurants and Pubs that'll satisfy everyone in the family!
Shop
Explore the many boutiques and shops around Pukekohe
Stay
Discover the best accommodation that Pukekohe has to offer.
Play
Experience the best events and activities Pukekohe has to offer.
Franklin stories in Pukekohe
Give Us This Day Our Daily Goods
Travellers into Pukekohe might be forgiven for making a few false assumptions about this relaxed street side café. Firstly, if they were after some kind of greasy fry up, they wouldn’t be disappointed. Not because they’d get it, but because they’d get something much...
Kitchen Consequential
Connie ClarksonFounder of The Kitchen Project The Kitchen Project is cooking up something special in Franklin. The initiative is helping local foodie entrepreneurs turn their passion into their profession. With a training base in Pukekohe, the project provides a tasty...
Pizza Night Just Got Serious
A pizza-obsessed deli plus informal restaurant where you can buy all the equipment and ingredients to do it yourself. That’s the dream Brad Golchin and his wife Sirpa Gunn have made into reality at Pizzata in Pukekohe. From left: Brad Golchin, Sirpa Gunn (Owners of...