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
A taste of Pukekohe.
There’s no doubt that in Franklin we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat and drink, and Pukekohe is no exception.
What better way to explore some of the best in town than with Pukekohe on a Platter.
For the month of September, over 20 cafes, restaurants, and bars are putting their best plate forward and showing us what they’ve got to offer our taste buds. You can even vote for the best coffee, best signature dish (using local ingredients, of course), and finish up the day by voting for the best cocktail.
Culinary Coffee
For more than two decades, the rich aroma of coffees from all over the world have spurred Ria’s learning. Originally from the Philippines, she first entered the coffee industry there. She worked for a major coffee roaster, the kind that produces blends for many of the...
Grow you good thing
Franklin’s Fertile Foundations The area between metropolitan Auckland and the Waikato plains has long served as a food basket: Māori valued the plentiful natural resources and proximity to trading routes; European settlers cleared the land for agriculture; and market...