Hello, my dear Frankies!
It's Father's Day on Sunday!
And our local dads deserve some local love โฅ
We have so many lovely local places - to eat, to explore and to buy cool gifts from - so we're highlighting all the local goodness for Father's Day!
Mix and match what to buy, where to eat and where to explore, and have the best Father's Day everyone!
From R. and the Frankie Team xx
Dadโs Treasure Trove (Gift Ideas)
sunset surf and turf
This classic Waiuku store has all the dad merch! Hats, shirts (we love the "Old Guys Rule" collection!), Mad Huey range, beer coolers, stubbies and more! Find something for dad here!โ
sourdough kits
This Sourdough Starter Kit from Your Local Bakery is for all the chef-dads out there! Make your dad's sourdough dreams come true with everything he needs to make loaves and loaves of fresh sourdough!
Botanica on Bowen
Botanica on Bowen have curated so many gorgeous gifts for dads - for the gardening dads, the dads who love to cook (or bbq or smoke meats...), the car dads, the fancy-chocolate dads and every dad in between! And what's better, the amazing Lorna or Dee will help you find the perfect gift for your dad! Follow them here!โ
Your Local Coffee
For all those coffee-loving dads, get something from the awesome collection at Your Local Coffee Brew Bar! Speciality coffees, gorgeous ceramic coffee cups and more. Have a coffee and some delicious pastries while you're there!
Massage Loft Pukekohe
Dads deserve to be pampered too! Give dad a gift of pure relaxation - a 75-minute full-body Thai massage and 15-minute foot massage upgrade, for $129 (plus 10% off when buying vouchers over $100!). Book online!โ
Counties recovery house
Dads who train hard or deal with a lot of stress will love some vouchers for recovery sessions at Counties Recovery House. Cold plunge, infra-red sauna, compression boots and some time to deload for the week...perfect! Check them out here!
Recovery Lane
And if your dad is closer to Waiuku, Recovery Lane Waiuku is the beautiful oasis for dad to de-stress and recover from the long week. Buy a giftcard or book a session for your dad here.โ
Aka aka brewing
Locally-brewed beer?! What dad can resist?! Check out our favourite - the Aka Aka Brewing Mix Pack - a hand-picked selection of craft beers, including crisp lagers, smooth ales, and bold hops โฅ Make his day extra special!โ
Pizzata
Another cool idea for all the chef-dads out there! What's better than being able to cook authentic Neapolitan pizzas at home? Check out all the ingredients and tools on 20% off special now for Father's Day! Father's Day collection here!โ
Pik n Mix Lollies
If there's one thing that all dads everywhere love, it's lollies! And at Pik n Mix Lollies you can choose all your dad's favourites AND choose a custom lolly bag or bucket! Can't go wrong!โ
Feast With Dad (Food & Drink Adventures)
castaways resort
Enjoy the Father's Day Butchers Platter - a mouthwatering feast of BBQ pork ribs, Wagyu beef sausages, Southern fried chicken, Angus sirloin steak, plus all the tasty sides - grilled veggies, homemade potato wedges, brioche slider buns and more. All while overlooking the gorgeous Karioitahi โฅ Book now - 09 236 5041, or dine@castaways.co.nz
Waiuku Village Butcher
Your dad the kind who loves to fire up the bbq and make his own fathers day feast? Order your Village Butcher Father's Day Breakfast pack from Waiuku Village Butcher and let dad cook breakfast for you! ๐คญ
rise and shine
This is the place to take dad if you have young kids! Dad's (and mums!) can sit back with a beer and enjoy the great food, while the kids can run wild on the coolest playground around! Got to try the Father's Day special - American cheeseburger, fries and a cold beer! Book your table now!โ
Waiuku Cossie Club
Dads can enjoy half-priced breakfasts from Shunters Restaurant from 9am to 11 am! Bring the whole family for a relaxed catch-up with dad. Book now 09 235 9131 ext 1
Glow Restaurant and Bar
If you're looking for somewhere to take dad for dinner - try Glow! And specifically try their Furnace burger, paired with the Iron Sand Pale Ale from Aka Aka Brewing! The curated menu is always fresh and delicious and perfect to take dad. Check out more here!โ
Sunday roast at Little Ed Pukekohe
The Sunday Roasts here are delicious! And perfect for the dads that love that traditional English roast โฅ Book your table here!โ
Father's Day platter at the Monarch
For those dads who love their seafood - check out The Monarch's Father's Day Platter! Featuring fish & chips, calamari and whitbait fritter. Book your table now - 09 238 3232 or info@monarchcafe.co.n
53 acai
And finally, for the dads on a health kick! Check out the new 53 Acai store (opening September 6th!). Choose your base - acai or mix with vanilla ice cream, shoose your toppings (I'm going with white choc and peanut butter!), and add any extra toppings you want ๐ All dads will love this!
Adventure Awaits (Places To Explore)
bracu estate - the big shot experience
Take dad to Bracu Estate for lunch, and The Big Shot Experience. One hour, Four epic activities - knife throwing, frisbee golf, air rifles, clay targets and shotguns! Book this experience Dad will never forget! 09 236 1045
pokeno whisky
Take dad on a tour of the Pokeno distillery - 45-60 minute tour, including tastings of the famous Pokeno Whisky brands, and finishing up in the Whisky Shop where you can buy some Whisky to take home! Book your tour here.โ
Waiuku Sunday Market
It's the perfect time to help Dad clear out his garage and set up a stall at the Waiuku Sunday Markets! Or bring your dad to find more treasures! Hoping for trade tools, garden tools, auto parts, building items, arts & crafts and car boot/garage sale items! More info here!โ
Hike the Hunua Ranges
For active dads who love the outdoors - take dad to the Hunua Ranges for one of Franklin's most beautiful walks! And stop by Hallertau Brewery in Clevedon for a beautiful laidback lunch and a cold beer! Book Hallertau here!โ
๐โโ๏ธ Surfs up!
osafedo raptlte
Unscramble the letters above to find the Franklin-related phrase! Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!
Thursday
๐จ Artist Meetup: Coffee & Kลrero (Judith Lawson)โ
๐ Franklin Arts Centre (Steel Gallery), Pukekohe โ 10:30am
Hear from exhibiting artist Judith Lawson about her show Thinking about Breathing, with optional lunch after.
๐ธ Cocktail Happy Hourโ
๐ Little Ed, Pukekohe โ 6โ7pm
All your favourites, just a little bit cheaperโperfect pre-dinner pit stop.
๐ Y Studio (Teens 13+)โ
๐ Waiuku & Pukekohe Libraries โ 3:30โ4:30pm
Drop-in creative club exploring art mediums and ideas with facilitator Hariata (term time).
๐ Counties Manukau Steelers vs North Harbourโ
๐ Navigation Homes Stadium โ 7pm onwards
Under-lights footy with halftime relays, kapa haka, and mid-week vibesโfood, fun, and big hits
๐ง Quiz Nightโ
๐ Blue Ox Babe, Pukekohe โ 7pm
Gather the crew for trivia, laughs, and bragging rights every Thursday.
๐๏ธ BFT Pukekohe โ Unlocked (Free Trials)โ
๐ BFT Pukekohe โ All day
Try BFT for free across ThuโSatโperfect chance to test the programming and community. More info hereโ
Friday
๐ฌ Film Festival (NZ Short Films)โ
๐ 82 Yates Rd, Pukekohe โ 7pm
Five NZ short films (adult themes). Babysitting is available in the Year 1 classroom. Tickets $25 from the school office; refreshments included. More infoโ
๐ง Friday DJ: Martina Makโ
๐ Little Ed, Pukekohe โ from 7pm
Soulful house + funky disco to kick off your Friday night.
Saturday
๐งโ๐ป Coding Makerspace (Ages 7+)โ
๐ Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave โ 9:30โ11:30am
Make games in Scratch or PythonโBYO device if you can; beginners welcome.
๐ ๏ธ Pukekohe Repair Cafรฉโ
๐ Franklin: The Centre (Pukekohe Library) โ 11amโ2pm
Free fixes for bikes, toys, small appliances, clothing, and more. Koha appreciated; volunteers welcome.
๐งโ๐พ Mauku School Country Life Dayโ
๐ 389 Union Rd, Mauku โ 10amโ1pm
Rural-themed family fun: animal contests, kidsโ creations, enviro stall, raffles, baking, produce, bouncy castle, and more.
๐ All Blacks vs South Africa on the Big Screenโ
๐ Waiuku Rugby Club โ from evening
Bar & kitchen open late; afternoon curtain-raiser: Counties Manukau U85s vs Waikato U85s at 1pm (Field 1).
๐ Bull Riders Nightโ
๐ The Bull Rider, 29 George St, Tuakau โ 6pmโlate
South American eats, live DJ, karaoke, fun rides, and flirty vibes.
๐ฆ Night Game at W.A.R (Airsoft)โ
๐ W.A.R, 58 Bird Rd, Waiuku โ Gates 5:30pm; sign-in 6pm; briefing 6:15pm; game 6:30pm
Full-moon night skirmishโtorches, tracers, glowing BBs; new players welcome (book online).โ
๐ค Franklinโs Got Talent โ Showcase Finaleโ
๐ Buckland Hall, 18 Logan Rd โ 7pm
One-night-only finale starring local talentโbig community vibes.
โ
๐ญ Dirty Dusting (Season Run)โ
๐ Backstage Theatre, Victoria Ave, Waiuku โ Doors 7pm; show 7:30pm
Laugh-out-loud comedy about three cleaners turning a wrong number into a cheeky start-up. Season runs through Sept 13.โ
Sunday
๐๏ธ Pukekohe Marketโ
๐ Pukekohe Park Raceway โ 8amโ12pm
UpMarket vibes: produce, crafts, antiques, food trucks, and live music. Detailsโ
๐พ Waiuku Sunday Market โ Father's Day Stallsโ
๐ 9 Kitchener Rd, Waiuku โ 8amโ1pm
Artisans, fresh produce, handmade treats, Father's Day stalls, food trucks - bring your dad for some early morning treats and a stroll around the stalls.
๐จ Pukekohe Town Square Farmers & Artisans Marketโ
๐ Pukekohe Town Square โ Time TBC
Fresh produce, food trucks, local makers, plus live pop-country from Jenni Smith.
๐ฏ Fatherโs Day Open Game (Paintball)โ
๐ Asylum Paintball, 833 Kingseat Rd โ 10am
$50 for two (dad + kid) with 500 paintballsโgreat intro to gear, rules, and gameplay. Book nowโ
monday
๐ง Monday Quiz Nightโ
๐ Appetite, Pukekohe โ 7pm
Low-key Monday laughs and brain teasersโperfect start to the week.
๐ฒ Board Game Eveningโ
๐ Otakumart, Pukekohe โ from 6pm
Bring a fave or pick from the shelfโfree, friendly, and welcoming to all.
Tuesday
๐จ Painting Club (Term Time)โ
๐ Franklin Arts Centre, Pukekohe โ 6โ8pm
Two focused hours to work on your project and connect with local artists.
๐ฎ Taco Tuesday + Open Micโ
๐ Little Ed, Pukekohe โ Tacos all day; Open Mic 7โ9pm
$6 tacos (buttermilk fried chicken, pulled chicken, or pork belly), then grab the micโfirst-timers to local legends.
Wednesday
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Anti-Social Social Club (Teens)โ
๐ Pukekohe Library โ 3:30pm
A no-pressure hangout for all teensโneurodiverse, introverts, extrovertsโcome as you are.
๐ Comedy Quiz Nightโ
๐ The Village Bar, Patumahoe โ 7pm
Free weekly quiz with Jimโcall 09 236 3571 to book your table.
๐ถ Beats by Bingoโ
๐ Franklin Taphouse & Kitchen โ 7pm
Bingo with bangersโsing-alongs, prizes, and big laughs.
โ Empower Her: Pukekohe Networking (Email Strategy Talk)โ
๐ Your Local Brew Bar โ 11am
Guest speaker Louise (Indeed We Can Marketing) on sending better emails; relaxed, welcoming vibe.โ
Word Scramble answer: Seafood Platter
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