A look at life in the quiet little coastal village of Awakino which is often passed-by unnoticed as people make the drive from Auckland to Taranaki.
If you ever want to travel off the beaten track, Awakino is the perfect place - somewhere far more than the middle of nowhere to everyone who lives there.
A recent trip to the southwest Waikato by the Herald discovered there's much more than meets the eye beside the AwakinoRiver.
Your map and first impressions might disagree, but for the eight full-time residents who live there it's a gem hidden in plain sight.
A general view of Awakino on the west coast of the North Island. Photo / Alan Gibson
Mark Sheppard moved down from Auckland in 2017 and wished it was something he did years ago.
"I was a bus driver in Auckland, so this is nice you know?" Sheppard said while enjoying a beer outside his home.
"Three streets, no more super-city traffic and rates, people have got time to talk."
The rustic settlement is often overlooked by motorists driving to and from Taranaki but the laidback lifestyle by the roaring Tasman Sea offers plenty.
Whitebait stands are dotted along the Awakino River and even the local pub, the Awakino Hotel, has a stand which guests are invited to use.
