South Auckland offers visitors a chance to experience Auckland's cultural heart, with a mix of lively attractions, natural beauty, and rich heritage. Start your visit at the famous Ōtara Market on a Saturday morning, where you'll find Pacific Island music, food, and crafts. Nature lovers can stroll through the Auckland Botanic Gardens in Manurewa, home to themed gardens and walking trails, or venture out to the Hunua Ranges for waterfalls and hiking. Māngere Mountain, one of Auckland's largest volcanic cones, is perfect for learning about Māori history while enjoying sweeping views of the harbour. For family fun, Rainbow's End theme park in Manukau offers rides and entertainment, while food lovers will enjoy sampling authentic Pacific and Asian cuisine in local eateries. South Auckland blends culture, history, and adventure, making it a rewarding area to explore beyond the city centre.
Rainbow's End
Rainbow's End in Manukau is New Zealand's largest theme park, offering thrilling rides, rollercoasters, and family-friendly attractions for all ages. It's a fun spot to spend the day, with everything from adrenaline-pumping adventures to a dedicated kids' zone.
Ōtara Market
Ōtara Market is Auckland's largest Polynesian market, held every Saturday morning, where visitors can enjoy Pacific Island music, arts, and crafts. It's also a great spot to sample authentic street food, from island-style BBQ to freshly baked treats, while soaking up the lively community atmosphere.
Auckland Botanic Gardens
The Auckland Botanic Gardens in Manurewa showcase more than 10,000 plant species across beautiful themed gardens, from colourful roses to native New Zealand flora. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walking trails, family-friendly spaces, and seasonal events that make it a perfect spot to relax and explore nature.
Māngere Mountain
Māngere Mountain is one of Auckland's largest volcanic cones, offering panoramic views of the Manukau Harbour and the city. Visitors can walk its scenic trails while learning about its deep Māori cultural and historical significance.
Stardome Observatory
Enjoy astronomy shows, stargazing, telescopes, scifi and school holiday fun at Stardome, one of Auckland's top visitor attractions. Stardome's immersive 360-degree indoor dome planetarium shows a real-time display of the night sky, planets, the solar system and beyond.
Butterfly Creek
Butterfly Creek is a popular family-friendly attraction in Auckland, featuring a tropical butterfly house, a farmyard, and a saltwater crocodile exhibit. It also offers train rides, a dinosaur-themed area, and interactive animal encounters, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages.
Dress Smart
Dress Smart in Onehunga is Auckland's premier outlet shopping centre, offering big-name fashion, sportswear, and lifestyle brands at discounted prices. It's a great stop for travellers looking to pick up bargains while enjoying a variety of cafés and eateries nearby.
Westfield Manukau City
Westfield Manukau City is a large shopping centre in South Auckland, offering a wide range of fashion, electronics, and specialty stores alongside popular international and local brands. Visitors can also enjoy casual dining, cafés, and a cinema, making it a convenient spot to shop, eat, and relax during their trip.
Kiwi Esplanade Walkway
This walkway wanders alongside the Manukau Harbour coastline, exploring the waterfront of Mangere Bridge township, before ending on the borders of Ambury Regional Park. The area is rich in history and natural beauty. Along the way, you will see evidence of Auckland's volcanic past, as well as countless native and migratory birds. You will also pass by New Zealand's biggest coastal marine restoration project.