Manukau Travel Guide

Auckland

Rainbow\'s End which includes rides, a pool and a water park
Rainbow\'s End featuring rides
Rainbow\'s End which includes rides
Rainbow\'s End which includes rides as well as a large group of people
Rainbow\'s End showing rides as well as a couple
Find colorful markets, stunning gardens and New Zealand’s biggest theme park when you visit Auckland’s most multi-cultural district.

Come to Manukau to get a taste of Polynesian culture at the bustling markets and lively festivals. Smell the fragrance of thousands of flowers at Auckland’s botanical gardens and walk the paths around the expansive Manukau Harbour. Take a thrilling ride on the roller coasters and dodgem cars at Rainbow’s End theme park. Finish your day with a meal in one of the area’s superb restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.

Sometimes referred to as South Auckland, Manukau is actually a city in its own right. This city has the largest population of Polynesians anywhere in the world and is also New Zealand’s most ethnically diverse city. Discover the colorful Polynesian culture when you visit Otara Market. Buy some native Polynesian vegetables or try local specialties cooked with a hāngi, or earth oven. Browse stalls selling arts and crafts or stop to listen to a local band playing live music.

Children won’t want to miss Rainbow’s End, New Zealand’s largest theme park. Come here for a fun-packed day riding the roller coasters, Go Karts and more. The park also features the high-tech 3D Motion Master, an interactive cinema experience.

Make sure you visit the Botanical Gardens, where over 10,000 species of native and introduced plants are beautifully arranged. Explore the area’s surroundings and walk along the paths that wind around the large harbor. Enjoy stunning views across the water and see the Awhitu Peninsula in the distance.

Being the most ethnically diverse area of Auckland, Manukau has some superb food on offer. Take your pick from a number of Asian or Polynesian restaurants and enjoy a meal, often for great value.

Manukau is located 15 miles (23 kilometers) south of central Auckland. There is a local bus service but it is most convenient to explore the area by car. Accommodation here can be cheaper than in the city center and the area is a good base for exploring the region south of the city.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Manukau

The Sebel Auckland Manukau
The Sebel Auckland Manukau
4.5 out of 5
16 Lakewood Court, Manukau, Auckland
The price is Rp1.603.135 per night from 17 May to 18 May
Rp1.603.135
Rp1.843.605 total
includes taxes & fees
17 May - 18 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (444 reviews)
"Breakfast was great. Room was spacious and clean Would not walk around in the evening"

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2025

The Sebel Auckland Manukau
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
5 out of 5
83 Symonds Street, Box 2771, Auckland
The price is Rp1.629.273 per night from 18 May to 19 May
Rp1.629.273
Rp1.873.664 total
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May
Stay at this 5-star spa hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,259 reviews)
"Loved the buffet breakfast. Best in New Zealand so far. Mini suite was so comfortable. Enjoyed the complimentary bottle of wine (Expedia) gold member. Very clean room and hotel Spa is not peaceful. Jacuzzi is outside by the pool and filled with kids. Had a nice massage but you don’t get the whole ..."

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2025

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
Novotel Auckland Airport
Novotel Auckland Airport
4.5 out of 5
35 Tom Pearce Dr, Auckland International Airport, Auckland
The price is Rp2.657.370 per night from 18 May to 19 May
Rp2.657.370
Rp3.055.975 total
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,655 reviews)
"Great location and staff"

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2025

Novotel Auckland Airport
JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport
JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport
4.5 out of 5
63 Westney Road, Auckland
The price is Rp1.733.790 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
Rp1.733.790
Rp1.993.899 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Apr - 27 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,167 reviews)
"It was overall of a good standard. Room nice, Customer service excellent. Checking in easy, Shuttle bus good, and bar and restaurant excellent Value good. Happy to reccommend."

Reviewed on 16 Apr 2025

JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport
SkyCity Hotel
SkyCity Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland
The price is Rp1.769.982 per night from 19 May to 20 May
Rp1.769.982
Rp2.035.479 total
includes taxes & fees
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 11 restaurants and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,701 reviews)
"Great location in Auckland. Shuttle to airport, walkable to all CBD attractions."

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2025

SkyCity Hotel
The Grand by SkyCity
The Grand by SkyCity
5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
The price is Rp2.014.374 per night from 4 May to 5 May
Rp2.014.374
Rp2.316.530 total
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 11 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,619 reviews)
"Great stay, nice rooms, awesome pool and spa and lovely buffet breakfast. The hotel could offer free or $10 parking for guests."

Reviewed on 19 Apr 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Manukau

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Mangere

Mangere is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Villa Maria Auckland Winery or Otuataua Stonefields.

Mangere
Butterfly Creek which includes marine life

Auckland Airport

If you're spending some time in Auckland Airport, Butterfly Creek and Treasure Island Adventure Golf are top sights worth seeing.

Auckland Airport
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Mount Wellington

Shopping, restaurants and lake views are just a few things travellers enjoy about Mount Wellington. Check out Sylvia Park Shopping Center or Flat Rock Reserve while you're exploring the area.

Mount Wellington
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Ellerslie

Restaurants, shopping and spas highlight some of the notable features of Ellerslie. Make a stop by Ellerslie Racecourse while you're exploring.

Ellerslie
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Epsom

Unique features of Epsom include the theatres and spas. Make a stop by Alexandra Park or ASB Showgrounds while you're exploring the area.

Epsom
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Remuera

Remuera is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Ellerslie Racecourse and Ellerslie Events Centre.

Remuera

Manukau Travel Guide