Manukau Travel Guide

Auckland
Rainbow\'s End which includes rides, a pool and a water park
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 Rp1.574.383 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
Rp1.574.383
Rp1.810.540 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
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! (377 reviews)
"Very friendly staff at reception and at breakfast, especially Sheila. A good-sized room and bathroom. Comfy bed and good amenities. Thank you, Sebel for your excellent comms prior to arrival and on check in & check out."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2024

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 Rp1.598.855 per night from 6 Dec to 7 Dec
Rp1.598.855
Rp1.838.683 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,019 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

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 Rp3.002.748 per night from 6 Dec to 7 Dec
Rp3.002.748
Rp3.453.160 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
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! (1,122 reviews)
Overnight stay
"Overnight stay after late domestic flight and early international flight the following day. Easy access to terminal and comfortable room."

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Novotel Auckland Airport
Rydges Auckland
Rydges Auckland
4.5 out of 5
59 Federal Street Cnr Kingston Street, Auckland
The price is Rp1.531.641 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
Rp1.531.641
Rp1.761.415 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Great central location and very friendly staff."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Rydges Auckland
The Grand by SkyCity
The Grand by SkyCity
5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
Fully refundable
The price is Rp2.415.306 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
Rp2.415.306
Rp2.777.602 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
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! (1,256 reviews)
Great as expected
"Excellent stay as always with Sky City hotels. Clean and tidy rooms which are well appointed."

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

The Grand by SkyCity
Grand Millennium Auckland
Grand Millennium Auckland
4.5 out of 5
71 Mayoral Drive, Auckland
The price is Rp1.884.365 per night from 5 Dec to 6 Dec
Rp1.884.365
Rp2.167.020 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star eco-certified hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,152 reviews)
"Food wasnt great, but everything else about our stay was great."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

Grand Millennium Auckland
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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Papatoetoe

You'll enjoy the gardens and live music in Papatoetoe. You might want to make time for a stop at Papatoetoe Old Railway Station Building or Hunters Plaza.

Papatoetoe
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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

Manukau Travel Guide