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 Rp1.420.260 per night from 21 Dec to 22 Dec
Rp1.420.260
Rp1.633.299 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Dec - 22 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! (370 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable property. Low score on communication: We asked front desk for recommendations on wine tasting tours and young man told us that there are no wine tasting tours in New Zealand 😂"

Reviewed on 7 Nov 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 Rp1.356.957 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
Rp1.356.957
Rp1.560.501 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 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! (1,016 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
Grand Millennium Auckland
Grand Millennium Auckland
4.5 out of 5
71 Mayoral Drive, Auckland
The price is Rp1.874.226 per night from 14 Dec to 15 Dec
Rp1.874.226
Rp2.155.360 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Dec - 15 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! (1,173 reviews)
"Was great"

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Grand Millennium Auckland
SkyCity Hotel
SkyCity Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland
The price is Rp1.551.307 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
Rp1.551.307
Rp1.784.003 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
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! (1,437 reviews)
"More staff needed in check in/check out counter. Nicer to have someone in person than a kiosk."

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

SkyCity Hotel
Novotel Auckland Airport
Novotel Auckland Airport
4.5 out of 5
35 Tom Pearce Dr, Auckland International Airport, Auckland
The price is Rp2.999.183 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
Rp2.999.183
Rp3.449.061 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
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! (1,154 reviews)
"Great hotel for a stay by the Auckland airport."

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Novotel Auckland Airport
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Corner Wyndham & Albert Streets, Auckland
The price is Rp1.340.482 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
Rp1.340.482
Rp1.541.554 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (568 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2024

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, an IHG Hotel
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