Manukau Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Rainbow\'s End which includes a pool, a water park and rides
Rainbow\'s End featuring rides
Rainbow\'s End which includes rides
Rainbow\'s End showing rides as well as a large group of people
Rainbow\'s End showing rides as well as a couple

Find colourful 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

Activities


Our pick of the best Manukau Hotel Deals

The Sebel Auckland Manukau
The Sebel Auckland Manukau
4.5 out of 5
16 Lakewood Court, Manukau, Auckland
The price is NZ$175 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$175
2 June - 3 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (453 reviews)
"Stayed here one night - very happy with the room, cleanliness was great. Staff were friendly and accommodating. Used the restaurant for breakfast and dinner. Very nice."

Reviewed on 10 May 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 NZ$196 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
NZ$196
4 June - 5 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star spa hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,277 reviews)
"Good stay but the standard seems to have dropped from previous stays. Room was starting to look worn in places and public areas not as opulent as they used to be. Staff were still friendly and professional."

Reviewed on 10 May 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 NZ$268 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
NZ$268
4 June - 5 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,721 reviews)
"Great location and comfortable beds. Perfect for an overnight while traveling"

Reviewed on 10 May 2025

Novotel Auckland Airport
The Grand by SkyCity
The Grand by SkyCity
5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
The price is NZ$260 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$260
2 June - 3 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 11 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,664 reviews)
"We were here for a show at sky city theatre. It was a great, spacious, comfortable room. Close to everything in the city. Very easy and lovely helpful, kind staff, would recommend."

Reviewed on 11 May 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
SkyCity Hotel
SkyCity Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland
The price is NZ$203 per night from 10 Jun to 11 Jun
NZ$203
10 June - 11 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, 11 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,714 reviews)
"Wasn’t sure about having a casino on site- absolutely no problem. Fabulous, helpful staff"

Reviewed on 10 May 2025

SkyCity Hotel
ibis budget Auckland Airport
ibis budget Auckland Airport
3 out of 5
2 Leonard Isitt Drive, Auckland
The price is NZ$145 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
NZ$145
4 June - 5 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,512 reviews)
"Very close to the airport"

Reviewed on 10 May 2025

ibis budget Auckland Airport
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

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