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 colourful 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 harbour. 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 kilometres) 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 centre 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 AU$140 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
AU$140
5 Oct - 6 Oct
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! (487 reviews)
"Front desk staff where great."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 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 AU$142 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$142
26 Oct - 27 Oct
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. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,414 reviews)
"Always a lovely stay"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
The Grand by SkyCity

The Grand by SkyCity

5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$210 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$210
12 Oct - 13 Oct
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,830 reviews)
"This was a great hotel. If I get the chance to come back to Auckland, I will certainly re-book with this hotel again. The room I was in was extremely nice as well as the hotel itself. It was in an extremely convenient location in Auckland and easy to be picked up and spotted by Ubers. There were ..."

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
Holiday Inn Auckland Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Auckland Airport by IHG

4 out of 5
2 Ascot Road, Auckland
The price is AU$148 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
AU$148
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Clean room, easy check in and out."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Holiday Inn Auckland Airport by IHG
Horizon by SkyCity

Horizon by SkyCity

5 out of 5
85-93 Hobson Street,, Auckland, Auckland, Auckland
The price is AU$206 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
AU$206
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions SkyCity Casino and Sky Tower ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (536 reviews)
"Really nice rooms. Great buffet breakfast."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Horizon by SkyCity
Novotel Auckland Airport

Novotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
35 Tom Pearce Dr, Auckland International Airport, Auckland
The price is AU$306 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$306
21 Oct - 22 Oct
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! (2,012 reviews)
"The staff are awesome, above and beyond, keep up the great work 🙏"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Novotel 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 Formula E Indoor Raceway or Villa Maria Auckland Winery.

Mangere
Butterfly Creek showing 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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