Manukau

Auckland

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

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$144 per night from 10 May to 11 May
S$144
includes taxes & fees
10 May - 11 May
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! (425 reviews)
"Great location to shopping, dining and events I attended. Rooms were updated, clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on 13 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 S$133 per night from 18 May to 19 May
S$133
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May
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! (1,258 reviews)
"the staff were very helpful and lovely"

Reviewed on 15 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 S$228 per night from 18 May to 19 May
S$228
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 center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,645 reviews)
"Perfect stay shopping center Manawa Bay really near"

Reviewed on 15 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 S$155 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
S$155
includes taxes & fees
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, 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
The Grand by SkyCity
The Grand by SkyCity
5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
The price is S$180 per night from 4 May to 5 May
S$180
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
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! (1,607 reviews)
"Great!"

Reviewed on 16 Apr, 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
SkyCity Hotel
SkyCity Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland
The price is S$159 per night from 18 May to 19 May
S$159
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May
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! (1,696 reviews)
"Really helpful to have the SkyTower as a landmark when wandering the city. Probably wouldn't normally stay at a casino though."

Reviewed on 17 Apr, 2025

SkyCity 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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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