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Territorial authority of New Zealand in North Island
Photo: Kahuroa, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
South Auckland is a district of Auckland situated south and east of Central Auckland. For this travel guide, it includes Manukau, Howick and Papakura.
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Over 10,000 different plant types, both natives and exotics, spread over 64 hectares.
A tropical butterfly and moth house. Any time is good to see the butterflies but the best time is on sunny mornings. The butterfly house is warm and humid. Also has a few crocodiles and alligators, tamarin monkeys, dinosaur display, tropical aquaria, farmyard animals, a train for the kids and a cafe.
This historical park gives visitors a taste of what life was like from 1840 to 1880.
Popular local beach for the Southern and Eastern suburbs. The road to Maraetai beach and around the Maraetai Coast Road is popular for driving and motorcycles.
Site of ancient Maori gardens on a low volcano.
Museum run by Papakura & Districts Historical Society.
1878 house set in grounds with a museum run by the local historical society. Refurbished in 2025
NZ’s premier family-based theme park with many rides and attractions.
An extinct volcano and former site of a pre-European Maori village, overlooking the Manukau Harbour.
Restaurant serving traditional Māori food including Hangi, a meal cooked by rocks in an underground pit.
Comfortable airport transfer service and very friendly staff. Car hire possible.
Close to the airport.
Twelve serviced apartment suites with 2 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities.
Similar to Otara Flea Market. A good place to buy Polynesian food.
By train
South Auckland is served by the Southern and Eastern train lines from Britomart Transport Centre in Central Auckland. The Eastern line terminates at Manukau.
By bus
By ferry
Fullers run a ferry approximately once every two hours from Central Auckland to Half Moon Bay. The journey is about 40 minutes long.
Auckland Transport (AT) is responsible for public transport buses and trains across South Auckland.
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Auckland · International · AKL
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