Auckland/South Auckland
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South Auckland is one of the truly multi-cultural urban areas of the world, with Pacific Island nationalities being particularly strongly represented among its residents. There are over 55 different ethnic groups that make up the population of this unique urban area, with people from Europe, Asia, and the Americas here.
Understand
The resident population of Manukau City in the 2001 census was 283,200. It is now believed to be in excess of 310,000 making Manukau one of the fastest growing areas in New Zealand. It has welcomed more than 5,500 new residents each year since 1996. The Howick and Manurewa wards accounted for 60% of the growth, with the remainder spread evenly amongst the remaining wards.
Manukau's diverse population makes it unique. It has over 55 different ethnic groups represented. Manukau has the highest proportion of Pacific Island residents (25.6%) of any New Zealand city. In some cases, there are more Pacific Island residents living in Manukau than there are on the Pacific Islands that those residents originate from.
Also of interest is the age spread of Manukau's population. Manukau has a large proportion of people under 25 years of age (41.9%) making it a urban area with a very strong young population.
Get in
By plane
Auckland International AirportThe main international gateway to New Zealand is at Mangere in South Auckland.
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. The Southern line continues on to Pukekohe.By bus
- Intercity Coaches stop in Manukau City on the way to Central Auckland from Wellington, Gisborne, Rotorua, Palmerston North and New Plymouth.
- Public buses throughout the area are operated by Auckland Transport, including connections between Auckland International Airport and the major suburbs.
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.Get around
See
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address: 102 Hill Rd, ManurewaOver 10,000 different plant types, both natives and exotics, spread over 64 hectares.
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address: 10–12 Tom Pearce DrA 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.
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address: corner of Lady Marie Dr & Bells Rd, Lloyd Elsmore Park, PakurangaThis historical park gives visitors a taste of what life was like from 1840 to 1880.
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Maraetai Beach
address: 206/198 Pacific Coast Hwy, Maraetai, Auckland 2018Popular 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. Otuataua StonefieldsSite of ancient Maori gardens on a low volcano.
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address: Level 3, 209 Great South RoadMuseum run by Papakura & Districts Historical Society.
Do
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address: 2 Clist Cres, off Wiri Station Rd, Manukau CentralNZ’s premier family-based theme park with many rides and attractions.
Climb Mangere MountainAn extinct volcano and former site of a pre-European Maori village, overlooking the Manukau Harbour.
Buy
Mangere Town Centre marketJust like Otara Flea Market. A good place to buy Polynesian food.
- Otara Flea Market, Otara Shopping Centre, Newbury St. Sa 6AM–noon. Huge selection of clothes, household items and food. Otara has a large Polynesian and Maori population and the market reflects the culture of the area. You can buy Pacific Island music and clothing for example. Well worth a wander around.
Eat
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Finn McCools Irish Pub Manukau
address: 712 Great South Rd, Manukau CentralA great pub with great grub. With a wide variety of food from bar snacks, steaks, & gourmet pizzas.
Sleep
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address: 30 Kirkbride Rd, MangereComfortable airport transfer service and very friendly staff. Car hire possible.
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Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport
address: 14 Airpark Dr, Airport OaksClosest accommodation to the airport. -
phone: +64 9 275 9988address: Unit 40 Kudos Business Centre, 203 Kirkbride Rd, MangereTwelve serviced apartment suites with 2 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities.
Go next
Ferries leave from Half Moon Bay for Hauraki Gulf islands and central Auckland.