On the eastern shores of Manukau Harbour and south of the Auckland isthmus, you’ll find South Auckland.
Home to many features of the Auckland volcanic field, the area was primarily farmland until the mid-20th century when the construction of the Southern Motorway encouraged communities to grow.
Today, each suburb of this vibrant area has its own unique character. South Auckland is known for its strong Pasifika and Māori communities, and the presence of 165 different ethnicities helps make it one of the most diverse places to live in New Zealand.
Manukau City is the major hub known for shopping centres, business districts and the Auckland Botanic Gardens. Papatoetoe is one of Auckland’s older suburbs and is known for its strong community spirit and cultural diversity. Otara is famous for its Flea Market and strong Pacifica influence.
Māngere’s proximity to the Auckland Airport and abundance of parks means adventure is never far away, while Pukekohe and Papakura combine suburban living with a more rural, small-town feel.
It’s a life well lived in South Auckland where generations come together to create a warm inclusive atmosphere.
Why choose South Auckland? Why wouldn’t you? It’s hard to pin down the South Auckland lifestyle, which has so many things to see, do, and experience.
Home to the largest Polynesian community in the world, the strong ties of the Māori and Pacific people provide a supportive base for many vibrant cultural activities.
The heart of Auckland’s south lies in the commercial hub of Manukau with significant population and employment growth expected.
Outside the hustle and bustle, you’ll find respite in the beautiful views and outdoor activities offered by Manukau Harbour and nearby Ambury Regional Park.
The Otara Flea Market and Auckland Night Markets are popular places for locals and visitors with stalls selling fashion, jewellery, toys, gifts, food from dozens of different cultures and even live music.
When the city of Auckland looks for something to do, South Auckland has the answer. Mt Smart Stadium in Penrose is one of the country’s largest concert and sporting venues having hosted international acts like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift as well as rugby league and World Cup matches. The Due Drop Events Centre is also a must-visit with a number of theatre shows, live music events, expos and festivals.
Another cultural highlight is the ASB Polyfest. For over 45 years, the talents of secondary school students have been showcased across traditional dance, music, speech, food, clothing, jewellery and the arts. It’s a true celebration of Māori and Pacific cultures.
For those who like the glitz and glamour of horse racing, Pukekohe Park is home to a number of regular racing events. There really is something for everyone in the South.
Mount Smart Stadium is also home to Athletics Auckland, a not-for-profit organisation helping to provide opportunities for kids in a wide range of sports.
For those who love nothing more than getting out on the harbour, the Mangere Boating Club is all about family, fishing and fun. Local events and fishing competitions are held regularly throughout the year.
And, for something a little different, The Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club in Papatoetoe offers a world-class course, open to members and guests.
South Auckland is a place of diversity, the bright lights and buzz of Manukau contrast with the rural small-town feel of Māngere and Māngere Bridge.
It’s a place where hardworking friendly people connect through culture and sport to create a vibrant community where there’s something for everyone.
When it comes to education, it’s good to learn that South Auckland has some of the best options available.
There are private schools like King’s College in Ōtāhuhu with a long-standing reputation. ACG Strathallan is South Auckland’s top school with a university entrance pass rate of 87%.
Pacific Advance Secondary School in Ōtāhuhu also achieves excellent results and prides itself on its “For Pasifika by Pasifika” ethos.
McAuley High School is a state-integrated secondary school achieving great outcomes for girls from years 9-13 and Aorere College in Papatoetoe is a co-educational state secondary school that offers a strong values-based education to its students.
For tertiary learning, Manukau Institute of Technology helps students earn qualifications from certificate to degree level. Its community-focused approach ensures graduates are provided with real-world practical experience.
South Auckland is served by Middlemore Hospital in Ōtāhuhu. The largest hospital operated by Te Whatu Ora offers specialist care and a range of community and domiciliary services for the area stretching from Ōtāhuhu to Port Waikato.
Manukau City Medical Centre also provides excellent service for families, children and the young people of South Auckland and for emergency or urgent care, there’s the Bakerfield Medical & Urgent Care or White Cross Ascot 24/7 Urgent Care.
The community is also cared for by the Pasefika Family Health Group with 3 clinics and a mobile outreach team. They provide screening programmes, midwives, social workers, mental health and child health professionals from a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds.
The rapidly growing area has seen new bus routes and transport links proposed ahead of urban development to supplement existing facilities.
Ōtāhuhu Station is a key connection point for buses and trains and a night rider service operates after midnight as an easy way to get home after a Friday or Saturday night out in the city.
Auckland Transport operates buses travelling to Middlemore Hospital, Auckland International Airport and many suburbs including Papakura, Manurewa, Manukau, Otara, Māngere and Māngere Bridge.
Whether you like to be out on the water, enjoy farm life, want to shop till you drop or ride a roller coaster, come down to the South to up the excitement.
There’s no need to leave South Auckland for amazing experiences, everything you need is right here.
Explore New Zealand’s largest theme park, Rainbow’s End with bumper boats, a roller coaster and the log flume which now comes with dragons!
And, if animals are really your thing, hop along to Butterfly Creek. There’s the butterfly house, saltwater crocs, farm animals, reptiles and meerkats - budding zookeepers can get even closer with their junior keeper school holiday programmes for the kids.
If you love being on the water, the Vector Wero Whitewater Park might be just the ticket with river rafting, whitewater and lake kayaking and paddle boarding on offer.
And after all that, you can wind down with a more leisurely stroll through the Auckland Botanic Gardens. With more than 10,000 plant varieties to discover and captivate your senses, no one would blame you for stopping to smell the roses.
Nature lovers will enjoy pulling on their gumboots and heading to Ambury Regional Park with farm animals and the fresh smell of country air right on your doorstep.
There’s also Tōtara Park, one of South Auckland’s premier parks stretching over a massive 216-hectare area. You’ll find a multitude of walking tracks to explore through native bush and farmland. Take in the views of Glenbrook and Manukau Heads right through to Rangitoto.
Why not pack a picnic and head to Hunua Falls? This amazing 30m waterfall is a must-see and the Lookout Walk treks through lush bushland before you reach the falls themselves. Just don’t be tempted for a swim as it’s not recommended.
Wherever and however you like to shop, there’s a way to get your retail fix in South Auckland where you’ll find everything from Māori and Pasifika arts and crafts to vintage and designer labels.
Westfield Manukau City Shopping Centre is the main shopping hub with everything from supermarkets, department stores, banks and even a cinema. It’s a one-stop shop with plenty of parking too.
Then, find everything from fresh produce to unique Polynesian crafts and vintage clothes at one of Auckland’s oldest markets, the Otara Flea Market. Known for its festival-like atmosphere, and live music it’s a shopping experience like no other.
Bargain hunters can head to one of the many outlet stores like Glassons or Dress Smart for a retail fix that won’t cost the earth.
If you’re Polynesian you’ll already know that South Auckland has some of the best food around. Try the famous banana pancakes at Evelina’s prepared by their Samoan chefs for a taste of the islands like no other.
The Hāngī Shop is a local favourite for obvious reasons, their hot, smoky flavours are too good to pass up (the kūmara comes highly recommended!).
If you plan to do your shopping after hours enjoy the southern lights of the Night Markets in Papatoetoe with food from all over the world to tempt you.
For those that like a bit of DIY why not enjoy a barbecue? Awhitū Regional Park offers great facilities for a cook-up with family and friends.
After your feast work off your kai with a leisurely stroll across the wetlands, sandy beaches or rolling pastures nearby.
South Auckland is one of the city’s more reasonably priced areas and a top pick for first homeowners and investors alike as many households are also renters.
Though there are many affordable homes in South Auckland, locals will know that Mangere Bridge is experiencing significant development in housing and infrastructure, which is lifting rental returns and property values there.
In fact, Mangere Bridge, Mangere and Mangere East have been in the top 20% of fastest-growing suburbs across all of Auckland. It’s a property trend that’s set to continue with population growth expected to boom even further over the next 30 years.
This may provide a clue as to why many developers choose the area with new 2, 3 and 4-bedroom townhouses being built. But you can also find a variety of family-friendly homes in South Auckland along with luxury properties in the gentrified Franklin District.
