Manukau City, Auckland
New Zealand Manukau City, Auckland
A multicultural city and gateway to New Zealand, Manukau City was also the arrival point for Polynesian migrants in 1350AD. Read on to discover what Manukau has to offer today, in Howick, Clevedon, Mangere and other South Auckland suburbs.
Auckland's melting pot is Manukau City, a blend of nationalities that embraces the world's largest population of Polynesian people. Natives of Samoa, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Niue and Tonga call Manukau City home, adding to a mix of around 150 different cultures. Just minutes from Auckland International Airport, New Zealand's third largest city is the gateway to the nation for over 1.7 million visitors every year.
What to see and do
There's plenty to see and do in this multicultural city. Take your pick from the city's numerous attractions and activities:
- Rainbow's End – families will enjoy a fun-filled day at this iconic leisure park.
- Aero Club – see Auckland from the air with a scenic flight from the Ardmore Aerodrome.
- Forests and parks – get out of the city space and into one of Manukau's rural havens: green farmland, lakes and waterfalls, forests and parks.
- See the sea – explore the region's 300 kilometres of picture-perfect coastline.
Manukau City and Mangere
A stone's throw from Auckland City itself, central Manukau and Mangere are the urban nerve centre of Manukau City. There you'll find all the usual features of a city centre, plus more:
- Get educated about Aotearoa culture with a visit to sacred Mangere Mountain or Otuataua Stonefields.
- Feel the history with a wander along the banks of the Manukau Harbour, where it's said that Polynesian migrants set foot in 1350AD after journeying by canoe for many thousands of miles.
- Meander through the Mangere Bridge craft market, a twice-monthly Saturday event selling a medley of local crafts, jewellery, cards, puppets and more.
- Soak up the atmosphere in central Mangere at the Saturday market, showcasing the talents of multicultural performers and the wares of craftspeople.
- See over 700 free-flying butterflies at Butterfly Creek's tropical butterfly house, as well as tropical fish, birds and lizards.
Howick
Howick is a vibrant seaside community in northern Manukau, with a population of over 45,000. Within easy reach of both Auckland City and rural countryside, it's no surprise that Howick is a seaside holiday destination for Aucklanders:
- Step back in time at Howick Historical Village, a replica giving visitors a glimpse into life during the days of early settlement in Auckland.
- Take a walk on the wild side at Mangemangeroa Reserve to get close to native birds and see archaeological sites
Clevedon
To the east of Manukau's central hub, the historic township of Clevedon is a quiet village situated on the banks of the Wairoa River and flanked by the Hunua Ranges to the south.
- Take in a breath of fresh country air with a wander through Clevedon's vineyards, stopping to sample the wine and food delicacies.
- Artists and craftspeople have also made their homes here; you can browse their wares at galleries and boutique stores.
- Get onto a farm with a visit to the Clevedon Animal Farm where trained animals perform and kids can ride a pony.
- See green with a visit to Duders Regional Park on Tamaki Strait, for stunning views of land and sea, birdlife, and a number of walking and riding tracks.
- Get a history lesson at the McNicol Homestead and Museum, showcasing antiques from Clevedon homes and farms.
- Try shopping the way it was meant to be at the local Clevedon Village Farmers' Market, held every Sunday from 8:30am until noon.
Other Manukau City suburbs include: Airport Oaks, Alfriston, Ardmore, Beachlands, Brookby, Bucklands Beach, Chapel Downs, Clendon, Clover Park, Cockle Bay, Dannemora, Eastern Beach, East Tamaki, Farm Cove, Flamboro Heights, Flat Bush, Goodwood Heights, Greenmeadows, Half Moon Bay, Heron Point, Highland Park, Hill Park, Kawakawa Bay, Mahia Park, Mangere Bridge, Mangere East, Manukau Heights, Manurewa, Maraetai, Meadowlands, Mellons Bay, Middlemore, Murphys Heights, North Park, Orere Point, Otara, Pakuranga, Papatoetoe, Porchester Park, Puhinui, Randwick Park, Redoubt Park, Richmond Park, Settlers Cove, Shelly Park, Silkwood Heights, Sommerville, Totara Heights, Tuscany Estate, Eaimahia Landing, Wattle Cove, Wattle Downs, Weymouth, Whitford and Wiri.
Looking for more information? Find listings for Manukau City in the NZS.com directory.
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Travel images from Flickr: Rainbows End, New Zealand Lake and Dolphin.
