15 Unique Things to Do in South Auckland: Unmissable Fun

From natural beauty and historical sites to adrenaline-pumping thrills, there are plenty of unique things to do in South Auckland.

We spanned an area from Auckland’s east to the west coast, discovering the diversity of nature one expects to see on any coast-to-coast adventure, but in New Zealand we could span the course in a few hours.

Filled with natural beauty and history, the region is alive with colourful parks, waterfalls, streams, and coast views. There is a seemingly endless number of outdoor free things to do in South Auckland. This only mirrors the massive number of man-made opportunities.

In fact, it’s the region where we find the country’s biggest Polynesian-style market, the largest theme park, the most celebrated vineyard, and the location holding the longest continuous liquor license. There’s even an Olympic training ground.

On the flip side, the region also had the nation’s worst maritime disaster.

South Auckland is also home to New Zealand’s largest international airport, and it is the starting point for most international visitors arriving via air travel. So, if you are going to spend any time here, read on and discover some fascinating things to do south of Auckland city.

First, be inspired by the city…

Mapping our favourite things to do in South Auckland

The map features our favourite things to do in South Auckland divided geographically. Below we have offered a bit more on each activity, along with any discounts we have discovered. The descriptions are organized into five categories (historical beauty, adrenaline rush, regional parks, kick back and relax, and weekend markets.)

Places to visit in South Auckland for historical beauty

Manukau Heads lighthouse and Āwhitu peninsula

With black sand on the west side and white on the east, the Āwhitu Peninsula is an adventure on its own, as well as one of Auckland’s most beautiful places. There are plenty of walking and hiking opportunities, and we spent time at Āwhitu Regional Park, the Waiuku Forest, and along beautiful Karioitahi Beach.

At the end of the peninsula, we visited the Manukau Heads Lighthouse, one of the few remaining lighthouses in NZ that is still open to the public (and free!). Here, despite the wind, we had spectacular views, including the sandbar responsible for the wreck of the HMS Orpheus. It remains the worst maritime disaster in New Zealand’s nautical history.

Auckland Botanic Gardens

Roam through 156 acres (including 10 acres of native forest), passing 10,000 plants from around the world. The Auckland Botanic Gardens attract nearly one million visitors annually, suggesting it is the most popular of the South Auckland activities.

Opened in 1982 and run by the Auckland City Council, the gardens open daily at 8am and have an on-site cafe. We always stop here when driving south, even on longer trips, like a road trip to the Bay of Plenty.

Maraetai Wharf

Getting here is half the fun, as the drive is alongside the pōhutukawa coast. Here we enjoyed a stroll along the peaceful walking path passing a children’s playground and views out as far as the Coromandel Peninsula on a clear day. There’s an overall romantic feel, especially when there are couples cuddling together at the end of a wharf overlooking the water.

Things to do in South Auckland: adrenaline rush

Rainbows End Amusement Park

New Zealand’s ultimate theme park, Rainbows End will push adrenaline junkies to the edge of their limit with unique rides like the Stratosfear (photo above), Fear Fall, or Corkscrew Coaster. It’s the country’s largest theme park and a great day of fun for the entire family. If you are headed to Rainbows End, be sure to check for discounts and reserve your tickets here.

Vector Wero Whitewater Park

Imagine a whitewater rafting experience in the city with an adrenalin-pumping 300m Grade 3-4 course that was even used by some of our Olympians for their training. If you are ready to enjoy one of the most thrilling things to do in South Auckland. Reserve your often discounted time slot here.

Karioitahi Beach

This stunning black sand beach with impressive waves can be as much of an adventure as you want it to be. While we walked along the waterline and watched the sunset over the water, others rode by on horses or in vehicles (yes, you can drive on a portion of the beach here.)

And, like many of the West Coast beaches, it’s a surf beach with a surf lifesaving club (being built on our last visit in Nov 2024).

Free things to do in South Auckland: regional parks

There are 28 regional parks in Auckland, each amazing and each with its own features and highlights. About a third are in South Auckland. Three of our four favourites are listed just below, the fourth being Awhitu Region Park, which we already recommended above.

Hunua Ranges and waterfall

With hours of hiking trails and the impressive Hunua Falls, the Hunuas are easily a destination on their own. My daughter has spent more time here than I have and shares her photos above.

Āwhitu Regional Park

Out along the peninsula with the same name, Āwhitu Regional Park is a blend of beach and rolling hills with walking trails across the beach, through forested fields and boardwalks. We also explored the Brook homestead on the property. It’s a nice day with well-marked trails and several loop options.

Ōmana Regional Park

The first stop on the east coast section of our road trip exploring things to do in South Auckland was the Beachlands Maraetai Walkway in Ōmana Regional Park. For us, it was interesting to notice that Rangitoto seems to look exactly the same regardless of which side you view it from. Historically,Ōmana park was one of the region’s first farms.

Duder Regional Park

While most visitors to Duder Regional Park come for the peninsula walk and that feeling as if you are on your own island, we went in lambing season to enjoy the spring lambs. It’s home to one of Auckland’s best walks.

Things to do in South Auckland: kick back and relax

Castaways Resort

If you want to complete the day in luxury, head to Castaways Resort for a clifftop meal overlooking the water. Even better, stay the night and enjoy the peace and serenity of overlooking the sea.

We stayed here for a few days and took advantage of the opportunity to kick back, relax, watch the hang gliders and paragliders, stroll along the black sand beach, and eat delicious meals. Best of all, we had a relaxing afternoon at the spa, enjoying an outdoor coconut milk bath and couples massage. Book your stay here.

Waiuku

The delightful town of Waiuku is home to the Kentish Hotel, which holds New Zealand’s longest continuous liquor license. Also, just a few minute’s drive away is the Waitangi Waterfall or Glenbrook Vintage Railway.

Nearby, don’t miss the black sand, rugged cliffs, and impressive waves that match the generally windy atmosphere at Kariotahi Beach. There is a lookout that is considered one of the best places to take off if you are para- or hang-gliding. It’s accessed through Castaways Resort; follow the signs for the lookout walk.

Villa Maria Vineyard

One of New Zealand’s most celebrated wineries is Villa Maria Vineyards. It has been awarded the New Zealand Wine Company of the Year at least 15 times in the past 20 years. With a location quite near Auckland Airport, a stop here is ideal before your next flight.

Stroll through the grounds (last time we saw hand-pickers harvesting the grapes), have a winery tour, or enjoy a snack, meal, or a glass of wine at the cafe.

Read next: 6 Cool Things to Do Near Auckland Airport

Things to do in South Auckland: weekend markets

• Otara Flea Market on Saturday
  A Saturday morning flea market, Otara is the largest Polynesian-style market in New Zealand.
• Clevedon Sunday Farmers Market
  I think it’s the overall relaxed and rural atmosphere that makes this farmers’ market so popular in the region. In fact, this lively market is so popular that there’s even a transit option from downtown Auckland that will let you leave the car at home and simply enjoy the views along the way. Check for family discounts and book your transit here.

A bit farther away

• Hamilton Gardens
• The surfing town of Raglan
• Hobbiton movie set in Matamata
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Plus, here is a list of 75 free and mostly free things to do in Auckland

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