See, play, stay: SOUTH AUCKLAND

Ōtara Flea Market, Manukau

Home to the world’s largest Polynesian community. Held every Saturday from 6am-12pm on Newbury Street, this market throbs with Pacific Island food, music and art.

Villa Maria Estate, Māngere

South Auckland’s premier vineyard, renowned for its tasting room, fine dining and refined setting.

Bracu, Bombay Hills

Cradled in the olive groves, this establishment delivers every Mediterranean flavour you’d expect from a restaurant named after a Croatian island.

Ōtara Market, South Auckland

SuperThriller Jetsprint, Wiri

See yourself as an aquatic speed demon? Take the wheel of a high powered jetsprint boat and navigate the buoys on a high-speed race against the clock. Daringly different.

Fly in a DC3 plane at Ardmore Airport

The propeller-driven DC3 plane was an airline favourite in the 1930s and 40s. Book a weekend scenic flight on board a fully refurbished original. Enjoy morning tea and a captain’s welcome before a spectacular 30-minute adventure skywards.

Spookers Haunted Attraction Theme Park, Kingseat

The faint-hearted need not apply. Actors hide in the shadows, in creepy woods and haunted houses – ready to scare you silly.

Vector Wero Whitewater Park in Wiri

Experience white-water rafting in the heart of Auckland. Career down two white-water courses, including the world’s highest man-made waterfall, or hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and glide across the lake.

Glenbrook Vintage Railway, Waiuku

Catering to every whim, get on board for a novel railway experience, covering everything from vintage steam train rides to a decadent high tea served in a first-class carriage.

Glenbrook Vintage Railway, South Auckland © Wham Design

Māngere Arts Centre

This striking building is brimming with creativity. Home to Auckland’s Māori and Pacific visual and performing arts, there are two galleries and a theatre.

The Community Café at Māngere Arts Centre is an affiliate of Affirming Works which provides mentoring and education to young Pacific residents. Grab a Tupu’anga Coffee, too. Proceeds help to bolster Tongan communities.

Butterfly Creek, Auckland Airport

Butterflies are just the beginning. Find wildlife of all shapes and sizes from giant crocodiles to a full petting zoo, not forgetting over 800 butterflies. Don’t miss the lifesize dinosaur park (thankfully fake – for now!) birdlife, lizards and a café.

Butterfly Creek, South Auckland © DWB

Auckland Botanic Gardens, Manurewa

Bursting with colour and free to visit, discover hidden tracks, themed gardens and a café. The magnolias and camellias are a winter highlight, erupting from July until September.