Discover South & East Auckland

South and East Auckland combined present an eclectic bundle of treats, namely Pacific Island culture, acclaimed gardens, a wealth of family-friendly attractions and surprisingly empty east coast beaches.

Talk to a Local

Joseph Casalme - GM Community and Schools Engagement Vector Wero Whitewater Park

My top must-do’s for visitors would have to be…

• Polyfest. It’s the world’s largest Māori and Pacific Islands cultural and dance festival held on the month of April. It has over 2000 students performing on stage and attended by 90,000 visitors.

• Auckland Botanic Gardens. You can stroll, have a picnic, or read a good book in this beautiful 64ha garden with more than 10,000 varieties of plants native to New Zealand and from around the world.

• Manukau Heads Lighthouse. The 133-year-old lighthouse has so much history and has a scenic view of the Waitākere Ranges, Auckland City and of the Manukau Harbour.

• Rainbow’s End. It’s the country’s favourite theme park and has 20 rides and attractions.

• Vector Wero Whitewater Park. The country’s only artificial white-water park offers standup paddleboarding, kayaking and rafting. It has a lake, a recreational river for families and an advanced grade 3-4 river which ends with a drop down a 4.5m waterfall!

• My honourable mentions are Tawhitokino Regional Park, Tōtara Park, Hūnua Falls, and the Pou Kapua at the Vodafone Events Centre.

I’m starting to feel hungry just thinking about The Tasting Room at Villa Maria Estate. Enjoying excellent food and wine with family and friends, opposite the picturesque Ihumātao Vineyard, is an unbeatable experience.

Cellar Door © Villa Maria

For a delightful day trip, I recommend Āwhitu Regional Park. It has camping grounds, trails for walks and mountain biking, and white sand beaches nearby.

Living in this part of Auckland is awesome. It’s made up of diverse, beautiful and vibrant communities. The wonderful scenery and regional parks, cultural events, world-class winery and destinations will give any visitors an unforgettable experience.

Hūnua Falls © Chris McLennan

Want more? Visit https://aatraveller.co.nz/travel-guides and get planning.

Looking for a place to stay? Book accommodation at aa.travel.co.nz

IMAGE ABOVE: Hūnua Falls © Chris McLennan