Auckland/South Auckland

South Auckland is a district of Auckland situated south and east of Central Auckland. For this travel guide, it includes Manukau, Howick and Papakura.

South Auckland is one of the truly multi-cultural urban areas of the world, with Pacific Island nationalities being particularly strongly represented among its residents. There are over 55 different ethnic groups that make up the population of this unique urban area, with people from Europe, Asia, and the Americas here.

Understand
The resident population of Manukau City in the 2001 census was 283,200. It is now believed to be in excess of 310,000 making Manukau one of the fastest growing areas in New Zealand. It has welcomed more than 5,500 new residents each year since 1996. The Howick and Manurewa wards accounted for 60% of the growth, with the remainder spread evenly amongst the remaining wards.

Manukau's diverse population makes it unique. It has over 55 different ethnic groups represented. Manukau has the highest proportion of Pacific Island residents (25.6%) of any New Zealand city. In some cases, there are more Pacific Island residents living in Manukau than there are on the Pacific Islands that those residents originate from.

Also of interest is the age spread of Manukau's population. Manukau has a large proportion of people under 25 years of age (41.9%) making it an urban area with a very strong young population.

By train
South Auckland is served by the Southern and Eastern train lines from Britomart Transport Centre in Central Auckland. The Eastern line terminates at Manukau. The Southern line continues on to Pukekohe. The Northern Explorer service from Wellington calls at Papakura.



By bus

 * Intercity Coaches stop in Manukau City on the way to Central Auckland from Wellington, Gisborne, Rotorua, Palmerston North and New Plymouth.
 * Public buses throughout the area are operated by Auckland Transport, including connections between Auckland International Airport and the major suburbs.

By ferry
Fullers run a ferry approximately once every two hours from Central Auckland to Half Moon Bay. The journey is about 40 minutes long.

Get around
Auckland Transport (AT) is responsible for public transport buses and trains across South Auckland.

See




Buy

 * Otara Flea Market, Otara Shopping Centre, Newbury St. Sa 6AM–noon. Huge selection of clothes, household items and food. Otara has a large Polynesian and Maori population and the market reflects the culture of the area. You can buy Pacific Island music and clothing for example. Well worth a wander around.
 * Otara Flea Market, Otara Shopping Centre, Newbury St. Sa 6AM–noon. Huge selection of clothes, household items and food. Otara has a large Polynesian and Maori population and the market reflects the culture of the area. You can buy Pacific Island music and clothing for example. Well worth a wander around.

Go next
Ferries leave from Half Moon Bay for Hauraki Gulf islands and central Auckland.