Explore

Botanic Gardens Ardmore

Otuataua Stonefields Hunua Falls

Never a dull moment

Settling into southern parts of Auckland has many advantages when it comes to recreation. Eastern and western beaches are but a short drive, and the Waikato River is in close proximity; all are sure to keep swimmers, fishers, boaties, plus jet and water skiers very happy.

But beyond these largely summertime water activities there is much more to interest locals. For example, the New Zealand Warbirds Visitors Centre with its fine display of aircraft is a must see attraction at Ardmore. You can see more military history at the central Papakura Museum (Auckland’s best kept secret) and also discover the Story of Papakura, a wonderful account of the district’s past.

For theatre buffs, both the Hawkins Theatre and the Off Boadway Theatre, home to the Papakura Theatre Company, feature regular productions. The Hawkins Theatre is hosts a youth theatre group and encompasses a cinema.

When it comes to libraries, golf courses, and fun family attractions there are more than enough to keep families busy at weekends and during holiday time. To name a few: rockets ropes and Treasure Island mini golf near Auckland Airport and also Butterfly Creek, with its tropical butterfly house, farm animals, monkeys, a kiwi and New Zealand’s only saltwater crocodile.

Then there’s Rainbow’s End amusement park, a whitewater park and a jet sprint experience to provide thrills and spills all in central Manukau.

When it comes to markets, check out the iconic Otara flea market, various night markets at shopping centres and both the Clevedon Farmers Market and craft market among others.

For those who love to walk – or wander – the Auckland Botanic Gardens at Manurewa are outstanding but equally intriguing is the The Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve which lies about 7km southwest of Mangere, on the shore of the Manukau Harbour. It is an internationally significant heritage landscape and an important archaeological site with spectacular views over the harbour and surrounding countryside. A little further afield, but providing a pleasant country drive, are the Hunua Falls just outside of Clevedon – a beautiful picnic spot with walks too. And, if in that area, the McNicoll Homestead Park and Museum, open during the weekend near Clevedon township, has farm equipment and outdoor displays. Visitors are also invited to picnic there.

Naturally, there are many other attractions some free, some requiring payment, to ensure there’s little need to be bored when living south of central Auckland.

Take time to explore, and make use of the many amenities all designed to encourage an active and interesting lifestyle.

Pools or park?

If there is one thing – or rather a few things – that south Auckland is not short of, that’s leisure facilities. Plenty of choice

Great swimming pool complexes are a feature in holiday programmes and more. The beauty of these several areas and to name just two – the Manurewa central facilities is that they are within walking distance Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre and the Massey of the Papakura township and shops. Park Pool at Papakura are in neighbouring suburbs. What’s more, there are plans to create more sports

The Manurewa complex comes with a fully fields and leisure opportunities with approval being equipped gym filled with natural light and there are given for two future parks – the Prince Edward Sports pools for working on your stroke, an award-winning Park and Drury Sports Complex just a few kilometres swim school, group fitness classes, friendly staff and, away. These are seen as critical elements in the of course, a great community vibe. Papakura Local Board’s strategy for dealing with the

Furthermore the complementary Manurewa Sports district’s escalating population. Centre, sent in the grounds of beautiful Mountford In addition to the centralised Papakura sports Park, is surrounded by a range of sports facilities and facilities, Takanini is home to the expansive Bruce training grounds while the centre itself caters for Pulman Park catering to sports such as basketball, community and corporate events as well as weddings gymnastics, cricket, rugby, touch, netball and more. and other major celebrations. There are physio programmes, training initiatives and

At Papakura, the Massey Park pool complex offers conference facilities also within the park which hosts a a lane pool, spa pool, wave pool, sauna, outdoor lane wide range of events. pool and steam room. Not much more to ask for there! Of course, these are just a few of the parks and

Adjacent to the Massey Park pool, is the park’s sports facilities in the wider area which ensure local stadium, home to the Papakura Athletic & Harrier Club communities are well served and that families moving and which hosts athletic meets for a great part of the into new subdivisions have access to a huge selection year. It is a key sports facility offering an excellent of recreational opportunities. covered grandstand, toilet block and facilities to offer Also check out Totara Pools in Totara Park, snack food. Manurewa, Papatoetoe Centennial Pool and Leisure

Nearby, the Papakura Leisure Centre, has a gym, Centre, the Otara Pool and Leisure Centre and Moanaand caters for sports leagues, after school care, school Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre in Mangere.