Nestled into the south of Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau, the expansive suburb of Māngere is not only home to New Zealand/Aotearoa’s busiest airport, but also a wealth of adventures that are waiting for you to explore. With a Hertz branch located in Māngere, it’s easy to pick up your rental car and get going on a getaway of a lifetime.
Discover Māngere in Auckland, and Its Rich History
In the heart of South Auckland, the major suburb of Māngere has been home to the Tāmaki Māori people since the early days of Māori settlement in New Zealand. Driving around Māngere and its surrounding suburbs, you can discover so much of the history of the area in the landmarks and artefacts preserved throughout history.
The Ōtuataua Stonefields invite you to step back in time and consider a Māngere of times past. Around a ten minute drive from central Māngere, the historical stonefields are relics of the volcanoes that used to reign supreme throughout the region. Nestled into the shore of Manukau Harbour, Ōtuataua Stonefields can be explored along the walking track that will lead you around the field and throughout the natural heritage that has been left behind.
For more insights into the city’s volcanic history, make sure to venture out to Māngere Mountain. Situated less than a ten minute drive from the heart of the suburb, Māngere Mountain is famously one of the largest and most intact volcanic cones in the region. Also called Te Pane-o-Mataoho and Te Ara Pueru in tereo Māori, the mountain is brimming with historical significance, all of which you can learn about from a guided walk with a volunteer from the Māngere Mountain Education Trust.
Sitting near the shores of the Manukau Harbour,you’ll never be too far from the water in Māngere. The gateway to the Tasman Sea, if you’ve flown into Māngere, you might have watched the harbour glisten from below you as it catches the sunlight on its surface. Both aesthetically beautiful and geographically significant to the functioning of Auckland and its surrounding areas, if you want the chance to see the harbour up close, make sure to follow the Waikōwhai Walkway. About a twenty minute drive north of Māngere, begin your stroll along the shore on Onehunga Foreshore and head toward Lynfield Cove.
Embrace the Local Culture and All It Has to Offer
Vibrant culture and exciting activities aren’t hard to come by in Māngere. A thriving suburb of treasured history and lively events, there’s so much to see and do in this pocket of South Auckland.
A great meal and refreshing beverage is always right around the corner from you in Māngere. The adorable Strawberry Farm Café is a must-stop for locally grown strawberries—make sure to also try a scoop of their famous strawberry ice cream. Kreem Café is another great option if you’re after a tasty brunch. Their homemade pastries are to-die-for, and the cosy atmosphere pairs perfectly with a mid-morning freshly roasted coffee.
For when you’re in the mood for a little arts and culture, make sure to check out the Māngere Arts Centre. This community complex is the home of Māori and Pacific visual and performing arts. Alongside a selection of theatre performances that you can explore on their events calendar, the centre also has a gallery open for you to discover the next best Māngere artist.
It’s no secret that Māngere is built on local community spirit. The Māngere Market is a great place to feel the love of this suburb and the people that make it what it is. Meander through the stalls and discover hidden gems from all over the globe in this diverse shopping experience.
When you’re exploring Māngere, make sure to also stop by the Ambury Regional Park, only a ten minute drive from central Māngere. This is the perfect slice of farm life right in the heart of South Auckland. Watch the sheep meander along the shore of the Manukau Harbour and take in the fresh earthy smell of this adorable farm.
Whether it’s embracing the local culture or learning more about the region’s rich history, Māngere is sure to delight as you travel around and explore the area in your Hertz rental car.
