Journey to the beautiful oasis of South Auckland/Te Tonga o Tāmaki Makaurau and discover a plethora of exciting activities and incredible food. Where the city meets nature, you’ll find the beauty of the lush environment that surrounds South Auckland only a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD lights. From scenic hiking and nature parks to city culture and local eateries, South Auckland is the perfect place to explore in your Hertz rental car on a North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui getaway.
Discover A Different Side to Auckland
Only a stone’s throw from some of the best nature experiences, South Auckland makes for a great home base as you explore the beauty of the landscape that surrounds it.
Discover the history of the land that Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau has been built upon with a journey through the South Auckland volcanic field. At least 82 volcanoes can be found around the Auckland area, some erupting over a million years ago, and many of which can be found in South Auckland. Maungarei/Mount Wellington is home to one of the youngest volcanoes in the region and boasts spectacular views of central Auckland from the summit of the old volcanic mountain.
From one of the youngest to one of the oldest volcanoes in South Auckland, make sure to also visit Pukekiwiriki in Highbrook Park and wander through the lush expanses of open fields. These incredible natural formations make not just for an interesting insight into the Earth’s history, but also perfect places to picnic and relax in the tall grasses.
For another way to relax amongst the natural beauty of South Auckland, Puhinui Reserve provides a countryside escape just outside of the hub of South Auckland. This working farm is nestled into Manukau Harbour and delights with sweeping views of the bay stretching from the greenery of the farm and out into the blue toward the seamless horizon. Bring a packed lunch and a picnic rug to make the most of this peaceful reserve as you overlook the water.
Embrace the Variety of South Auckland’s Culinary Scene
The South Auckland region boasts a range of quaint suburbs and lively villages, all of which provide a melting pot of cuisines and tastes. Explore the plethora of cafes in Manukau in the heart of South Auckland, or discover the vibrant restaurant scene that lights the city alive each and every night.
With your Hertz rental car, it’s easy to traverse the neighbourhoods of Manukau and indulge in any of the delicious brunch options that can be found tucked away. Urban Soul cafe has been a staple of the local food scene for over a decade, beloved by locals and visitors alike. This welcoming space offers everything you could want in a neighbourhood cafe, whether it be a hearty brunch, a relaxed dining space, or excellent barista coffee.
Melba Manukau is another great stop for delightful food and even better coffee. Situated just across from Westfield Mall, Melba makes for the perfect break in between shopping or to start your day with one of their delicious baked goods.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at any one of South Auckland’s restaurants, from Manukau to Mount Wellington. Step into Garrison Public House and discover the eclectic vibrancy of the local dining scene. One of South Auckland’s most beloved pub institutions, Garrison Public House in Mount Wellington is a hub of social events and activity, boasting televised live sport and a dancefloor on Friday nights. They serve up classic pub dishes too, of course, so you can sit back and relax in their spacious dining room with a hearty meal and a glass of great beer.
In Manukau, indulge in a sumptuous dining experience at Ora Bistro. This exquisite restaurant offers an extensive menu of carefully-selected wines, as well as dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients. It’s the perfect spot to sit down with a glass of world-class New Zealand red and a fresh Clevedon oyster.
South Auckland boasts a variety of culinary experiences and nature adventures for you to explore. With a Hertz rental car, it’s never been easier to traverse the quaint neighbourhoods and bustling city streets of South Auckland.
