Things to do in South Auckland

1. Wine and Cheese Afternoon Tour

Kumeu is the historic heart of winemaking in New Zealand. This afternoon tour visits 3 locally owned vineyards for wine tasting and includes a delicious vineyard platter at our final winery. We take care of the driving so you can relax and enjoy the wines.

Even if you have never done a wine tour or been wine tasting before, our guides make it a relaxed and enjoyable experience for a great afternoon out.

Bring your friends on a free, sunny day and spend it breaking bread, filling it with fun and laughter!

2. Skydive Auckland

Are you ready to jump out of a plane? At Skydive Auckland, redefine freedom and escape reality with the highest tandem skydive in New Zealand, at a thrilling 20,000ft. Imagine the thrill of free-falling at 200 km/h with a stunning and unique backd-r-o-p of both New Zealand's east and west beaches. After free-fall, relax and enjoy the tranquility of a lovely parachute journey while taking in breathtaking vistas in all directions. You'll want to do it all over again as soon as you're down!

Skydive Auckland staff have over 20 years of expertise and are dedicated to giving you an amazing, enjoyable, and safe skydiving experience.

3. Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto, with its characteristic symmetrical cone and excellent placement right off the shore, is Auckland's most iconic island. The island, which is only a short, picturesque ferry journey across the harbor from downtown Auckland, is a popular hiking and day-trip destination.

Emerging from the sea just 600 years ago, pest-free Rangitoto Island is the youngest volcano in New Zealand.

4. Adrenalin Forest

If you're looking for a fun-filled adventure to do with friends and family, then this is just the place!

High excitement, stomach churning, and a great confidence builder. Test your skills by taking on an Adrenalin Forest aerial obstacle course. Adrenalin Forest courses feature over 100 fun-filled challenges across six levels. Each level is harder than the last, with obstacles starting at 1.5 meters above the ground that are suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. To conquer the whole course and claim your bragging rights, you’ll be climbing, jumping, and swinging at least 20 meters up in the air!

Come in, and see if you're up for the challenge!

5. Manukau and Mangere

Manukau is the core of South Auckland, a thriving multicultural hub that is a fascinating place to explore. Visit Otara Flea Market for a taste of the Pacific, New Zealand's largest street market, brimming with life and flavor.

6. Awhitu Peninsula

The trip is as good as the destination, with vast landscapes and stunning coastlines all around.

A visit to the historic Manukau Heads Lighthouse, located in the Franklin area and protruding out from the peninsula's tip, is at the top of the list. The lighthouse is one of just a handful available to the public in New Zealand, and the views are breathtaking. Wind and salt spray will also remove the cobwebs. Stop at Waiuku, a historic settlement on the Sunset Coast, on your route to the peninsula. For a drink or meal with a view of the estuary, don't miss The Kentish Hotel, New Zealand's Longest Running Hotel.

7. Bird Watching

There are many pest-free bird sanctuaries in the Hauraki Gulf, but South Auckland also has its own collection of unique native New Zealand bird species! Here, you can witness all types of birds. For the best possibilities of observing birds, we recommend going for a stroll away from the towns.

8. Visit Waiheke Island and admire the Art

On Waiheke Island, you can fully immerse yourself in the arts! Alison Park has art galleries and stunning sculptures you can easily spend hours admiring. The Waiheke Community Art Gallery, Toi Gallery, Kauri Art Studio, and the Red Shed Art Gallery are among the other art galleries worth seeing.