Pakuranga

This modern suburb located on the eastern side of the Tāmaki River is close to many natural and historical hot spots around East Auckland. Take a calming riverside walk, visit a living history museum or enjoy views atop an ancient volcano at nearby Half Moon Bay. As the gateway to East Auckland, Pakuranga is also a great launch point to charming destinations around the rural fringes, including the Pōhutukawa Coast and the untamed Hunua Ranges.

If you enjoy a bit of history, learn how residents of East Auckland lived in the 1800s at the Howick Historical Village. Explore the museum’s seven acres of grounds and heritage gardens that depict a mid-19th century settlement in an incredibly immersive way. 

When the sun is shining, dust off those walking shoes and head out on the beautiful Pakuranga Rotary Walkway. This popular route along the Tāmaki River has plenty of picnic spots where you can stop and watch the boats cruising down the river. Stroll or bike any portion of the 18km path – or the entire thing – which takes more than three hours to walk one-way.  

If you’ve got a soft spot for vistas, be sure to head up to the summit of Ōhuiarangi (Pigeon Mountain) over at Half Moon Bay. While much of the scoria cone was quarried up until the 1970s, remnants of Māori pā still exist today. It’s a brisk 15-minute walk to the top where you’ll be rewarded with far-reaching views – including the Sky Tower! 

Art aficionados should be sure to visit Te Tuhi, one of the country’s foremost contemporary art spaces located right in the Pakuranga township. If you're in town on Saturday, don’t miss the largest night market in the region. Starting in Pakuranga in 2011, the weekly night-market concept has expanded to eight locations around Auckland.  

As far as shopping goes, Pakuranga is conveniently positioned between two ultra-mod shopping centres – Silvia Park and Botany Town Centre. The choice is yours!