Visiting Auckland & Manakau
About the region
The Auckland area is vast. For most visitors to the region, the gateway point is Auckland International Airport or Auckland Domestic Airport. Auckland International Airport is located in the City of Manukau and lies 30 minutes south of Auckland City. It is surrounded by a mix of suburbs, each with its distinct features and offering visitors to the region.
Scenic Hotel Group serves visitors to Auckland with a choice of two hotels; Heartland Auckland Airport Hotel and Airedale Boutique Suites which is in the centre of Auckland City, and Auckland’s Entertainment Quarter.
Heartland Auckland Airport Hotel is conveniently located on the main airport route, just 3 km from the terminal. Serviced by a courtesy shuttle from both terminals, self-drive guests can also use ample free parking at the hotel.
Auckland Airport and Manukau
Close to the airport, visitors can expect a welcome surprise at the number of local attractions, including nature-based experiences. There is something for all the family, solo travellers and even business travellers looking to step out the day. Butterfly Creek offers a unique nature experience, has an excellent café, and is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors. Also, close by in the Manukau region is the Auckland Botanic Gardens. An ideal place to stretch the legs and marvel at myriad flora and special exhibits. Thrill seekers and fun for all the family can be enjoyed at the Rainbows End amusement park, conveniently located across from a large-scale Westfield Manukau shopping Mall. A good-sized shopping complex is located just minutes from Heartland Auckland Airport Hotel for those needing to pick up last-minute supplies.
Mānawa Bay Premium Outlet Centre
Mānawa Bay is a new outlet shopping destination located just 7 minutes (3.5km) from Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport. It offers unparalleled convenience for both locals and travellers. Shoppers can enjoy a wide range of high-quality brands at discounted prices, all in a modern state-of-the-art environment. The proximity to the airport makes it an ideal stop for visitors arriving in or departing from Auckland, while its extensive selection and competitive pricing cater to savvy shoppers seeking value. With its prime location and diverse offerings, Mānawa Bay is set to become the go-to destination for an exceptional shopping experience.
Mt Eden
Auckland’s volcanic legacy is also within easy reach, with the suburb of Mt Eden lying equidistant between the airport and Auckland city. Rich in its café and bar scene and shopping with a difference, Mt Eden is one of Auckland’s 48 volcanic cones within a 20km radius of Auckland City. Mt Eden is a popular but steep walk that allows visitors to loom into the depths of its crater. The peak also offers commanding views of the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island and Auckland Harbour.
Epsom & Newmarket
Also en route between the airport and the city are the upmarket suburbs of Epsom and Newmarket. Epsom hosts some excellent eateries and designer shops and is also home to the Auckland Trotting Club at Alexandra Park and the New Zealand Trotting Hall of Fame. Across the road from Alexandra Park is the historic Cornwall Park, a popular walking and running area as well as a working farm – springtime is a favourite, and yes, there may be lambs. In Newmarket, visitors will find the country’s newest Westfield Mall with designer boutiques and major international luxury brands. Broadway on Newmarket is brimming with shops and eateries and a popular precinct. Off-Broadway, visitors can also explore New Zealand designer stores and boutiques.
All of this before you even hit the Auckland CBD and Auckland City proper!
Auckland Central
Auckland City lies 30 minutes north of the airport and is roughly divided into precincts. The city’s main street marks Auckland CBD, Queen Street, and is home to Airedale Boutique Suites. The hotel stands sentinel opposite the iconic Auckland Town Hall and Aotea Centre. With the Auckland City Art Gallery just a short walk from the hotel, this area is known as Auckland’s Entertainment Quarter. Airedale Boutique Hotel is in the heart of Auckland City and is a short walk to the University of Auckland and the Auckland University of Technology campuses. Also within easy walking distance are the city’s main convention centres, department stores and shopping.
Auckland’s popular waterfront area is marked by the Viaduct Harbour, Britomart and the Wynyard Quarter. These waterfront locales offer dining and entertainment experiences and are the point of the city’s central transport hub. Visitors wishing to explore the historic naval suburb of Devonport or outlying islands of the Hauraki Gulf, including the popular Waiheke Island, will find the Fullers passenger ferry services in the centre of the waterfront precincts.
Getting to and around the region
From Auckland Airport, rental cars are plentiful, and parking at Heartland Auckland Airport Hotel is free for guests. A rental car is recommended to explore the region, and parking is easy and affordable in main shopping precincts, with many being free for shoppers. Most attractions within the area offer free parking for visitors and patrons.
A ‘Skybus’ runs from the airport terminal into the city and transport hub at Britomart in Downtown Auckland and has a stop at a number of locations in the central Auckland City.
Dining in Region
Central Auckland
Airedale Boutique Suites in the heart of Auckland City presents a stylish dining experience at its Trocadero Bar & Restaurant. Showcasing fresh, local produce and a wide selection of New Zealand wines and spirits, Trocadero is the place to be. Given the proximity to theatre and entertainment venues, guests can also enjoy the convenience of a pre-theatre dining menu. Trocadero carries the Art Deco heritage décor throughout the restaurant and bar giving it an air of sophistication and nostalgia.
Out and about in the region, visitors will be spoilt for choice. From a wide range of ethnic cuisines to contemporary New Zealand cuisine and award-winning restaurants, there is something for everyone. Vegetarian and vegan preferences are well catered to as other special dietary requirements. Key dining precincts within the city include; Viaduct Harbour, Wynyard Quarter and the neighbouring suburb of Ponsonby, which has a vibrant bar and nightlife scene.
Auckland Airport & Manukau
Heartland Auckland Airport offers a convivial atmosphere for meeting friends, family and colleagues in a large, welcoming bar area. The adjacent ‘Runway Bar and Restaurant‘ offers dining from very early until very late. Around the airport are numerous cafes and casual dining eateries, with cafes also available at all local attractions.
To the south of the airport is the highly acclaimed Bracu Estate. For foodies, this is a destination within itself and is located in the southernmost part of the Auckland region at the top of the Bombay Hills. Bracu is a popular destination for exceptional occasion dining and functions, featuring an expansive olive growing estate.
Conferences, Meetings and Business Events
Central Auckland
Airedale Boutique Suites offers an intimate and stylish accommodation option for delegates to city conference and convention centres. With the two major convention centres within easy walking distance of the hotel, Airedale Boutique Suites offers a sanctuary for guests looking for generous room sizes and a more intimate setting. The hotel’s Premier Suites also offer extra space suitable for off-site secretariats, small meetings or work from the room. The hotel’s Trocadero restaurant is a popular place for small gatherings or off-site dinners.
Auckland Airport & Manukau
Heartland Auckland Airport Hotel presents a convenient location for meetings and business events and is ideal for fly-in and fly-out business meetings. The hotel’s 24-hour free shuttle service makes for fuss-free transfers to and from Auckland Airport’s domestic and international terminals. The hotel is also a convenient base for delegates attending large-scale conferences and events at the nearby Telstra Events Centre at Manukau. For further information on daily delegate packages, meeting spaces and menus, please refer to our meetings and events page.
Weddings and other Special Occasions
Central Auckland
Generous Premier Suites and full-length wardrobe spaces have all been designed with the bride in mind. Airedale Boutique Suites offers a stress-free, tranquil environment for the bride and bridal party to prepare for their special day. Meanwhile, the hotel’s Trocadero Restaurant & Bar presents a sophisticated, vintage-styled backdrop for interior shots. The hotel is located within easy reach of The Auckland Domain and Wintergarden, both popular wedding and photography destinations. The Auckland Town Hall also makes for a unique location for larger weddings or on-stage weddings at venues such as the iconic Civic Theatre, also just a short stroll from the hotel.
Auckland Airport & Manukau
With popular venues, Butterfly Creek and the Auckland Botanic Gardens in the Manukau Region, guest accommodation at Auckland Airport is a convenient option for attending guests and bridal couples. Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport also offers a suitable choice for bridal couples getting away on honeymoon with free onsite parking or complimentary shuttle service from the hotel to international and domestic terminals.