landmark
Sky Tower
328-metre observation and telecommunications tower dominating the Auckland skyline, New Zealand's tallest man-made structure.
29 km · about 35 min drive
Auckland, New Zealand · Oceania
Papakura is worth a stop: 5 minutes from Drury, 31km from Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Papakura is a town located in Auckland, New Zealand. With a population of 37,720, it is an important destination in Oceania.
On a road trip, Papakura sits in New Zealand, where you drive on the left. It's in the Pacific/Auckland time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Papakura to your route.
Papakura is a suburb of South Auckland, in northern New Zealand. It is located on the shores of the Pahurehure Inlet, approximately 32 kilometres (20 mi) south of the Auckland City Centre. It is under the authority of the Auckland Council.
The area was settled by Tāmaki Māori in the 13th or 14th centuries, whoRead more
utilised the resources of the Hunua Ranges and Manukau Harbour. A defensive pā was constructed on Pukekiwiriki, and the surrounding area developed into gardens. By the latter 18th century, the tribal identities of Te Ākitai Waiohua, Ngāti Tamaoho and Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua began developing, among Waiohua descendant iwi of the Manukau Harbour, who lived seasonally in the Papakura area.
The first permanent European residents moved to Papakura in 1846. The town developed significantly during the construction of the Great South Road, and was a military outpost during the Invasion of the Waikato. During the latter 19th century, Papakura became a centre for the kauri gum trade, logging and later dairy farming. In 1938, the town had grown enough to become the Borough of Papakura, independent from the surrounding Manukau County.
From the 1950s, Papakura and the surrounding areas urbanised, in part due to the construction of the Auckland Southern Motorway. By 1987, Papakura had become a part of the greater urban sprawl of Auckland. In 1975, Papakura became a city, but lost this status in 1989 due to local government reforms.
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Papakura offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Papakura is located in Auckland, New Zealand, Oceania. The coordinates are -37.0646 latitude, 174.9421 longitude.
Papakura has a population of approximately 37,720 people, making it a town in New Zealand.
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Essential numbers in New Zealand
Many rural bridges are single-lane. Give way as signed.
Full driving guide for New Zealand7 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
328-metre observation and telecommunications tower dominating the Auckland skyline, New Zealand's tallest man-made structure.
29 km · about 35 min drive
landmark
New Zealand's largest zoo with native wildlife including kiwi alongside exotic species from around the globe.
30 km · about 35 min drive
bridge
The eight-lane icon spanning Waitematā Harbour since 1959, carrying SH1 into downtown Auckland with skyline and gulf views: thrill-seekers can climb it or bungy jump off it.
31 km · about 35 min drive
racetrack
Motor racing circuit in north Waikato beside the Waikato Expressway, hosting national series and open track days.
34 km · about 40 min drive
beach
A vast black-sand beach beneath the Waitakere Ranges, where The Piano was filmed, with a waterfall in the bush behind the car park. Wilder and emptier than neighbouring Piha.
42 km · about 50 min drive
beach
Auckland's wild west coast surf beach, dominated by the iconic Lion Rock and powerful black-sand breakers.
44 km · about 50 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Around 1,200 pairs of Australasian gannets nest on a cliff shelf and sea stack west of Auckland, with viewing platforms placed metres from the birds. Occupied roughly August to March.
53 km · about 60 min drive
Other places to explore near Papakura.
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