Things to do around Due Drop Events Centre

You might be heading this way for a concert, sporting event, exhibition or conference, but you’ll soon discover that Due Drop Events Centre is the gateway to one of Auckland’s most dynamic and diverse neighbourhoods.

Located in the heart of Manukau, this major entertainment hub is surrounded by great dining, shopping, adventure activities and accommodation. With so much happening nearby, it’s easy to turn a night out or conference visit into a full South Auckland adventure.

Here are some of the best things to do near Due Drop Events Centre before or after your event.

Adventure activities near Due Drop Events Centre

Right next door to the events centre, you’ll find one of Auckland’s most exciting outdoor adventure destinations: Trillian Wero Whitewater Park.

This unique facility is New Zealand’s only artificial whitewater park, offering a thrilling mix of rafting, kayaking and family-friendly experiences. Experienced guides lead you through purpose-built rapids, while calmer paddle boarding sessions offer a fun and accessible option for families and beginners.

Right next door is Wero Climb, a towering vertical playground designed for climbers of all experience levels. The multi-route climbing walls, inspired by Māori mythology, offer both beginner- and kid-friendly challenges, and more technical routes for thrill-seekers.

Also nearby is New Zealand’s largest theme park, Rainbow’s End, with over 20 rides and experiences, catering to thrill-seeking adults and families looking for a fun day out. Keep an eye on their website for their twilight and night ride sessions too, where the park stays open into the evening, which are available at selected times throughout the year. 

Where to shop and eat near Due Drop Events Centre

Manukau’s food scene reflects the rich cultural diversity of South Auckland, meaning there’s no shortage of great places to eat before a show or after a big event.

For a wide range of options, head to Westfield Manukau, just a few minutes drive from the venue. The dining precinct here offers everything from quick bites to sit-down restaurants, making it a convenient choice if you’re short on time before an event. Westfield Manukau is one of Auckland’s larger retail hubs, with hundreds of stores ranging from international fashion brands to local retailers.

Another nearby shopping and dining destination is Manawa Bay (about 20-minutes drive), a popular outlet retail precinct close to Auckland Airport. Alongside discounted fashion brands, it offers popular cafés and eateries that are ideal for a relaxed lunch or coffee break between event sessions.

Manukau Supa Centre is also a short drive from the events centre, and is a great option for casual or grab-and-go bites. For those who need a retail hit or to grab forgotten essentials, there are over 40 stores to peruse here too.

Family-friendly things to do in Manukau

If you’re attending an event with kids, or simply looking for something fun to do during the day, you can’t miss Butterfly Creek, located not far from Auckland Airport. This interactive attraction includes tropical butterfly houses, dinosaur exhibits, train rides, animal encounters and even mythical creatures to discover. Check out their website for timings of their free daily encounters, where you can get up-close with the creatures and learn more about them and their habitats.

Nature lovers should also consider visiting Auckland Botanic Gardens, which is just a short drive (approximately 10 minutes) from the events centre. With more than 60 hectares of themed gardens, native plant collections and walking tracks, it’s a peaceful place to explore before heading to an evening event. 

A 20-minute drive from Manukau, Ambury Regional Park is a working farm where visitors can meet farm animals, explore walking tracks and enjoy coastal views across the Manukau Harbour.

If you have a little more time to spare, the Hunua Ranges are about 45 minutes away and offer beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls and scenic lookouts. Alternatively, head east to the coastline where Maraetai Beach is a gorgeous spot to take a dip, walk the shore or grab a coffee at the relaxed seaside café.  

Where to stay near Due Drop Events Centre

South Auckland has a wide range of accommodation options, so if you’re in town for a concert, conference or weekend event, you won’t have to travel far. 

In fact, Ramada Suites by Wyndham Auckland Manukau Pacific Centre, with modern serviced apartments, is just a two minute walk to the venue. Nearby, The Sebel Auckland Manukau provides comfortable apartment-style accommodation that’s ideal for longer stays or conference delegates. It’s a 15-minute walk to the events centre, 15-minute drive from the airport and has easy access to the motorway.

For travellers wanting a peaceful retreat while still being handy to both the events centre and central Auckland, Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre offers lakeside accommodation and dining just a short drive away.

Because Manukau sits close to Auckland Airport, you also have modern, convenient options that still keep you within handy distance from the events centre, including Sudima Auckland Airport, Novotel Auckland Airport, Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel, Naumi Auckland Airport Hotel and Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport. 

Getting to Due Drop Events Centre

One of the reasons Due Drop Events Centre is such a popular venue is its easy accessibility. The venue sits close to the Manukau bus and train stations, with connections linking the area to central Auckland and surrounding suburbs. If you’re driving, there’s ample parking available nearby.

The venue is just 15–20 minutes from Auckland Airport, making it especially convenient for out-of-town visitors. There is an AirportLink bus service that takes you directly from the airport to the transport station near the events centre (this bus leaves from bus stop B at the Domestic terminal and bus stop A at the International terminal. Look out for the orange signage).