5+ things to do in Mangere...

 Found this promo and thought to write a short piece about these 5 general places to visit whilst in Mangere i.e. where the International airport is situated as the gateway to the world!

1. Ambury Farm/Park: This was actual Maori land, once upon a time, and there are lava caves in some parts of the park that have been fenced over where sheep continue to graze. I go with my family during the Spring/Summer months where there is lambing and a nice place to take the family to visit the open farm that has pigs, cows, sheep, a drysdale horse, chickens, goats, turkey etc. I've also had a couple of early birthday parties here which was fun. There is a ranger who lives on site and a place for camping.

2. Butterfly Creek: This is a later addition and has developed over the years with a crocodile attraction, butterflies and other critters in the same vain as a theme park with a sovereign type shop for tourists. I think it also has a train ride and farm area to take pics with the family. It also has a nice cafe area which can be hired out for corporate, weddings and birthday events.

3. Mangere Mountain: still proves to a hit with walkers and those training or nature lovers. I still no people who have never ventured out to climb this accessible mauga (mountain) which has quite an interesting history to it as it was once a Maori pa site that was raided by another using cloaks on a shell ridden path to quieten their hostile take over. It's now an Auckland council and manawhenua (original people of the local land) partnership.

4. Strawberry Farm: located some 5 mins from the Airport and proves very popular with its Strawberry ice creams that Aucklanders drive for miles to consume as well as the pancakes, blueberry ice cream in season and fruit smoothies. It also has a small vege store and the strawberries are sold throughout the Spring and Summer seasons.

5. Cafe Culture: Mangere isn't really known for it's cafe culture although the Mangere Bridge area shops have become a hub in recent years with chairs and tables outside the shops for breakfast, lunch and dinner especially during the Spring and summer months. There's also a new healthy alternative pop up cafe/coffee shop at Mangere East and this is neat for those wanting to refuel without going far into the city for a coffee/cafe fix.

There are many other local places missing that didn't make it to this 'top 5' type brochure like the Ihumatao Stonefields, the Airport look out, the Airport shopping area, the new ropes and climbing frames area near Butterfly creek, the waka ama or outrigging clubs, the Driving range and Paint ball etc. but those 5 were only to name a few...