Auckland Sri Ganesh Temple, at 4 Dent Place in Papakura, was founded in 2002 to bring Karpaga Vinayagar, the Ganesh deity, to Auckland for Tamil speakers. The website says the temple is open daily from 10am to 1pm, with morning arti at 11.30am, and from 6pm to 9pm, with evening arti at 7.30pm. Other deities installed include Lord Shiva, Ambal and Lord Murugan, and the Navagrahas. The website says visitors can get help planning a visit or a pooja.
Customers describe the aarti and the traditional drumming as beautiful, and say the temple is well maintained. One visitor said the evening aarti is well worth attending. The priests are called welcoming, humble and helpful. One visitor who has been to many temples overseas and in New Zealand said this one has a very authentic feel. Our pick in Papakura for an evening aarti.