Last updated June 2026
Bombay is a small rural settlement in the Bombay Hills at the southern edge of Auckland Region, where State Highway 1 crosses into the Waikato. It serves as a gateway between the two regions and features a mix of farming, lifestyle blocks and community facilities. European settlement began in the 1860s after the New Zealand Wars, with the village named after the immigrant ship Bombay. A Sikh temple opened in 2004, reflecting the area’s Indian farming heritage from the early 20th century. Today Bombay remains a quiet rural community with its own school and local character beyond the busy motorway interchange.
Practical Information
| Location | Bombay Hills, southern Auckland Region on SH1 |
| Region boundary | Auckland–Waikato divide |
| Population | 520 (June 2025 estimate) |
| Named after | Immigrant ship Bombay (1860s) |
| Bombay School | Full primary (Years 1–8), roll 361 (March 2026) |
| Sikh temple | Opened 2004 |
| Motorway | Bombay Interchange on SH1; traffic signals installed 2024–2025 |
| Distance to Pukekohe | Approximately 9 km by road |
About Bombay
Bombay lies at the foot of the Bombay Hills, a low range that forms the natural southern boundary of the Auckland Region and the start of the Waikato lowlands. The Auckland Southern Motorway climbs through the hills here, making the settlement a noticeable landmark for travellers heading south from Auckland or north from Hamilton.
European settlement followed the New Zealand Wars of the 1860s. The village takes its name from the ship Bombay, which brought English migrants to the district under a Waikato immigration scheme. Farming families established themselves on the fertile land, and the community has retained a strong rural character ever since.
At the beginning of the 20th century a community of Indian New Zealanders, primarily from Punjab, settled in the area for dairy and market gardening. A Sikh temple opened in 2004, adding to the multicultural fabric of the village.
Bombay School is a coeducational full primary serving the village and surrounding rural area. It opened in 1872 and currently has a roll of 361 students. The settlement itself had an estimated population of 520 as of June 2025.
Access and Motorway
The Bombay Interchange provides the main access point on SH1. Traffic signals were installed at the interchange and the adjacent service centre exit between September 2024 and late February 2025 to manage growing volumes. The location remains a key exit for local traffic and travellers between Auckland and the Waikato.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia – Bombay, New Zealand: Overview of history, demographics, education and community details.
Te Ara – Papakura and the rural south-east: Bombay: Historical account of settlement and the Bombay Hills.
Bombay School: Current information about the local primary school and its history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bombay called Bombay?
Bombay is named after the immigrant ship Bombay, which brought English settlers to the district in the 1860s.
Where is Bombay located?
Bombay is a rural settlement in the Bombay Hills on State Highway 1, at the southern boundary of Auckland Region, approximately 9 km by road from Pukekohe.
Is Bombay part of Auckland?
Yes. Bombay lies within the Franklin Local Board area of Auckland Council, although it sits directly on the Auckland–Waikato regional boundary.
What is the Sikh temple in Bombay?
A Sikh temple opened in Bombay in 2004, reflecting the Indian New Zealand community that has farmed in the area since the early 20th century.
What is the Bombay Interchange?
The Bombay Interchange is the main SH1 exit serving the village. Traffic signals were added in 2024–2025 to improve safety and manage traffic volumes.
How big is Bombay?
The rural settlement covers about 1.47 square kilometres and had an estimated population of 520 in June 2025.
When was Bombay School established?
Bombay School opened in 1872 and remains the local full primary school for Years 1–8.
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