Last updated October 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.
Official Locality Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 2,070, up 7% since 2018
- Land area
- 37.93 km²
- Location
- 9.1 km east of central Pukekohe
- Council
- Auckland Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Ramarama, Ararimu, Mangatāwhiri, Pukekohe East, Pōkeno
- Ward or local board
- Franklin Local Board
- Getting there
- State Highway 1 (Southern Motorway) via the Bombay Interchange
- Schools
- Bombay School, TIPENE
- Nearby landmarks
- Bombay Hills, Sikh temple
Who Lives in Bombay
About 2,070 residents in 680 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
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.
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.
Near Bombay
Just outside Bombay, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Businesses
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.
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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Explore Pukekohe only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Bombay is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.